How to Care for Your Wetsuit

A good wetsuit is much more than just neoprene; it’s the comfort, warmth and freedom that keep surfers in the water longer. And springsuits or steamers, your wetsuit takes a beating from salt, sand, sunlight and stretching.

Learning how to care for a wetsuit properly will help it stay flexible, comfortable and long-lasting. With just a few wetsuit care tips, you can add seasons to its life and keep it performing wave after wave.

Why Proper Wetsuit Care Matters

Wetsuits are made from neoprene, a stretchy rubber designed to trap a thin layer of water between you and the suit, which your body warms to maintain comfort in chilly conditions. But neoprene’s durability depends on how you treat it. 

Exposure to saltwater, UV rays and bacteria can stiffen and weaken the material, while neglecting post-surf care shortens its lifespan dramatically. Proper wetsuit care keeps your suit warmer, softer and more flexible longer.

If you’ve invested in premium gear from the Surf, Dive ‘n Ski wetsuit range, a little maintenance goes a long way to preserving its feel and fit

Extending the Life of Your Wetsuit

Every surf session stretches seams and panels. Salt crystals and sand add abrasion that can break thread, cause leaks and wear out neoprene prematurely. A consistent care routine helps stop those issues before they start.

With a quick rinse and gentle dry after every surf, you can keep your wetsuit strong and supple. Many surfers double their suit’s lifespan with just a few daily habits.

Maintaining Warmth and Flexibility

Salt, sunscreen and body oil accumulate in neoprene pores, gradually making it stiff and less insulating. Regular cleaning keeps the material elastic, so it moves naturally with your body. More fl exibility means easier paddling, and a cleaner neoprene layer means better warmth on mid-winter mornings.

Rinse Your Wetsuit After Every Surf

If you only do one thing for wetsuit care, it’s to rinse it. Saltwater and sand are the main culprits behind neoprene deterioration, and rinsing removes both.

Use Fresh, Cool Water

Use fresh, cool water to flush away residue. Avoid hot water; while tempting after a cold surf, it can weaken glue and seams. 

A quick post‑surf rinse at the beach shower or at home is often enough. It’s a few seconds that make a big difference.

Turn the Wetsuit Inside Out

Rinse both inside and out. Turning your wetsuit inside out lets you thoroughly wash the inner lining, which collects most of the salt and sweat. This also helps prepare the suit for even drying later.

How to Properly Wash a Wetsuit

While rinsing should happen after every session, your wetsuit benefits from a deeper clean every few weeks. Learning how to wash a wetsuit properly helps remove lingering odours, bacteria and residue that water alone can’t.

When to Use Wetsuit Cleaner

A wetsuit-specific cleaner keeps neoprene fresh without stripping its natural oils or damaging the seams. Use it occasionally, about every five sessions, or whenever your suit starts to smell a little ‘lived in’. 

Add the cleaner to cool water, soak for a short time, and gently massage before rinsing thoroughly. Wetsuit shampoos and maintenance kits are available in the Surf, Dive n’ Ski surf accessories range.

What to Avoid

Avoid harsh detergents, bleach, or anything labelled anti-bacterial. They’re too strong for neoprene. Never use a washing machine or dryer, which twist and stretch the material. Instead, wash by hand, rinse well, and squeeze out extra water gently without wringing.

The Right Way to Dry a Wetsuit

Drying is where many wetsuits meet their end. Improper drying causes stretching, cracking or fading, which is all easily avoided. So here’s how to dry a wetsuit:

The Right Way to Dry a Wetsuit

Drying is where many wetsuits meet their end. Improper drying causes stretching, cracking or fading, which is all easily avoided. So here’s how to dry a wetsuit:

Dry in the Shade

Australia’s sun is brutal on neoprene. UV rays quickly break down rubber, causing it to lose elasticity. Instead, hang your wetsuit in a shaded, breezy spot, like under a tree, in a garage or on a shaded porch. The airflow helps it dry quickly without heat damage. Avoid draping it over fences or leaving it in cars, where temperatures become extreme enough to warp the material

Use a Wide Hanger or Fold Over a Rail

Thin hangers put too much pressure on the shoulders, stretching seams and shape. A wide wetsuit hanger or drying bar supports the weight evenly. Folding it in at the waist over a rail is an equally safe alternative. 

If you don’t have one yet, check out the wetsuit hangers in the Surf, Dive n’ Ski surf accessories range.

How to Store Your Wetsuit Between Surfs

After drying, proper storage keeps your wetsuit ready for your next surf and prevents wrinkles or delamination.

Hanging vs Folding

For long-term care, hanging your wetsuit is typically the best option. It helps prevent creases and maintains the suit’s natural shape. Folding may be necessary for travel, but it’s best not to leave it folded for extended periods whenever possible.

Avoid Heat and Direct Sunlight

Store your wetsuit on a wide hanger in a cool, dark, ventilated space indoors. Avoid garages, sheds or car boots where heat can warp the neoprene and loosen glued seams.

Common Wetsuit Care Mistakes to Avoid

Even veteran surfers can make little errors that shorten the lifespan of their wetsuit. Keep these in mind:

Leaving Your Suit in a Hot Car

Heat buildup inside vehicles can rapidly degrade neoprene and cause the material to lose elasticity.

Using the Washing Machine

Agitation inside a washing machine can stretch neoprene and weaken seams.

When It’s Time to Replace Your Wetsuit

Despite the best care, every wetsuit eventually reaches the end of its life. Recognising when to replace a wetsuit ensures you stay warm, buoyant and flexible.

Signs of Neoprene Fatigue

Loss of stretch, thinning panels or reduced insulation are common signs that neoprene is breaking down with regular wear.

Damaged Seams or Persistent Leaks

Cracked seams or water flushing through the suit may indicate structural damage that is difficult or impossible to repair. If your wetsuit is showing these symptoms, explore the new season wetsuit collection at Surf, Dive ‘n Ski to find the perfect fit across men’s, women’s and kids’ styles.

Keep Your Wetsuit Surf-Ready with Surf, Dive n’ Ski

Taking good care of your wetsuit means more comfortable surfs, less landfill for the planet, and money back in your pocket. With regular rinsing, gentle washing, shaded drying and smart storage, your wetsuit will stay flexible, warm and ready whenever the swell rolls in.

For everything you need, from new wetsuits to surf accessories and care products, Surf, Dive ‘n Ski keeps Aussie surfers covered for every season. 

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