Wetsuit care instructions: How to wash and clean your wetsuit?
If you want your wetsuit to keep performing like a champ, you’ve got to show it a little love after every session. Salt, sand, and that mystery surf smell can break down neoprene faster than you think. The fix? A simple rinse-and-care routine that keeps your wetsuit fresh, flexible, and ready for the next paddle-out. Think of it as giving your suit a spa day—because the cleaner it is, the longer it’ll stick with you through those epic sessions.
The best part? Washing your wetsuit is way easier than wrestling into it. With just a few quick steps, you can banish odors, fight off salt damage, and extend the life of your gear—saving you money and keeping you in the water longer. In this guide, we’ll break down exactly how to wash, dry, and care for your wetsuit the right way, so you spend less time dealing with smelly neoprene and more time chasing waves.
How to take care of your wetsuit
Even though there are basic guidelines that apply to all wetsuits, washing instructions may vary per manufacturer or wetsuit type. Therefore, you should always carefully read the instructions on the label of your wetsuit. In general you should follow the following instructions:
1. Taking off
Avoid taking off your wetsuit while standing on gravel, grass or other rough surfaces. Instead, use the O’Neill Wetsuit Change Mat or lay down a towel to stand on.
2. Cleaning
Rinse your wetsuit in fresh, cold water and turn inside-out to dry in the shade lying flat. It is critical NOT to wash your wetsuit with hot water, dry it in the sunlight, or leave it in the boot of your car for long periods of time. Heat contact with neoprene affects the fabric’s flexibility and durability.
3. Drying
At home, hang your wetsuit on a wide plastic hanger (not wire) in a well-ventilated area; this will prevent deterioration and creases, do not fold.
How to clean your wetsuit
The best (and easiest) way to clean your wetsuit is to rinse it with cold or lukewarm water after each surf. Make sure to rinse it on both sides until all sand, salt and dirt are gone. You can either wash it in the shower or dunk it in a large bucket of water. This helps to keep the neoprene stretchy and the zippers running smoothly. After washing your wetsuit with cold water, hang it on a hanger to drip dry. Use a horizontal hanger and fold the suit in half over the waistline. Always keep the wetsuit out of direct sunlight to prevent UV and ozone damage.