The Scuba Gear Lab

Wetsuit Care and Maintenance Checklist for Divers

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Ever wondered why some divers get years out of their wetsuits while others are replacing theirs every season? In this episode, host Camila Reyes shares the hard lessons she learned after destroying her first wetsuit in under a year through improper care. She walks through the exact maintenance checklist that's kept her current suit in excellent condition for over three years, covering everything from post-dive rinsing techniques to seasonal storage mistakes that cause permanent damage. Whether you're a new diver or someone who's been winging it with wetsuit care, this episode will save you money and extend the life of your gear.

  • Salt crystals hide in seams and cause damage even when you think you've rinsed well enough — a proper rinse means turning the suit inside out and running fresh water through it for at least two minutes.
    • Hot water is one of the fastest ways to ruin a wetsuit because it breaks down both the neoprene's flexibility and the glue holding seams together.
      • That musty wetsuit smell isn't just unpleasant — it's bacteria living in the neoprene, and regular soap won't kill it. Specialized products or a white vinegar soak are needed to eliminate odor-causing bacteria.
        • Wire hangers create permanent shoulder dents in neoprene, so using a thick wetsuit hanger or draping the suit folded at the waist makes a significant difference in longevity.
          • Storing a wetsuit in plastic bags or sealed containers actually accelerates degradation because neoprene needs to breathe, and trapped moisture invites mold and mildew.
            • Treating zippers with wax before off-season storage prevents corrosion and keeps them sliding smoothly — a stuck zipper right before a dive trip is an easily avoidable frustration.

              • Read the full article: https://thescubagearlab.com/wetsuit-care-and-maintenance-checklist-for-divers

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              The Scuba Gear LabBy The Scuba Gear Lab