How to Maintain and Store Your Wetsuit for Longevity

A wetsuit is more than just a piece of gear;it’s a second skin that allows you to dive deeper, paddle farther, and stay warm in conditions that would otherwise be unbearable. At Eastern Sports, we know that purchasing a wetsuit is an investment, whether you are outfitting yourself for scuba diving, snorkeling, surfing, paddling, or open-water swimming.

Wetsuits are built from neoprene, a durable yet delicate material that offers insulation by trapping a thin layer of water against your body and preventing heat loss. When treated well, neoprene can maintain its flexibility and insulating qualities for years. When neglected, it can stiffen, tear, or lose its shape in a fraction of that time. That’s why wetsuit maintenance and proper storage are not optional;they are essential practices for anyone who wants to get the most from their gear.

The Importance of Wetsuit Maintenance

When you pull a brand-new wetsuit out of its packaging, it feels smooth, flexible, and odor-free. That condition does not last long if the suit isn’t cared for properly. Every time you wear it, your wetsuit comes into contact with salt water, chlorine, sunscreen, body oils, sand, and even microscopic organisms. Left untreated, these substances degrade neoprene, weaken stitching, and create unpleasant smells that linger.

Neglect also affects performance. A stiff wetsuit is harder to put on and restricts movement. A stretched-out neckline or frayed wrist cuff lets water flush through, making it impossible to stay warm. The cost of a replacement wetsuit, whether a 7mm cold-water suit or a lightweight shorty, can be significant, especially if you are diving or paddling often. Regular upkeep ensures you get maximum return on your investment.

Cleaning Your Wetsuit the Right Way

The most important step in wetsuit care is rinsing after every use. This may sound simple, but it makes the difference between a suit that lasts a season and one that lasts for years. Freshwater rinsing removes salt crystals that can harden and cut into neoprene, chlorine that dries out the material, and sand or grit that causes abrasion. Even if you are exhausted after a long day in the water, taking two minutes to rinse your wetsuit thoroughly will extend its life dramatically.

A casual rinse, however, is only part of the process. Over time, body oils, sweat, and microorganisms accumulate inside the suit. This is why odor becomes an issue for many divers and surfers. To combat this, periodic deep cleaning is essential. Instead of reaching for household detergent, which is too harsh and will strip neoprene of its protective qualities, you should use a cleaner specifically designed for wetsuits. These solutions gently lift grime, neutralize bacteria, and refresh the material without weakening seams.

When cleaning, soak your wetsuit in cool water mixed with the cleaner, gently massage the areas that absorb the most sweat, and rinse it thoroughly afterward. This not only prevents odor but restores flexibility, leaving the neoprene soft and comfortable against your skin.

Drying: Avoiding the Common Mistakes

How you dry your wetsuit is just as important as how you clean it. Many beginners make the mistake of leaving their wetsuit draped over a fence in the sun or, worse, tossing it in a clothes dryer. Heat is neoprene’s greatest enemy. Direct sunlight, heaters, or dryers can cause permanent loss of elasticity, leaving the suit brittle and prone to cracks.

Instead, wetsuits should always be air-dried in the shade. Turn the suit inside out first so that the interior dries fully before moisture can turn into mildew. Once the inside is dry, flip it back to finish the exterior. The process may take longer than a quick blast of heat, but it preserves the material’s flexibility.

The way you hang the suit also matters. Using a thin wire hanger concentrates pressure on a small area, which stretches the shoulders and creates permanent creases. A wide, contoured hanger distributes weight evenly and prevents deformities. Some divers prefer to fold their wetsuit at the waist and hang it over a bar, which also avoids stretching.

Storage: Preparing for the Off-Season

During the season, your wetsuit is in regular rotation, which makes cleaning and drying part of your routine. But at the end of a trip or when the water turns too cold, many wetsuits end up shoved into a closet or car trunk, where they remain forgotten until the next outing. Improper storage is a leading cause of premature wetsuit failure.

Before putting your wetsuit away for weeks or months, always give it a thorough rinse and deep clean. Allow it to dry completely, both inside and out. Even small traces of moisture can lead to mildew growth in storage. Choose a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight;basements and attics are usually too damp or hot. A closet works well if you can hang the wetsuit on a wide hanger. If you must fold it, do so loosely and avoid sharp creases. Placing silica packets or a moisture absorber nearby can help prevent humidity damage.

For best results, follow these off-season storage guidelines:

• Rinse thoroughly with fresh water and use a wetsuit-safe cleaner before storage
• Dry the suit inside and out, avoiding heat and direct sunlight
• Hang on a wide, padded hanger to prevent shoulder creases, or fold loosely if hanging isn’t possible
• Store in a cool, dry space away from UV exposure, humidity, or pests
• Add silica packets or a moisture absorber to control dampness and prevent mildew
• Avoid stacking heavy items on top of the wetsuit, which can compress and damage neoprene

Handling and Repairing with Care

Another overlooked aspect of wetsuit longevity is how you handle it. Pulling too aggressively, digging fingernails into neoprene, or yanking at zippers can tear seams and puncture material. Putting on a wetsuit requires patience: gently roll it onto your arms and legs rather than tugging upward in one swift motion. Be mindful of Velcro straps or sharp gear edges that could snag the suit.

Seasonal and Environmental Considerations

Wetsuit care is not one-size-fits-all. The way you maintain your gear may change depending on the conditions you encounter and how frequently you use it.

If you live in a warm climate where a shorty wetsuit like the SEAC Sense 2.5mm is sufficient, frequent rinsing and odor control may be your biggest priorities. In colder waters where thicker suits like the NeoSport 7/5mm or Oceanic Ultra 3.2mm are common, seam inspection and drying become even more important because thicker neoprene retains more water. For divers who travel often, storing wetsuits properly while in transit - rolling them loosely with soft padding - helps avoid creases.

By adapting your care routine to your environment and season, you ensure your wetsuit performs at its best no matter where you explore.

Why Buying Quality Wetsuits Matters

Even the most meticulous maintenance cannot fully compensate for low-quality construction. That is why Eastern Sports emphasizes trusted brands and models that withstand repeated use. From full suits and shorties to hoods, boots, and gloves, our wetsuits are chosen for durability and comfort. Many of our pre-owned wetsuits are carefully inspected, giving new life to gear that still has years of performance ahead. Combined with proper care techniques, investing in quality ensures that your wetsuit lasts longer and performs better than cheaper alternatives.

The Payoff of Proper Wetsuit Care

The difference between a wetsuit that lasts two years and one that lasts ten is almost always the care it receives. Regular rinsing, deep cleaning, careful drying, mindful storage, and prompt repair add up to a wetsuit that retains its flexibility, warmth, and comfort far beyond its expected lifespan. For divers, surfers, and paddlers, this means more time enjoying the water and less time worrying about equipment.

At Eastern Sports, we believe in equipping our customers with both the gear and the knowledge they need to make the most of their adventures. By following these practices, you protect not only your wetsuit but your investment in every dive, paddle, and swim to come.

Contact Eastern Sports

Whether you are buying your first wetsuit, looking for a pre-owned option, or need accessories to keep your gear in top condition, Eastern Sports has you covered. Our team is here to answer your questions, help you choose the right wetsuit for your sport and water temperature, and provide guidance on maintenance and storage.

Explore our full selection of wetsuits, dive gear, and accessories online. You can also send us a message, and a representative will be in touch ASAP.