How to Care for a Wetsuit — Washing, Drying & Storage
Your wetsuit is gear that'll last 5–7 years if you treat it right, or fall apart in one season if you don't. We'll walk you through the three-step routine that keeps every suit we've sold since 2003 performing like day one.
Rinse in fresh water immediately after every session, hand wash with cool water and mild soap monthly, and air dry away from direct heat and sunlight. Salt water, chlorine, and UV are neoprene killers—prevention beats repair. A suit treated this way lasts 5–7 years instead of one.
01 — PreventionRinse Right After Every Session
This is non-negotiable. The moment you get out of the water, salt crystals and minerals start eating your neoprene. Don't wait. Grab a hose, a shower, or a bucket and flush fresh water through the whole suit—inside and out.
Pay attention to the seams, armpits, and neck. Those areas trap salt the most. Spend 30 seconds rinsing each zone. If you're at a beach without a shower, any clean water works—even bottled water in a pinch. Just rinse it.
02 — Deep CleanHand Wash Every Month or Two
Rinsing stops salt damage, but hand washing removes the oils, sunscreen, and body salt that break down neoprene over time. Fill a sink or bucket with cool water (not hot—heat shrinks neoprene), add a small squirt of mild soap or dedicated wetsuit wash, and gently agitate the suit for a few minutes.
Flip it inside-out and wash the inner side the same way. Rinse thoroughly until the water runs clear. Don't wring it out or twist it—just let water drain. A suit like the Neilpryde Serene Fullsuit GBS 4/3 or 5/4 will stay supple and responsive for years if you follow this step regularly.
03 — Our picksAir Dry Away from Heat and Sunlight
Hang your suit on a wide hanger indoors, in shade, or drape it over a drying rack. UV destroys neoprene—sunlight will yellow and weaken it. Never use a tumble dryer, radiator, or direct heat. Air drying takes 24–48 hours. Once dry, fold it loosely or hang it in a cool, dark cupboard away from heaters.
Prices and 2026 specs are pulled live from each product page. Confirm on the product page before checkout.
04 — MistakesThree mistakes we see every week
Ready to invest in a wetsuit that'll last?
Browse our full range of Neilpryde and ION wetsuits, and learn how to pick the right thickness for your water temperature.
Frequently asked
Rinse after every session. Hand wash every 4–6 sessions or monthly, whichever comes first. In summer or freshwater, you can rinse only. In cold saltwater winters, wash more often.
No. Hot water shrinks neoprene. Always use cool or lukewarm water. Room-temperature water is safest.
Mild dish soap or dedicated wetsuit wash. Avoid fabric softeners, detergents, and bleach—they break down the rubber. A small squirt goes a long way.
A well-maintained suit lasts 5–7 years. Seams may need patching after 3–4 years, but the neoprene stays functional. Neglected suits fail in 1–2 seasons.
