Did you know you can make your wetsuit last longer using a cleaner and conditioner? How should you take care of your wetsuit?
Surfers usually think that if you rinse it off with fresh water and hang it in the shade, you're doing everything necessary to improve your wetsuit's durability. Well, not quite.
A good wetsuit is expensive. The investment can cost upwards of $500 (€400), so you should treat your wetsuit accordingly.
If you surf 100 days per year, it's easy to understand how much pressure you're putting on the neoprene. Salt, the sun's rays, urine, contact with sand, and frequent stretching all take a toll.
Wetsuits are always working for you, and therefore, they deserve proper treatment. That means using a particular kind of shampoo formulated for neoprene wetsuits.
Prolonging Neoprene Life
A wetsuit cleaner and conditioner is the best way to ensure your second skin will live a couple of years more.
These products work as both disinfectants and cleaning catalysts, eliminating all small offensive particles.
Remember that hot water destroys your wetsuit's flexibility, so you should never wash your wetsuit in a washing machine.
Always dry it inside out, indoors, as quickly as possible, and away from sunlight. That is to say, no ironing or dryers. And, whenever possible, store your wetsuit in a plastic bag.
Finally, remember to remove wax from the neoprene once in a while. And make sure you know how to put on a chest zip wetsuit and take it off.
Taking care of your wetsuit requires patience, but it is worth it.
You'll save hundreds of dollars/euros, year after year, and will enjoy a more comfortable wetsuit whenever you put it on.
O'Neill Wetsuit/Drysuit Cleaner And Conditioner
The O'Neill Wetsuit/Drysuit Cleaner And Conditioner is one of the best products available on the market.
It's a non-toxic, biodegradable solution that prolongs the life of your wetsuit, keeping it fresh and free from odors.
Buy: Amazon.com
Rip Curl Piss Off
Rip Curl Piss Off is a biodegradable wetsuit cleaner and disinfectant that will make your neoprene last longer and remain soft and smooth.
Buy: Amazon.com
Gear Aid Revivex Odor Eliminator
The Gear Aid Revivex Odor Eliminator is an all-natural, enzyme-based, biodegradable solution that removes odors typically associated with mold, mildew, bacteria, and algae.
Buy: Amazon.com
Jaws Slosh Wetsuit Shampoo
The Jaws Slosh Wetsuit Shampoo is an eco-friendly cleaner/conditioner free from harmful chemicals.
It removes chlorine, salt, organic residue, and residue.
Buy: Amazon.com
Pau Pilau Biological Wetsuit Cleaner
The Pau Pilau Biological Wetsuit Cleaner is an environmentally safe way to clean, deodorize, and restore your wetsuit's store-bought condition by improving its elasticity.
It penetrates the pores of the neoprene and dissects all foul-smelling organic matter.
Buy: Amazon.com
Sink The Stink Wetsuit Cleaner
The Sink The Stink Wetsuit Cleaner is a biological solution that eliminates the odors commonly found in neoprene products. It has a long shelf life.
Buy: Amazon.com
West Path Wetsuit Cleaner and Conditioner
The West Path Wetsuit Cleaner and Conditioner leaves the neoprene free of algae, bacteria, chlorine, and salt, preventing premature aging and oxidation.
It is made in the United States and is 100 percent biodegradable.
Buy: Amazon.com
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Words by Luís MP | Founder of SurferToday.com