How to Wash Wet Suits

Wash wet suits with baby shampoo.

From surfing to jet skiing, wet suits are a must for many people who participate in water sports. Wet suits are made of neoprene, which is quickly damaged by bleach, laundry detergents and other strong cleaning elements. When you purchase a wet suit, you intend to get as much use as possible out of the suit before replacing it. By washing the wet suit properly, you will make it last longer and keep it working properly.

Things You'll Need

• Baby shampoo
• Garden hose, optional

Instructions

1. Rinse off the wet suit after using it. Stand in the shower with the suit still on, or rinse it off with a garden hose.

2. Submerge the wet suit in a bathtub of warm water if you are unable to rinse it right after use. Let the wet suit soak for 1 hour in the bathtub.

3. Drain the bathtub and rinse the suit with fresh warm water.

4. Clean the wet suit more thoroughly after every four to five uses, or as needed when water alone does not clean it to your liking. Fill a bathtub with warm water and baby shampoo, using 1/2 tsp. baby shampoo per 2 gallons water.

5. Place the wet suit in the water and agitate it for 2 minutes. Flip over the wet suit and agitate it for an additional 2 minutes. Drain the bathtub and rinse the wet suit with warm water. Let the suit air-dry.

References

• Wet Suit Megastore: How to Wash a Wet Suit