How to Wash and Dry Your Wetsuit to Make It Last Longer | A Professional’s Honest Advice on Habits to Avoid

Even with the same wetsuit, some people findtheirs falling apart in just one or two years, while others keep theirs in good condition for nearly five years.
The difference actually comes down to "how you care for it after getting out of the water."
Here, from the perspective of a wetsuit repair shop, we’ve compiled tips on how to wash and dry your wetsuit to make it last longer.

---

1. Things to do immediately after getting out of the water

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

If seawater or chlorine from the pool remains on the fabric, it can cause the fabric to harden, develop an odor, or grow mold.
Ideally, you should rinse the entire garment with fresh water the same day you return from the beach.

• Fill a bucket with fresh water and gently rinse the wetsuit.
• Pay special attention to the neck, wrists, ankles, and areas around zippers

② Use either a "wet-only" detergent or a "small amount of neutral detergent"

Generally, plain water is sufficient, but
if you're concerned about odors, it's okay to use a very small amount of wet cat shampoo or a mild detergent.

However,

• Contains bleach
• With fabric softener
• Strongly alkaline detergent

It is best to avoid these, as they can damage the fabric.

---

2. The way you dry it can greatly affect its lifespan.

① "A well-ventilated, shaded area" rather than direct sunlight

Rubber and jersey are materials that are sensitive to UV rays.
If left exposed to direct sunlight for hours during the height of summer, they will deteriorate rapidly.

We recommend,

• A well-ventilated, shaded area
• If you're indoors, choose a spot where you can open the window to let the breeze in

This is a two-step drying process: first, dry the items with the wrong side facing up, and once they’re partially dry, flip them over to the right side.

② Choosing the right hangers is also super important

If you hang clothes on a hanger with narrow shoulders for a long time,
that part may stretch out or develop an odd shape.

We recommend,

• Wide-style wetsuit hanger
• If you don't have one, use a hanger wrapped in a towel to make it thicker

For example, use items designed so that the strain isn’t concentrated on your shoulders.

---

3. Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Leave it rolled up in the car for a few days
• Put them away in a plastic bag while they're still wet
• Storing them in the closet or storage room while they're still damp
• Left out to dry for hours under the blazing summer sun

All of these factors can lead to mold, unpleasant odors, fabric hardening, and cracking.
Even among the wet items that arrive at repair shops, it’s not uncommon to see cases where you think, “It’s such a shame this got damaged just because of the storage conditions…”

---

4. Maintenance to Do Before the Off-Season

If you give your gear a quick once-over and put it away at the end of the season, it’ll make things a lot easier next season.

• Wash thoroughly with fresh water and a special shampoo
• Let it dry completely before storing it
• Fold it lightly while it’s still mostly wrinkle-free, or hang it on a wide hanger

With that in mind, we recommend having any damage you’re concerned about repaired during the off-season.
Since repair shops tend to get busy right before the season starts, it’s best to have your bike serviced during the off-season for peace of mind.

---

5. If you're wondering, "Is this okay?", please send us a photo.

If you have any questions about storage or drying methods, please visit
. If you send us photos showing the actual condition of the wet item, we can offer advice from a professional’s perspective.

• Is this crack a sign that it's reached the end of its life?
• What should I do about this mold and dirt before the repair?
• Will it still work next winter in this condition?

As a manufacturer, we would be delighted to help you not only when something breaks, but also to help you use our products in a way that minimizes the risk of breakage.

---

For those who would like to consult directly with a wetsuit craftsman

If you're worried that you might not have taken good care of it or wondering if this wetsuit is still usable, please send us a photo at
. We'll give you our honest opinion on its current condition and how to maintain it going forward.

• Should I have it repaired in its current condition?
• Points to keep in mind going forward
• Things I want to get done before next season

First, please take and send us a "full-body photo" of the wetsuit you're currently using, along with a "close-up of the area of concern. "

▶ View the detailed page on wetsuit repairs
▶ Send a photo via LINE to consult with us
▶ Submit a repair request via the form