How to Wash and Dry Your Wetsuit to Make It Last | NG Habits a Craftsman Shares Honestly

How to wash and dry your wetsuit to make it last longer | A craftsman's honest advice on bad habits

Even with the same wetsuit, some people's wetsuits will fall apart in 1-2 years , while others' will keep it in good condition for nearly 5 years .
The difference actually comes down to how they are handled after coming out of the water.
Here, we have summarized how to wash and dry your wetsuit to make it last longer , from the perspective of a wetsuit repair shop.

1. What to do immediately after coming out of the water

① If possible, rinse with fresh water on the same day.

If seawater or chlorine from a swimming pool remains on the fabric, it can cause it to harden, smell bad, and become moldy .
Ideally, rinse your gear thoroughly with fresh water on the same day you return from the sea.

  • Fill a bucket with fresh water and gently press the wet area to wash it.
  • Pay particular attention to the neck, wrists, ankles, and around zippers.

② Use detergents that are "wet only" or "use a small amount of neutral detergent"

Generally, fresh water is sufficient,
If you are concerned about the smell, it is okay to use a small amount of wet shampoo or neutral detergent .

however,

  • Contains bleach
  • Contains fabric softener
  • Strong alkaline detergent

These can damage the fabric , so it's best to avoid them.

2. How you dry it can make a big difference in its lifespan

① "Well-ventilated shade" rather than direct sunlight

Rubber and jersey are materials that are sensitive to UV rays .
If you expose it to direct sunlight in the middle of summer for hours, it will deteriorate rapidly.

We recommend:

  • Well-ventilated shade
  • If indoors, open the windows and let the air circulate

This is a two-step drying process in which the clothes are first dried inside out , and then turned right side out once they are sufficiently dry.

② Choosing the right hanger is also very important

If you hang it on a hanger with narrow shoulders for a long time,
This can cause that part to stretch or become oddly shaped .

We recommend:

  • Wide type wetsuit hanger
  • If you don't have one, use a thick hanger wrapped around a towel.

The key is to use something that does not put strain on your shoulders , such as:

3. Bad habits that people tend to do

  • Leave it rolled up in the car for a few days
  • Put it away in a plastic bag while it's still wet
  • Storing clothes in a closet or storage room while they are still damp
  • Drying for hours under direct sunlight in midsummer

All of these can cause mold, bad odors, hardening of the fabric, and cracking .
Among the wetsuits that arrive at repair shops, there are many cases where the customer says, "This must have been damaged due to storage conditions..."

4. Maintenance you should do before the off-season

At the end of the season, a little careful maintenance before putting it away will make the next season much easier.

  • Wash thoroughly with fresh water and special shampoo
  • Allow to dry completely before storing
  • Fold gently with minimal wrinkles or hang on a thick hanger

In addition, we recommend that you have any noticeable damage repaired during the off-season .
Factories tend to be busy just before the start of the season, so it's a good idea to have your equipment serviced during the off-season.

5. If you think something is wrong, please send us a photo.

If you have any concerns about storage or drying methods,
If you send us a photo of the actual wet condition, we can give you advice from a craftsman's perspective.

  • Is this crack at the end of its life?
  • What should I do about this mold and dirt before repairing it?
  • Can I use it in this condition next winter?

As a factory, we would be happy to help you use products not only after they break, but also to help you use them less likely to break .

For those who want to consult directly with a wetsuit craftsman

If you are worried that you may not have handled it properly or that you are still unable to use the wetsuit,
If you send us photos, we will honestly tell you about the current condition and future maintenance.

  • Should it be repaired in its current state?
  • Points to be careful of from now on
  • What to do before the next season

First, please take a full photo of the wetsuit you are currently using plus a close-up of the area you are concerned about and send it to us.

▶ See the wetsuit repair page for details
▶ Send photos via LINE for consultation
▶ Apply through the repair request form

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