Before we dive into the step-by-step instructions on how to wash your wetsuit, let’s begin with a few key facts about the material itself and the different types of wetsuits.
What kind of material is neoprene?
No watersports enthusiast wants to be without it in cold water – whether surfing, wakeboarding, diving or kitesurfing – because it keeps you warm and also protects against wind and sun. We’re talking, of course, about neoprene.
Neoprene comes in different forms and is used in a wide range of applications. In industry and automotive engineering it appears as cable sheathing or seals, and in the outdoors it’s used for surfing, diving, paddling and more. Wetsuits are made from foamed neoprene, a synthetic rubber filled with tiny gas bubbles that provide excellent insulation, even when fully wet. For comfort, the neoprene is usually coated on both sides with a textile lining.
Wetsuits come in all sorts of designs and thicknesses: long arms with short legs, classic shorts, and thick winter suits with integrated hoods. The insulating performance depends on the thickness. Thin wetsuits start at around 1.5 mm, the standard range lies between 2 mm and 5 mm, and extreme cold calls for even thicker versions. In every case, the suit has to fit like a second skin. If it’s too loose, it simply won’t insulate.
Reasons why you should wash your wetsuit
Whether you’re paddling in a mountain stream or surfing at the seaside: after every use, your wetsuit retains dirt, sand, sweat and, depending on where you are, saltwater. Over time, these can damage the material, so you should rinse the wetsuit thoroughly with plenty of fresh water straight after use.
Regular cleaning has several benefits:
- Sweat and skin particles are rinsed out immediately. Skin flakes and particles of sun cream decompose over time, creating unpleasant odours that cling to the material. Result: a wetsuit that permanently smells.
- Salt is removed, allowing the wetsuit to dry properly. If salt remains trapped in the material, it draws in moisture from the air. The suit stays damp and clammy (and can eventually turn mouldy). Salt also makes neoprene brittle over time.
- Sand and coarse dirt are no longer embedded in the fabric. Sand can cause chafing and also puts extra strain on zips and seams.
- Water from lakes or rivers often contains suspended particles; rinsing removes these too. If not cleaned away, they can cause a musty smell.
A thorough rinse inside and out with fresh water is one of the easiest and most effective ways to clean neoprene and significantly extend the lifespan of your wetsuit.
Washing your wetsuit – a guide
If your wetsuit is heavily soiled, you should wash it. The washing machine, however, is not the ideal place to do so. The best method is always to hand wash it. Here’s how to do so, step by step:
- Use a sufficiently large container, or even your bath.
- Fill it with cold to lukewarm water. Important: hot water damages neoprene.
- Add a special neoprene detergent (wetsuit cleaner).
- Rinse off coarse dirt such as sand beforehand.
- Place the wet wetsuit into the water and gently knead it.
- For stubborn dirt or strong odours, let it soak for longer.
- Once clean, rinse the wetsuit thoroughly inside and out with clear water and hang it up to dry.
Can I wash a wetsuit in the washing machine?
Even with regular use, there’s no need for constant deep cleaning. But if your suit does need a thorough wash, hand washing is the only sensible option. Under no circumstances should you wash your wetsuit in the washing machine – not at 30°C, not on the delicate cycle, not “just this once”. To be absolutely clear: wetsuits do not belong in the washing machine.
Expert advice: Conventional detergents and fabric softeners damage neoprene and make it porous. Even without detergent, you can’t ensure the wetsuit won’t come into contact with detergent residues in the machine. Instead, wash it by hand using a proper wetsuit cleaner. This not only helps to protect the material, but can also improve its stretchiness and comfort. Even with heavy use, soaking the suit once or twice a year is usually enough.
Which detergent should I use for neoprene?
As mentioned, there are special detergents for neoprene: wetsuit cleaners. They thoroughly remove dirt and odours and protect the material from premature ageing. Essential oils such as tea tree oil can help with very stubborn smells or neoprene that has become stiff over time.
Conventional detergents, fabric softeners or bleach are not suitable for wetsuits.
Home remedies can also be risky. You’ll find recommendations online (shampoo, curd soap, etc.) and while these may sometimes work, neoprene is not a textile. It’s mostly rubber. What works for outdoor clothing does not necessarily work for neoprene. Always check the manufacturer’s care instructions and follow them.
How often should I clean my wetsuit?
How often you clean your wetsuit depends on several factors:
- How intensively you use it
- How dirty it becomes during use
- Whether it becomes sweaty or covered in sun cream
- How often you’re out in saltwater
Expert tip: Don’t wash your wetsuit too often with detergent – it doesn’t make it better. In most cases, a thorough rinse after each use is enough. A deep hand wash once or twice per season is ideal. If you use your wetsuit heavily or it gets very dirty, wash it more often as needed.
How can I dry a wetsuit?
Regular drying is essential! This prevents odours and stops bacteria from spreading. If neoprene stays wet for too long, mould may develop. Always let your wetsuit air dry thoroughly. The easiest method is to hang it on a hanger or clothesline. Ideally, dry it in the shade. Direct sunlight speeds things up, but UV exposure damages neoprene over time.
It’s best to hang the wetsuit inside out first. Once the inside feels dry, turn it the right way round. This drying sequence (inside, then outside) means your wetsuit is quickly ready for use again. And it’s always nicer to put on a wetsuit with a dry inside and slightly damp outside than the other way around.
If you’re still looking for the right wetsuit, take a look at our wetsuit buying guide.
