How to Care for a Wetsuit — Washing, Drying & Storage
The simplest answer: rinse your wetsuit in fresh water immediately after every session, hand wash it with cool water and mild soap every month or two, and always air dry it away from direct heat and sunlight. This three-step routine--rinse, wash, dry--will keep your suit supple, odour-free, and usable for 5-7 years instead of just one or two. Salt water, chlorine, and UV damage are the main culprits that degrade neoprene, so prevention through regular rinsing is everything.
The Full Answer
Wetsuits are an investment, and like any technical garment, they need proper care to maintain flexibility, water-resistance, and durability. Most riders I know who keep their suits in mint condition follow a simple principle: treat salt water as the enemy and fresh water as your best friend. After every session in the ocean or sea, you've got salt crystals, minerals, and UV exposure working against your neoprene. Even one or two sessions without a rinse can speed up degradation.
The science is straightforward. Neoprene is rubber foam, and salt water slowly breaks down its structural integrity, making it stiff, brittle, and prone to cracking. Fresh water rinses flush out these salts before they sit on your suit. A monthly deep wash with cool water and mild soap (baby shampoo or dedicated wetsuit wash) removes bacteria, sweat, and any lingering salt deposits. And drying properly--flat on a rack or hung loosely, never in the sun, never near a heater--prevents the neoprene from shrinking, cracking, or losing its elasticity.
The investment pays off. A £150-200 mid-range wetsuit can last 5-7 years with this routine, versus 18 months if you just leave it crumpled in a bag after each session. In our shop, I've seen suits come back looking like new after 2-3 years of proper care, and I've seen brand-new suits destroyed in weeks through neglect.
Practical Guide
- Rinse immediately after every session -- Use a garden hose or shower with fresh water. Don't skip this step; even a quick 2-3 minute rinse makes a massive difference. Focus on the seams, armpits, and neck.
- Use cool water, never hot -- Hot water shrinks neoprene and breaks down nylon panels. Cool or lukewarm water is ideal; it's comfortable and won't damage the material.
- Wash monthly with mild soap -- Fill a bucket with cool water, add a teaspoon of baby shampoo or specialist wetsuit wash, soak for 30 minutes, then gently scrub the suit inside and out. Rinse thoroughly until all soap is gone.
- Dry flat or hung loosely, never in direct sun -- Lay it flat on a clean rack, or hang it on a wide hanger (not a hook that stretches the shoulders). Air dry indoors or in shade; UV light bleaches colour and weakens neoprene.
- Never machine wash or tumble dry -- The agitation and heat destroy seams, zips, and neoprene panels. Hand care only.
- Store in a cool, dry place away from heaters -- Once fully dry, fold loosely and store in a cupboard or drawer. Heat and damp encourage mould and material degradation.
Common Mistakes
Moisture and darkness create the perfect environment for mould and bacteria. Your suit will start to smell permanently sour within days. Always dry it before storing, even if it means leaving it in the garage for a day.
A narrow hook or hanger stretches the neck and shoulders, creating permanently loose seams. Use a proper wide hanger, or lay it flat on a drying rack instead.
Hot water shrinks neoprene; chlorine-heavy swimming pools degrade the material faster than salt water. Always use fresh, cool water for rinsing and washing.
UV light breaks down the rubber and fades colour in weeks. Even a few hours of direct sun on a drying wetsuit accelerates ageing. Always dry in shade or indoors.
Surf Store Recommendation
The best way to protect your investment is to start with a high-quality wetsuit built to last. At Surf Store, we stock ION wetsuits across all thicknesses and styles--from lightweight summer suits to heavy winter rigs--all engineered for durability and comfort. Whether you're riding in the Baltic, Mediterranean, or Atlantic, the right suit paired with proper care will keep you warm and protected for years.
The Base 3/2 is a workhorse spring and autumn suit with excellent durability and stretch. Built to withstand proper care and reward you with years of reliable performance across European waters. Clean, simple design means fewer seams to worry about.
We also recommend the ION Element and ION Amaze ranges for riders who want premium stretch and mobility. All ION wetsuits are designed with high-quality neoprene and reinforced seams that reward careful washing and drying. Start with a suit that's built to last, then follow the rinse-wash-dry routine above, and you'll get maximum lifespan and comfort from your gear.
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