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Essential Wetsuit Cleaner: Keep Your Wetsuit Fresh and Lasting Longer

Wetsuit Cleaning

How to Clean and Care for Your Wetsuit

If you’ve invested in a wetsuit, you want it to perform season after season. Whether you're surfing chilly Atlantic breaks or swimming in brisk open water, a well-maintained wetsuit keeps you warm, flexible, and comfortable for longer sessions and better performance.

Below, we break down practical, step-by-step tips for cleaning, storing, and repairing your kit — because proper care isn't just about the longevity of your kit, it's about performance too, and we have got you covered!

Step 1: How to Clean a Wetsuit

Cleaning a Wetsuit

Cleaning your wetsuit properly is the single most important thing you can do to extend its life. Your wetsuit takes a beating becoming too stretchy and cold — from salty sessions at your local break to freshwater swims and sweaty triathlon training.

Over time, all that use leaves behind more than just good memories. Salt, sand, body oils, sunscreen, and even bacteria will build up in the neoprene, weakening the material, causing unpleasant smells, and shortening the life of your suit. That’s why learning how to clean a wetsuit properly is essential for longevity.

Think of it like this: your wetsuit is high-performance gear, not just a piece of normal, everyday clothing. Treat it well, and it will reward you with better insulation, flexibility, and durability over the long haul and maintain all its top features. Luckily, keeping it clean doesn’t take much — just a bit of care and consistency. Here's how to do it right after every session and how to deep-clean when needed.

After Every Use:

Wash with fresh water. Salt, sand, chlorine, and even sweat can degrade neoprene. Refrain from using hot water on your wetsuit; only cold water, no matter how tempting it is to jump straight into a hot shower after a freezing sesh!

Use wetsuit shampoo once a week or after heavy use with clean water and let it soak for a while. This removes buildup and neutralises stinky smells. Make sure to avoid household detergents or harmful chemicals when washing, as they’re too harsh on the suit and will cause long-term damage.
 

What is the best thing to clean wetsuits with? 

The best thing to clean wetsuits with is a wetsuit-specific shampoo or cleaner. The best wetsuit cleaners are specially formulated to gently clean neoprene without damaging it, like harmful chemicals and are designed to keep it smelling fresh over the course of its lifetime. The wetsuit cleaners remove salt buildup, mould, chlorine, skin oils, and organic residue while helping maintain the suit’s flexibility and smell. Discover of some best wetsuit cleaner items we have in stock for easy cleaning and maintenance of your wetsuit:

TIP: Look for product packages that are labelled as:
  • Wetsuit shampoo
  • Neoprene cleaner
  • Odour eliminator for wetsuits
  • Wetsuit cleaner
See Items we stock below article


What can I use instead of wetsuit cleaner?

While wetsuit cleaners are ideal for maintaining neoprene, sometimes you just don’t have one handy, and we don't want you grabbing any old harmful chemical.

There are a few safe, household alternatives that can get the job done without damaging your suit, and we often get asked, "Can I wash a wetsuit with baby shampoo?" 

Well... Here’s what we know based on some info from the Billabong Website.

To clean a wetsuit using a homemade solution instead of wetsuit cleaner, fill a tub or large bucket with clean, cool or lukewarm water, then mix in one to two tablespoons of one of the following: Baby shampoo, Gentle, non-scented soap or detergent, Natural, plant-based disinfectant.

For a more thorough clean, especially if your wetsuit smells particularly strong, fill a tub or large container with water, then add a few cups of white vinegar along with several drops of light smelling essential oil. The vinegar helps disinfect and kill bacteria, while the essential oils help mask the sharp vinegar smell with a fresher scent.


Step 2: Drying the Right Way

Cleaning your wetsuit is only half the battle — drying it properly is just as important. Neoprene is tough, but it doesn’t play well with heat or harsh handling, so it's imperative that you follow the tips provided.

Drying your suit the wrong way can stretch it out, fade the fabric, or even cause it to crack and tear. To keep your wetsuit flexible, warm, and in tip-top shape, follow these simple drying tips after EVERY rinse. How you dry your wetsuit matters more than you can imagine!

  • Hang it on a wide hanger or a wetsuit-specific hanger to avoid stretching out the shoulder area while its resting. We have lots of wetsuit hanging options for some of the best brands available in the UK such as C-Monsta, Surflogic and Ocean & Earth.
  • Use a wetsuit sock, we guarantee this is a game changer of note as it prevents stretching of your wetsuit, easy gliding over the skin while changing and its longevity - time to ditch the old plastic bag!
  • Avoid sunlight. This is an absolute must! UV rays break down neoprene fast, super fast and lead to stiffening and then cracking and stretching. Overtime this will impact the wetsuits features and result in a stretchy and cold wetsuit.
  • Dry inside-out first, then flip it once that side is dry. This prevents a damp smell, mildew and ensures even drying throughout.
  • Never use a tumble dryer or radiator — heat kills wetsuits. This is an ABSOLUTE NO - please never do this as it will destroy your wetsuit and result in an additional cost of having to buy a new wetsuit! Let that natural breeze do its job.


Storing a Wetsuit

Step 3: Wetsuit Storage Tips

Proper storage is key to keeping your wetsuit in top shape between sessions. Folding it the wrong way or leaving it in a hot car can lead to creases, cracks, and lost flexibility, affecting the durability of your suit. With just a few easy habits, you can protect your suit’s structure and extend its life.

What is the best way to store a wetsuit?

  • Hang it on a padded hanger in a cool, dry place — not balled up or folded. Remember, no direct sunlight!
  • Avoid creases - If you must store it folded (like when travelling), fold it at the waist, not the shoulders, and avoid stacking heavy items on top, and avoid rolling it like a towel.
  • Store Correctly - Pack your equipment in the cupboard, wetsuit bag, wetsuit dry bag or a plastic container in a covered area out of the way of the elements.

 

What is the best wetsuit hanger for storage?

Not all hangers are created equal when it comes to storing wetsuits. Standard hangers can stretch the shoulders and cause unnecessary wear, especially if your wetsuit is still damp. That’s why it’s important to use a hanger designed specifically for wetsuit care.

C-Monsta Wetsuit Hanger

Our Top Recommendation: The C-Monsta Wetsuit Hanger

The C-Monsta hanger is our most highly recommended option for both drying and long-term storage, and here’s why:

  • Wider design helps prevent stretching at the shoulders
  • Built-in slots for booties and gloves, making it a true all-in-one drying solution
  • Heavy-duty recycled plastic ensures it holds the weight of a wetsuit without bending or cracking
  • Ventilated construction allows better airflow for faster drying. 

 

How should I hang my wetsuit?

Taking care of your wetsuit properly starts with how you hang it. The right method helps it dry faster after washing, prevents damage, and keeps it in top shape for longer sessions in the water. Here's a quick guide on the best way to hang your wetsuit.
  • Use a Wide Hanger (Ideally a Wetsuit Hanger)
    • Use a broad-shouldered or wetsuit-specific hanger to prevent shoulder stress and stretching.
    • Avoid thin wire or plastic hangers—they can deform the suit.
  • Fold It at the Waist Over the Hanger (Best Method)
    • Fold the wetsuit in half at the waist and hang it over the hanger like pants.
    • This reduces stress on the shoulders and speeds up drying.
  • Hang in a Shaded, Well-Ventilated Area
    • Avoid direct sunlight—UV rays break down neoprene.
    • Choose a shaded area with good airflow (like a garage or a shower rod).
  • Turn It Inside Out First
    • Dry the inside first—this is the part that touches your skin.
    • Once the inside is dry, flip it right side out to dry the outer side.

What to avoid

  • Never hang it by the shoulders when wet, using a thin hanger.
  • Don’t leave it in the sun for extended periods.
  • Don’t hang it by the neck or zipper, as this can cause damage. Even with the best care, small tears, nicks, or loose seams can happen, especially if you're shredding regularly. The good news is that most minor damage is easy to fix at home and well worth the effort. 

Step 4: Basic Wetsuit Repairs

Wetsuit Repair  Wetsuit Repair

Even with the best care, small tears, nicks, or loose seams can happen, especially if you're shredding regularly. The good news is that most minor damage is easy to fix at home and well worth the effort.

Catching and repairing issues early can save you from bigger problems down the line and help your wetsuit last much longer. Here's how to handle basic neoprene product repairs with confidence.

  • Tears or nicks?
    Use wetsuit repair glue (neoprene cement) to seal them up.
  • Broken zippers or seams?
    Most surf shops offer affordable repairs or can guide you to a pro. All wetsuits we sell have a 1-year warranty that covers manufacturing defects to an item such as a split in the seam, loose stitching, broken zips and collapsed neoprene. 
  • Peeling tape inside seams?
    Re-glue it or consider replacing the tape if it's affecting warmth.

A little wetsuit care goes a long way. After each surf, give your suit a good rinse with fresh water to wash off salt, sand, and sunblock. Hang it in the shade using a wide hanger or folded at the waist to avoid stretching, and always let it dry inside out first. 
 
Once dry, flip it back and let the outside dry fully too. Store it somewhere cool and out of direct sunlight — no crumpling it in a hot car! And if you spot any nicks or small tears, repair them early before they become bigger issues. With just a bit of regular care, your wetsuit will stay soft, flexible, and toasty warm — ready to keep you comfortable through many surf sessions to come.
 
If you follow these steps we guarantee your wetsuit will continue to provide constant enjoyment and if you ever have any questions feel free to pop into the shop or give us a buzz- we are here to help YOU!
 

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