Wetsuit Care and Maintenance Guide (UK)
Complete wetsuit care guide for UK divers. Rinsing, drying, storage, repairs for cold water suits. Make your 5mm/7mm wetsuit last 5+ years with proper maintenance.
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Take Our QuizA quality wetsuit costs around £250-400. With proper care, it lasts 3-5 years of regular UK diving. Neglect it, and you're buying another in 18 months. Here's how to maximise your investment.
Post-Dive Rinse: Essential
After every UK dive:
1. Rinse outside first to remove sand and debris.
2. Turn inside out and soak in fresh cool water for 10-15 minutes.
3. Pay attention to zippers, seals, and seams where salt accumulates.
4. For shore dives with mud or silt, pre-rinse at site, then thorough clean at home.
5. Never use hot water. Heat damages neoprene.
UK diving means salt water. Salt crystals left in neoprene accelerate degradation and cause that distinctive unwashed-wetsuit smell.
Monthly Deep Clean
Every month during active diving season:
1. Fill bathtub with cool fresh water.
2. Add wetsuit shampoo (around £8-15 for a bottle lasting months).
3. Soak suit inside out for 15-20 minutes.
4. Gently agitate to release trapped residue.
5. Rinse thoroughly in fresh water.
6. Dry completely before storage.
Wetsuit shampoo maintains neoprene flexibility and removes body oils that degrade material. Regular cleaning extends suit life significantly.
Proper Drying
UK climate makes drying challenging:
Hang inside out on wide plastic hanger in ventilated area.
Allow 24-48 hours for complete drying. UK humidity extends this.
Never use radiators, tumble dryers, or direct sunlight.
Once inside is dry, turn right-side out and hang for another 12-24 hours.
Check carefully before storage. Any trapped moisture causes mould and smell.
Storage Between Dives
Short-term (days): Dry completely, store on wide hanger or loosely folded.
Season storage: Clean thoroughly, dry completely, hang on padded wide hanger in cool, dark, dry space. Bedroom wardrobe works well.
Avoid: Folding (creases damage neoprene), car boot storage, damp garages, direct sunlight.
Zipper Maintenance
Back zippers fail more often than any other wetsuit component.
After rinsing: Run zipper open and closed several times to prevent salt crystal buildup.
Monthly: Apply zipper lubricant or beeswax to both sides of teeth.
Before each dive: Check zipper pulls and stitching for wear.
Cost of zipper replacement: Around £80-150. Cost of prevention: minutes per month.
Small Repairs
Handle small tears immediately. They grow rapidly once started.
For punctures and small tears:
1. Clean and dry the area completely.
2. Apply neoprene cement to both surfaces.
3. Wait until tacky (5-10 minutes).
4. Press firmly together and hold for 2-3 minutes.
5. Allow 24 hours cure before use.
Repair kits cost around £10-15 from UK dive shops. They're worth having in your kit bag.
When to Replace
Consider replacement when:
Neoprene has lost significant flexibility (feels stiff, doesn't stretch)
Multiple repairs are failing
Seals no longer maintain seal (water flushing constantly)
Fit has degraded (stretched out, uncomfortable)
Suit no longer keeps you warm
A well-maintained suit lasts 3-5 years of 30-50 dives annually. Some divers get longer; it depends on care quality.
Seasonal UK Considerations
Spring: Full clean before season. Check all seals and repairs.
Summer: Regular post-dive rinse. Monthly deep clean during active diving.
Autumn: Deep clean before storage. Repair any damage.
Winter: Store properly. Check monthly for mould.
Our Recommendation
Invest 10 minutes after each dive in proper rinse routine. Monthly deep clean during diving season. Store correctly. Your wetsuit represents a significant investment. Protecting it costs only time.
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Start the QuizFrequently Asked Questions
How should I rinse my wetsuit after UK diving?
Rinse your wetsuit inside and out with fresh water immediately after UK dives. Fill a large container with cool water, turn suit inside out and soak for 10-15 minutes to remove salt, silt and organic matter common in British waters. Pay special attention to zippers, seals, and seams. For UK shore diving where suits get muddy, pre-rinse at the dive site then thoroughly clean at home. Use wetsuit shampoo monthly to maintain neoprene flexibility.
What is the best way to dry a wetsuit in the UK climate?
Hang wetsuits inside-out on wide plastic hangers in a well-ventilated area away from direct sunlight and heat sources. UK's damp climate means drying can take 24-48 hours - ensure complete drying before storing to prevent mould. Never use radiators, tumble dryers, or direct sunlight as these damage neoprene. In winter, use a dehumidified room or garage. Once the outside is dry, turn right-side out and hang for another 12-24 hours.
How should I store my wetsuit between UK dive seasons?
For off-season storage (if you don't dive UK winter), clean and thoroughly dry your wetsuit, then hang on a wide padded hanger in a cool, dark, dry place. Avoid folding as creases damage neoprene permanently. Don't store in garages where temperature fluctuates wildly or in damp sheds common in UK properties. A bedroom wardrobe is ideal. Check monthly for mould - UK humidity can cause issues even in stored suits. Never store wet or damp.
Can I repair small tears in my wetsuit myself?
Yes, small tears and punctures in wetsuits can be repaired at home using neoprene glue or repair patches available from UK dive shops (£5-15). Clean and dry the area thoroughly, apply neoprene cement to both surfaces, wait until tacky (5-10 minutes), then press firmly together. For UK diving where thermal protection is critical, repair even small damage promptly. Major tears, seam separations, or zipper damage should be professionally repaired (£20-50 at UK dive shops).
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