The Best Wetsuit Cleaner And Conditioner

By Patrick Smith


Diving equipment and accessories are quite expensive, and wetsuits aren't cheap. They are exposed to all kind of things, including sweat and urine, and you simply cannot clean them by rinsing with water. There are several really good reasons for buying a good wetsuit cleaner and conditioner. Remember, this same suit touches your skin, and it is full of sand and other stuff.

The material your diving suit is made of is called neoprene. It is really sensitive to higher temperatures, and this is one of the reasons why it cannot be washed in your wash machine. For the same reason it cannot be dried in your dryer as well. So, you have to use a good cleaner and conditioner and wash it manually, in the tub, for example. Even so, you have to do it really gently.

After you rinse it, hang the suit to remove the excess water. Prepare a large towel and spread the suit on it, inside out. Leave it to dry on the towel, inside the house, and never outside, especially during day. Sun could damage your diving suit or make it more fragile. Once dry, fold the suit and put it in a large plastic bag, to protect it.

Another thing you should do occasionally is to remove the wax from problematic areas. This wax is usually gathered on some particular areas, for example on the elbows, knees and so on. It can be gently removed with an iron, but make sure not to use a steam iron, but the regular one instead. You will also need a cotton rag or some old towel.

The temperature should be adjusted on very low, for example on nylon. Now, place your suit on the table and cover the waxed area with the towel. Glide the iron over the towel. The wax will transfer on the towel. Remember that you should be very careful doing this. And another thing, you must avoid touching rubber seals and zippers. They could be damaged or melted.

When it comes to unpleasant odors, diving suits are quite yak. Urine and sweat, among other unpleasant things, leave their smell in the neoprene, and are quite hard to remove. Specially designed products will remove those ugly smells really efficiently. And this will make your diving suits not only more comfortable, but also better smelling.

The biggest problem with neoprene is that it loses its elasticity. When it is not elastic enough, it's much easier to stretch or rip it. If it is exposed to higher temperatures, it loses its elasticity faster. That's why it should be placed somewhere where it's not too hot, where it is not exposed to sun or other heat sources. Conditioners restore the elasticity and make wetsuits more comfortable and more durable.

So, if you want to keep your wetsuit in the best possible condition, make sure to buy a good cleaner and conditioner. This will be really small investment to make, and, considering the price of your diving suits, it will be worth it. You will save some money, feel more comfortable and you will also smell much better, and this is certainly something to look forward to.




About the Author: