How To Properly Clean And Care For Your Spearfishing Wetsuit

You wanna keep your Spearfishing wetsuit in tip-top shape? Follow these easy steps to make it last! Cleaning and maintenance will ensure your wetsuit serves you for years to come. Here’s what to do:
1. Clean your wetsuit after each use.
2. Rinse with cold, non-chlorinated water.
3. Hang-dry in a cool, well-ventilated area.
4. Store in a cool, dry place.
Follow these steps and your spearfishing wetsuit will be in great condition for years to come!

The Importance of Proper Cleaning and Care

Properly caring for your spearfishing wetsuit is key for keeping it in good condition and making it last. Wetsuits are exposed to salty water and cold temperatures, so cleaning regularly is essential. Use Marseille soap or a wetsuit cleaner and rinse with fresh water after each use. Remove any dirt and stains with a toothbrush and product. Rinse zippers and Tizip fasteners. Glue any tears or gouges.

After cleaning, hang to dry away from sunlight and UV rays. Don’t store a wet wetsuit. Take care of accessories, like fins and socks. Fold or roll neatly and store in a cool, dry place. Air out if wet. Avoid extreme heat.

Following these tips helps keep wetsuit performance at its peak. ScubaLab review says clean after each use to prevent bacteria and mold.

Preparing Your Wetsuit for Cleaning

Before cleaning your neoprene wetsuit, read the care instructions to avoid damage. Cleaning regularly helps it last longer, especially in a marine environment.

Follow these steps for cleaning your neoprene wetsuit:

1. Rinse inside and out with cold water after every use to remove sweat, grime, and debris.
2. For dirtier wetsuits, fill a bathtub with cold water and a suitable detergent. Soak for a maximum of 15 minutes, then rinse with cold water. Hot water can damage the neoprene.
3. Put the wetsuit in a mesh bag and use mild detergent made for neoprene if you want to use a washing machine with the spin function turned off. It helps maintain elasticity and avoid damage.
4. After rinsing or washing, hang it dry by turning it inside out. Put it in a cool and dry place, not in direct sunlight or near heat sources. Use neoprene accessories like underwear, balaclavas, gloves, booties, slippers, masks, snorkels, or scuba equipment.
5. If you need to repair holes or tears in your wetsuit, use neoprene adhesive or wetsuit cement. Don’t stretch or pull the material while the glue dries.

By following these steps, your neoprene wetsuit should last longer and provide more enjoyable and safe diving experiences.

Turn the Wetsuit Inside-Out

To keep your spearfishing wetsuit in top condition for future use, you must prep it for cleaning. Here are the steps to ensure your wetsuit remains waterproof and comfy during dives:

1. Flip the wetsuit inside-out and rinse with clean water. This is important to wash off sand, salt and other grit.
2. Check the seams, zips and waterproof lining for wear and tear. Spotting the damage early can prevent a weakened wetsuit.
3. If there are small tears in the neoprene material, apply neoprene glue. This can help extend the life of your wetsuit.
4. Let the wetsuit dry in a cool, shaded place – away from sunlight. This stops fading and damage to the threads.
5. When hanging, avoid sharp edges or corners. Use padded clips or hangers to keep the neoprene safe.
6. For small tears or holes, use velcro patches. Make sure they are firmly secured.
7. Store the wetsuit flat in a dive bag or drawer. Keep away from direct sunlight and heat sources.
8. Use a wetsuit cleaning product to remove any tough stains or odors.

By looking after your wetsuit, you can be sure it will give you comfortable diving for years to come.

Inspect for Damage

Inspect your wetsuit for damage before cleaning. Check for tears, holes and abrasions. If you find any, use adhesive or patch kit to fix it.

Fill a lukewarm tub with wetsuit cleaner or mild detergent. Submerge the wetsuit and agitate for a few minutes. Then turn it inside out and repeat. Rinse the wetsuit with clean water and let it hang dry. Avoid direct sunlight when hanging it.

Use a space heater or radiator during colder months. Ensure it’s dry before folding it. Store in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight. Follow these steps to keep your wetsuit clean and lasting. Enjoy many fun dives!

Hand-Washing Your Wetsuit

When it comes to maintaining your spearfishing wetsuit, hand-washing is an essential step to ensure its longevity and protect it from wear and tear. In this section, we’ll explore the proper techniques for hand-washing your wetsuit, starting with turning it inside-out and inspecting it for any damage. By following a few simple steps, you can effectively clean your wetsuit and keep it in top condition for many future spearfishing adventures to come.

Image credits: spearfishinglog.com by Hillary Arnold

Choosing the Right Detergent

Cleaning and maintaining your wetsuit is key to its longevity. The right detergent is crucial. Different wetsuits are made of different materials, like neoprene, nylon and polyester threads. So, a suitable detergent must be picked that won’t damage the fabric or cause fading.

Mirazyme and Sink the Stink are common detergents used for wetsuit cleaning. These are perfect for neoprene and polyester thread wetsuits. Woolite is great for nylon and polyester threads. It cleans without damaging the fabric. Baby shampoo is good for delicate cleaning.

Proper cleaning and storage habits can help your wetsuit last longer. Hang or lay it flat on a towel to dry correctly. Avoid direct sunlight, high heat and hot water.

By following these cleaning and storage techniques, your wetsuit will be ready for many seasons of spearfishing.

Filling a Bathtub or Large Container with Water

Filling a tub or container with water is key for good wetsuit care. Here’s how to hand-wash yours:

• Rinse the wetsuit to remove sand, salt and debris.
• Fill the bathtub or container with cool or lukewarm water and submerge the wetsuit.
• Add a wetsuit-specific cleaning solution, following the instructions on the product packaging.
• Agitate the water so the cleaning solution covers the wetsuit.
• Soak the wetsuit in soapy water for the recommended amount of time.
• Rinse the wetsuit again with fresh water.
• Squeeze the wetsuit to remove excess water.
• Hang the wetsuit to dry in a cool, shaded area away from sunlight and heat sources.

Regularly cleaning your wetsuit this way will help maintain its quality and prolong its lifespan, saving you money in the long run.

Soak and Agitate the Wetsuit

Hand washing your spearfishing wetsuit is a must for proper cleaning and maintenance. Soaking and agitating it the right way can keep it clean and make it last longer. Here’s how to hand-wash your wetsuit:

• Fill a large container or bathtub with cool water and add a mild detergent for wetsuits.
• Turn the wetsuit inside out and submerge it.
• Agitate it for a few minutes, concentrating on armpit and crotch areas.
• Leave it in the solution for 15-20 minutes.
• Drain the soapy water and rinse the suit with clean water.
• Gently squeeze the excess water, being careful not to wring or twist it.
• Hang the suit up to dry in a shady spot, avoiding direct sunlight and heat sources.

Following these steps regularly will help keep your wetsuit hygienic, clean, and long-lasting. Cleaning it by hand is much more effective than the washing machine. So, make sure you clean it by hand to keep it in great shape.

Rinse and Squeeze out Excess Water

Proper cleaning and care for your spearfishing wetsuit is essential to ensure its longevity and effectiveness. In this section of the article, we will focus on the first step of cleaning: rinsing and squeezing out excess water. We’ll also dive into the details of selecting the appropriate detergent for your wetsuit, as well as instructions on filling a bathtub or large container for soaking and agitating your wetsuit. By following these guidelines, your wetsuit will remain clean, odor-free, and fully functional for your next underwater adventure.

Drying Your Wetsuit

After a long day of spearfishing, it’s essential to clean and dry your wetsuit. Here are some tips for care:

• Rinse your wetsuit with clean water soon after use.
• Get a bathtub or container with cool water. Add a gentle wetsuit shampoo.
• Put the wetsuit in the water and agitate it to loosen dirt.
• Rinse it off with cool water. Hang it on a sturdy hanger, but not by the shoulders. It can stretch the neoprene over time. Use a wetsuit hanger or fold it at the waist.
• Wash with a special wetsuit shampoo to get rid of odors and bacteria.

By following these steps, your wetsuit will last for years.

Using a Wetsuit Hanger or Drying Rack

After spearfishing, drying your wetsuit is key. Using a hanger or rack is the best way to go. Benefits include:

• Proper air flow, keeping mold & odors away.
• Preserves the wetsuit’s shape.
• Off the ground & easy to access.

Remember to clean & care for your wetsuit. Fresh water, mild detergents & no hot water/bleach. This will help protect it & save money.

Pro Tip: Don’t dry in direct sunlight, use a cool/shaded area or ventilated room.

Maintaining Your Wetsuit

Maintaining your wetsuit is an essential component of ensuring it performs at its best and lasts as long as possible. In this section, we’ll take a closer look at the proper ways to maintain your wetsuit. Specifically, we’ll examine the benefits of using a wetsuit hanger or drying rack. By doing so, we help prevent mold and bacteria growth while also preserving the shape and integrity of the wetsuit. Don’t let improper maintenance ruin your next spearfishing adventure, follow these steps for the best possible experience.

Image credits: spearfishinglog.com by Adam Woodhock

Repairing Small Tears and Holes

Maintaining your wetsuit is a must for a longer lifespan and optimal performance when you’re out spearfishing. Repairing small tears and holes is an important part of caring for your wetsuit. Recent research shows wetsuits that are taken care of can last 5 years more than those that are not.

Here’s how you can repair small tears and holes at home:

1. Start by washing the tear or hole with warm water and mild soap to remove any dirt or debris.
2. Dry the area using a clean towel or cloth.
3. Use a wetsuit repair kit containing neoprene cement, a small patch, and a brush applicator to fill the hole or tear with neoprene cement.
4. Put the patch from the kit over the hole or tear and press it firmly into place.
5. Smooth out any air bubbles.
6. Allow the cement to dry for 12-24 hours before wearing the wetsuit again.

For a longer wetsuit lifespan, clean and store it after each use. Rinse it with fresh water inside and out. Hang it up on a wetsuit hanger in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight. Don’t use a dryer or expose your wetsuit to high temperatures. By following these tips, your wetsuit will stay in great condition for many more spearfishing trips!

Using a Wetsuit Conditioner

A wetsuit conditioner is essential for keeping your spearfishing wetsuit in top shape. Search for these key terms when choosing a conditioner:

• Neoprene cleaner is specially formulated to clean the material and remove salt, bacteria, and chemical deposits.
• Some conditioners offer UV protection to keep colors, texture, and flexibility in salty and sunny conditions.
• Opt for an eco-friendly option that’s non-toxic, biodegradable, and free from harsh chemicals.
• An anti-microbial conditioner will stop bacteria and fungi from growing and eradicate odors.

To use the conditioner, rinse your wetsuit in fresh water after use. Fill a tub with cool water and add the specified amount of conditioner. Let it soak for 5-10 minutes, making sure it’s fully immersed. Rinse again and hang the wetsuit in a shady spot to dry. Avoid hot water, bleach, or solvents as they can weaken the neoprene and cause fading and cracking.

Storing the Wetsuit Properly

Properly storing your spearfishing wetsuit ensures that it not only lasts longer but also performs to its fullest potential. In this section, we will explore the importance of storing your wetsuit correctly, including both short-term and long-term storage options. Within this section, we will also cover two essential sub-sections:

1. repairing small tears and holes
2. using a wetsuit conditioner

By following these steps, your wetsuit will be ready to perform and provide comfort the next time you take to the water!

FAQs about How To Properly Clean And Care For Your Spearfishing Wetsuit

How often should I clean my spearfishing wetsuit?

You should rinse your wetsuit immediately after use and then fully clean it after every 4-5 uses or at least once a month during heavy use periods.

What’s the best way to clean my spearfishing wetsuit?

The best way is to soak it in a mild solution of wetsuit cleaner or detergent and water for 30 minutes, then rinse thoroughly with fresh water and hang it to dry inside out in the shade.

Can I machine wash my spearfishing wetsuit?

No, you should never put your wetsuit in a washing machine or dryer as the agitation and heat can damage the neoprene and other materials.

How long does a spearfishing wetsuit last with proper cleaning and care?

A well-cared-for wetsuit can last for years, with proper cleaning after each use and storage in a cool, dry place away from sunlight and sharp objects.

Should I use fabric softener on my spearfishing wetsuit?

No, fabric softener can damage the neoprene and impair the suit’s insulation and buoyancy properties, so it’s best to avoid using it.

Can I use bleach to clean my spearfishing wetsuit?

No, bleach can cause irreparable damage to the neoprene and other materials in the suit, so it’s best to stick to mild detergents and cleaners specifically designed for wetsuits.