How to dry a wetsuit
Wearing a wetsuit is essential for any water sport enthusiast, providing warmth and protection against the elements. However, it is important to take proper care of your wetsuit after each use to ensure its longevity. One of the most critical steps in wetsuit maintenance is the proper drying process.
When a wetsuit is not dried correctly, it can develop an unpleasant odor, and mold and mildew can form. Drying a wetsuit may seem simple, but there are several key factors to consider to avoid any damage and extend the life of your wetsuit.
The first step in drying a wetsuit is to gently rinse it with fresh water. This helps remove any salt or chlorine that may have accumulated during use. It is important to use cool or lukewarm water and avoid using any harsh chemicals or soaps, as these can damage the neoprene material of the wetsuit.
After rinsing, gently squeeze the excess water out of the wetsuit. Avoid wringing or twisting the wetsuit, as this can weaken the seams and stretch the fabric. Instead, use a gentle squeezing motion starting from the top and working your way down to remove as much water as possible. Once most of the water has been removed, it’s time to hang the wetsuit to dry.
Proper Steps for Drying a Wetsuit
After a fun day in the water, it is important to properly dry your wetsuit to maintain its quality and extending its lifespan. Follow these steps to ensure your wetsuit dries effectively:
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1. Rinse Before you dry your wetsuit, rinse it thoroughly with fresh water. This will remove any salt, sand, or dirt that may have accumulated. Make sure to clean both the inside and outside of the suit. |
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2. Hang Dry Hanging your wetsuit properly is crucial. Using a thick, padded hanger specifically designed for wetsuits, hang your wetsuit in a well-ventilated area, away from direct sunlight. Improper hanging can damage the suit, so make sure to hang it by its waistline to avoid stretching the shoulders. |
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3. Flip Inside Out To ensure both sides of the wetsuit dry evenly, flip it inside out after the initial drying phase. This allows air to circulate on both the inside and outside surfaces, ensuring thorough drying. |
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4. Avoid Direct Heat While it may be tempting to speed up the drying process by using a heater or radiator, direct heat can damage neoprene. Instead, allow your wetsuit to air dry naturally at room temperature; this may take some time, but it is safer for your wetsuit. |
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5. Turn Occasionally Throughout the drying process, turn your wetsuit occasionally to expose all parts of it to air. This will help prevent any moisture from getting trapped, ensuring your wetsuit dries thoroughly. |
Rinse off the Wetsuit
After each use, it is essential to rinse off your wetsuit to remove any dirt, sand, and saltwater. Rinse it thoroughly with fresh water to ensure it is clean and free from debris. You can do this by filling a large bucket or a bathtub with water and gently swirling the wetsuit around. Alternatively, you can use a hose or a showerhead to rinse off the wetsuit.
Make sure to turn the wetsuit inside out while rinsing to clean the interior surface as well. Pay special attention to the zippers, seams, and attachments to remove any accumulated dirt or salt. Rub the neoprene material gently to remove any stubborn stains or odors.
Do not use any harsh detergents, bleach, or chemicals while rinsing the wetsuit as it can damage the neoprene and degrade its lifespan. Stick to simple freshwater rinsing to preserve the quality and longevity of your wetsuit.
Once you have thoroughly rinsed off the wetsuit, gently squeeze out the excess water from the neoprene material. Do not wring or twist the wetsuit as it can cause damage. Instead, press the wetsuit against a smooth surface, such as the edge of a bathtub or a clean towel, to remove excess water.
Now that the wetsuit is properly rinsed and excess water is removed, it is ready for the drying process.
Hang the Wetsuit in a Well-Ventilated Area
After rinsing your wetsuit, it is important to hang it up to dry in a well-ventilated area. This will allow air to circulate and help remove any trapped moisture, preventing the growth of mold and mildew.
Find a sturdy, non-metal hanger that is wide enough to support the shoulders of the wetsuit. Avoid using wire hangers or narrow hangers, as they can distort the shape of the suit and cause unnecessary stress on the material.
Choose a spot to hang the wetsuit where there is plenty of airflow, such as a clothesline or a garage with an open door or window. Do not hang it directly in the sun, as prolonged exposure to sunlight can damage the neoprene material.
Hang the wetsuit upside down, with the legs or trousers hanging freely. This will help the suit dry evenly and prevent it from stretching out of shape. If you have a wetsuit hanger with a built-in hook for hanging the trousers separately, use it to ensure optimal drying.
Do not hang the wetsuit on sharp or rough surfaces that could puncture or damage the neoprene.
Check on the wetsuit periodically to make sure it is drying properly. If you notice any areas that are still wet or damp, gently pat them dry with a towel before allowing the suit to continue air drying.
Be patient, as it could take several hours or even a couple of days for the wetsuit to fully dry, depending on the thickness of the neoprene and the humidity level in the room. Rushing the drying process by using direct heat sources like heaters or hair dryers can damage the wetsuit.
Alternative Method: Drying Inside Out
If you prefer, you can also turn the wetsuit inside out before hanging it to dry. This method can help speed up the drying process since the moisture on the inside will be exposed to the air.
Please note that turning the wetsuit inside out should only be done if the outside is completely dry and you are comfortable doing so. It is generally recommended to hang the wetsuit right-side out first and only use the inside-out method if necessary.
Flip the Wetsuit Inside Out
After rinsing and squeezing out the excess water from your wetsuit, the next step in the drying process is to flip the wetsuit inside out. This step is important because it allows better airflow and ventilation, ensuring that both the inside and outside of the wetsuit dry thoroughly.
To flip the wetsuit inside out, start by turning it upside down so that the neck opening is pointing toward the ground. Slowly peel the wetsuit off your body in a controlled manner, making sure not to stretch or force it. Once the wetsuit is inside out, carefully inspect each part to ensure that no areas are still damp or have any lingering sand or debris.
After confirming that the wetsuit is clean and free of any remaining water, gently shake it to remove any excess moisture. Be careful not to vigorously shake the wetsuit, as this can stretch the material or cause it to lose its shape.
Once you have thoroughly shaken out the excess water, lay the wetsuit flat on a clean surface. Smooth out any wrinkles or folds to help facilitate the drying process. If you have access to direct sunlight, place the wetsuit outdoor in a sunny spot. The UV rays from the sun will help to further expedite the drying process.
However, if you do not have access to sunlight, placing the wetsuit in a well-ventilated room or using a fan to circulate the air around it can also be effective. Remember to flip the wetsuit halfway through the drying time to ensure that both the inside and outside are exposed to the air equally.
It is crucial to allow sufficient time for the wetsuit to completely dry before storing it away. Depending on the weather conditions and the thickness of the material, it typically takes around 24 to 48 hours for a wetsuit to dry completely.
By taking the time to flip your wetsuit inside out and allowing it to dry thoroughly, you will not only help to maintain its quality and longevity but also enjoy a comfortable and fresh wetsuit every time you hit the water.
Avoid Direct Sunlight
When drying your wetsuit, it is important to avoid direct sunlight. While sunlight may seem like a natural choice for drying, it can actually cause damage to the neoprene material of your wetsuit. The UV rays from the sun can degrade the neoprene, leading to a shorter lifespan and decreased performance of your wetsuit.
To ensure the longevity of your wetsuit, it’s best to dry it in a well-ventilated, shaded area. A cool, dry, and shaded location will help to protect the neoprene from the harmful effects of UV rays. If you don’t have access to a shaded area, you can cover your wetsuit with a light-colored towel or clothing to provide some protection.
Avoid hanging your wetsuit in direct sunlight for extended periods of time, especially if the temperature is high. High temperatures combined with direct sunlight can accelerate the degradation process of the neoprene, causing it to become stiff and less flexible. Additionally, excessive exposure to sunlight can also cause colors to fade.
By avoiding direct sunlight and opting for a shaded drying area, you can help extend the lifespan of your wetsuit and maintain its performance over time.
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