Proper wetsuit care starts with a simple routine: rinse the suit with fresh water after every session, dry it away from direct sunlight and strong heat, and store it completely dry without placing unnecessary stress on the material. These habits can help preserve flexibility, seams and overall wetsuit performance for longer.
Wetsuits are designed for demanding conditions, but salt water, chlorine, UV exposure, heat, sand and poor handling can accelerate wear. Whether you surf, kitesurf, windsurf or swim in open water, a few minutes of maintenance after each session can make a meaningful difference over the life of the suit.
Why Proper Wetsuit Care Matters
Wetsuit materials naturally age with use, but poor maintenance can accelerate that process. Salt, sand, body oils and other residues can remain on the suit after a session, while repeated exposure to heat, UV and abrasion can affect materials and construction over time.
Good wetsuit maintenance can help preserve:
- Flexibility.
- Thermal performance.
- Seam durability.
- Stretch and comfort.
- Zippers and entry systems.
- Overall wetsuit lifespan.
Rinse Your Wetsuit After Every Session
The most important wetsuit-care habit is also the simplest: rinse the suit thoroughly with fresh water after every use.
Salt, sand and other residues can remain on the material after a session. Rinsing both the inside and outside helps remove them before the suit is dried and stored.
Use cool or lukewarm fresh water and pay particular attention to areas where sand and residue can collect.
- Zippers.
- Neck and entry systems.
- Ankle and wrist cuffs.
- Seams.
- Knee panels.
- The inside of the suit.
Avoid hot water. Wetsuit constructions vary, but excessive heat can damage rubber materials, adhesives and other components.
How to Wash a Wetsuit
Fresh water is sufficient for the routine rinse after most sessions. When the suit develops persistent odour or needs a deeper clean, wash it according to the manufacturer's care instructions.
A basic deeper-cleaning routine is:
- Fill a suitable container with cool or lukewarm fresh water.
- Use a wetsuit-specific cleaner if appropriate for your suit.
- Gently work the water through the inside and outside of the wetsuit.
- Pay attention to areas where sweat, salt and residue accumulate.
- Rinse thoroughly when required by the cleaner instructions.
- Allow the suit to dry naturally in the shade.
Always follow the care label and manufacturer instructions for your specific wetsuit because materials, linings, adhesives and constructions differ.
Can You Put a Wetsuit in the Washing Machine?
As a general rule, do not put a wetsuit in a washing machine unless the manufacturer specifically states that the particular suit can be machine washed.
Major wetsuit manufacturers commonly recommend hand washing because machine agitation, detergents and washing temperatures can damage wetsuit materials, adhesives and other components.
The same applies to tumble dryers. Wetsuits should normally be air dried rather than exposed to the heat and mechanical action of a dryer.
Should You Use Wetsuit Shampoo?
A dedicated wetsuit cleaner can be useful when fresh water alone no longer removes odour, body oils or accumulated residue.
There is no universal schedule for how often a wetsuit needs a deeper clean. Frequency depends on how often the suit is used, the conditions in which it is worn and the manufacturer's recommendations.
Follow the instructions for both the wetsuit and the cleaning product. Avoid bleach, aggressive detergents and other strong cleaning products unless the wetsuit manufacturer specifically permits them.
How to Dry a Wetsuit
After rinsing, allow the wetsuit to air dry in a shaded, well-ventilated location.
Repeated exposure to direct sunlight can accelerate UV-related degradation of wetsuit materials. Radiators, heaters, tumble dryers and other strong heat sources should also be avoided.
A practical drying routine is:
- Turn the wetsuit inside out after rinsing.
- Support it in a shaded, ventilated location.
- Allow the inside to dry.
- Turn the suit right-side out to finish drying the exterior.
- Make sure it is completely dry before long-term storage.
Can You Dry a Wetsuit in the Sun?
It is better to dry a wetsuit in the shade rather than in direct sunlight.
Sunlight may make the suit dry faster, but repeated UV exposure can contribute to deterioration of wetsuit materials. A shaded area with good airflow provides a better balance between drying the suit and limiting unnecessary UV exposure.
How to Hang a Wetsuit
A wet wetsuit can be surprisingly heavy. Supporting all of that weight from a narrow hanger can place unnecessary stress on the shoulders and neck.
Avoid:
- Thin wire hangers.
- Hanging the entire weight of a wet suit from a narrow support.
- Leaving a heavy wetsuit stretched over a narrow hanger for long periods.
Instead, use a wide wetsuit hanger or support the suit around the waist over a smooth, broad bar. The objective is to distribute the weight rather than concentrating it on a small area of material.
Check the manufacturer's instructions for your particular wetsuit, as recommended hanging and storage methods can differ between constructions.
Take Care When Removing Your Wetsuit
Some wetsuit damage happens before cleaning even begins. Stretch panels, seams and entry systems can be damaged when the suit is pulled off aggressively or dragged across rough surfaces.
When removing the suit:
- Use slow, controlled movements.
- Avoid digging fingernails into the material.
- Avoid pulling directly on seams.
- Do not aggressively stretch entry panels.
- Avoid standing directly on the wetsuit on rough ground.
- Avoid stepping on one leg of the suit to pull your other leg free.
A changing mat, towel or container can help keep the wetsuit away from gravel, concrete and other abrasive surfaces while changing.
Remove Sand and Dirt Before It Dries
Sand is generally easier to remove while the wetsuit is still wet. If possible, rinse visible sand and debris away soon after leaving the water rather than allowing it to remain in seams, zippers and folds.
Pay particular attention to zippers and entry systems where trapped sand can interfere with normal movement.
How to Store a Wetsuit
A wetsuit should be completely dry before it is stored for an extended period.
Choose a storage location that is:
- Cool.
- Dry.
- Away from direct sunlight.
- Away from strong heat sources.
- Free from sharp objects.
Avoid leaving heavy equipment on top of the wetsuit or creating tight creases in the material. Where possible, follow the manufacturer's recommended long-term storage method for your particular suit.
Can You Leave a Wetsuit in the Car?
Avoid leaving a wet or dry wetsuit inside a hot vehicle for extended periods.
Cars can become very warm in direct sunlight, exposing the wetsuit to unnecessary heat. A wet wetsuit left bundled in a container or bag also remains damp and poorly ventilated, making effective drying difficult.
Transport the suit home, rinse it and allow it to dry properly as soon as practical.
What to Do If Your Wetsuit Is Damaged
Regularly inspect your wetsuit while rinsing and drying it. Small problems can be easier to address before they develop into larger tears or seam failures.
Look for:
- Small cuts or tears.
- Seams beginning to separate.
- Damage around cuffs or entry systems.
- Zipper problems.
- Areas where the outer fabric is separating from the underlying material.
Some minor wetsuit damage can be repaired using products designed for the relevant wetsuit material. More substantial seam, panel, zipper or structural damage may be better handled by a professional wetsuit repair service or the manufacturer.
Follow the repair instructions for the particular wetsuit and repair product, especially where adhesives or specialist materials are involved.
Wetsuit Care for Surfing and Kitesurfing
The same basic care principles apply whether a wetsuit is used for surfing, kitesurfing, windsurfing or other watersports. The amount of exposure to sand, salt, equipment and repeated stretching can differ, but rinsing, careful drying and appropriate storage remain the foundation of regular maintenance.
Wetsuit care is only one part of choosing the right setup for the conditions. Our guides to what to wear for surfing and what to wear for kitesurfing cover the broader clothing decision across different water, weather and exposure conditions.
Common Mistakes That Shorten Wetsuit Life
- Leaving salt and residue in the suit after use.
- Regularly drying the wetsuit in direct sunlight.
- Using very hot water.
- Using unsuitable detergents, bleach or cleaning products.
- Putting the wetsuit in a washing machine or tumble dryer without manufacturer approval.
- Using thin wire hangers.
- Pulling aggressively on seams or stretch panels.
- Standing on the wetsuit on rough ground while changing.
- Storing the wetsuit while it is still damp.
- Leaving the wetsuit bundled inside a hot car.
- Leaving the wetsuit tightly folded beneath heavy equipment.
Frequently Asked Questions
Should I rinse my wetsuit after every session?
Yes. Rinse the inside and outside with fresh water after use. This helps remove salt, sand and other residues before the wetsuit is dried and stored.
Can I wash my wetsuit in a washing machine?
Many major wetsuit manufacturers recommend hand washing rather than machine washing. Always check the care instructions for your specific wetsuit before using a washing machine.
Can I dry my wetsuit in the sun?
Drying in the shade is preferable. Repeated direct UV exposure can contribute to deterioration of wetsuit materials over time.
How often should I use wetsuit shampoo?
There is no universal interval that applies to every wetsuit. Use a suitable wetsuit cleaner when a deeper clean is needed and follow the instructions for both the cleaner and your wetsuit. Fresh-water rinsing after each session remains the foundation of regular maintenance.
How should I hang a wetsuit?
Avoid narrow wire hangers that concentrate the weight of a wet wetsuit around the shoulders. Use a wide wetsuit hanger or support the suit around the waist over a broad, smooth surface, unless the manufacturer recommends another method.
Can I leave my wetsuit in the car?
Avoid leaving a wetsuit in a hot vehicle for extended periods. Excessive heat can damage wetsuit materials, while a wet wetsuit left bundled in a bag or container will dry poorly.
Should I repair a small tear in my wetsuit?
Small damage may be repairable before it becomes larger, but the correct method depends on the wetsuit material and location of the damage. Use a compatible repair product or consult the manufacturer or a professional wetsuit repair service when you are uncertain.
Final Thoughts
Good wetsuit care does not require a complicated routine. Rinse the suit with fresh water after every session, dry it naturally in the shade, handle it carefully and store it completely dry.
Avoid excessive heat, rough changing surfaces, narrow hangers, unsuitable cleaning products and unnecessary pulling on seams or stretch panels. Inspecting the suit regularly also gives you the opportunity to address minor damage before it develops further.
A few minutes of care after each session can help keep your wetsuit flexible, comfortable and performing as intended for longer.