As with any dive kit your wetsuit or drysuit should be rinsed after every use in fresh water for at least 15 – 20 minutes and the best time to do this is just after you have taken your wetsuit off. Allow it to dry naturally out of direct sunlight and heat. High temperatures should be avoided as they would damage the neoprene, and the wetsuit thermal insulating properties.
After a while you may find the suit will begin to smell (especially if you pee in it – what should be avoided as a golden rule!). This smell is due to oils and odors of your body entrapping themselves in the neoprene. To remove this you should wash the suit by hand and with mild detergent or an enzymatic cleaner, or in proper neoprene suit shampoo available at most dive shops. The correct shampoo helps preserve the neoprene and remove the smell. Never wash your wetsuit in a washing machine and never use any common detergent. It’s worth following manufacturer’s directions for care, as many wetsuits come with a warranty that could be lost by improper treatment.
If you plan to use the suit again in the near future, hang it on a wide shouldered hanger. This is very important not to use thin wire hangers because it will cause irreparable bumps on the shoulders or even cause cut to the suit. The most recommended is to use specialist hangers designed for that purpose. Otherwise, rather lay the suit down on the floor in a dark and well ventilated room, never in the direct sun. Never turn your suit inside out and leave to dry, especially the top of the range ones! This will cause compression of the neoprene gas cells, leading to permanent failure once the suit is being used again.
If you plan on not wearing your suit for several months you should make sure it is well dried, then fold it gently without absolutely no sharp creases as they would cause poor insulation at the folds. Place it inside a black bin liner and store in a cool dark place to prevent the ozone reacting with neoprene. Ozone can cause the biggest damage to your neoprene suit producing nasty sticky patches on it and neoprene degradation. After some time those attacked places become weaker and prone to tear when stretched, that is usually just while you put your suit on before you intend to dive or surf!
Some additional maintenance would involve periodical waxing zips with bees wax. If some lubrication of your wetsuit is needed, you can use a little baby oil in the water, or you can purchase special silicone spray from the manufacturer. Do not use any aerosol sprays on your suit, as they will most likely contain chemicals that will eat away the neoprene. Ensure that all Velcro tags are covered or tucked away as they can cause a lot of damage to your suit. If you get any rips or tears use some wetsuit or neoprene cement to bind the fabric together, before the rip gets to large. The better you take care of your suit the longer you will enjoy its quality and vitality.
Here you will find more information
- Fine Quality Surfing and Scuba Dive Gear | Surfing Blog
- Washing Machine Plus Dryer – Perfect Combination | Efficient Energy
- Apply The Golden Rule to your business | Futurechanges Blog
- Deep Blue Scuba Diving in Cozumel | Scuba Diving Locations
- Christian Portal News » The Golden Rule Pledge is an Alternative to Walking Out of School on April 16, 2010
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