How do I clean and maintain my Neoprene Wetsuit? Can I wash my wetsuit in a washing machine?

Nothing works without a proper neoprene wetsuit when diving, because only this special material is as perfect for water sports as no other.

Neoprene, which is essentially foamed rubber with special additives that make it more elastic and durable, is the best choice for wetsuits and other water sports suits. It does not absorb water, provides excellent thermal insulation, and, thanks to suitable additives, is both elastic and comfortable while being highly durable. However, since this specific material is made of rubber, not cotton, wool, or other textile fibers, it should never be treated as a textile fabric, as this can cause significant damage to the material in the long run.

Neoprene suits are particularly popular among divers for their special properties and require specific care to maintain their performance. A well-maintained neoprene suit not only prolongs its lifespan but also ensures continued comfort while wearing it. Therefore, we are happy to explain how to properly clean and care for your suit so that you can enjoy it for a long time.

Conventional cleaning agents, shampoos, or detergents are prohibited, as they can attack and permanently damage the fine structure of the material. Only use cleaning agents or shampoos specifically designed for neoprene. These are developed to prevent material damage and keep your suit elastic.

Thoroughly cleaning your wetsuit is also important to prevent the formation of fungi, mold, and unpleasant odors. Therefore, it is crucial to use special neoprene cleaning agents such as Mirazyme or Wetsuit Shampoo, which effectively clean the suit and remove and neutralize plankton, fungi, chlorine, or saltwater.

Avoid heavy mechanical stress and hot water. Your wetsuit should not be washed in the washing machine (even on the gentle cycle) and should also not be spun. Improper treatment of the material would lead to irreparable damage to the suit. At best, it would cause the trapped air bubbles in the neoprene, which make the material elastic and provide a certain thickness, to burst, resulting in a thinner wetsuit. In plain terms, putting a 5mm wetsuit into the washing machine would leave you with a 3mm wetsuit after the wash cycle.

Careful hand washing with clean fresh water after each use is sufficient. Never allow salt, chlorine or sea water to dry in the suit, as this can damage the material.

In addition, once or twice a year you should give him a full bath with neoprene shampoo in a larger tub, for example in the bathtub - use lukewarm or cold water.

Never dry your wetsuit in direct sunlight or at high temperatures to prevent material damage.

Never dry the wetsuit in the tumble dryer - the high temperature and mechanical stress are not good for the suit.

For storage, the wetsuit should be kept neither too cold nor too hot and should not be folded for an extended period. Instead, hang it open on a wide clothing hanger to avoid creases. You can find special wetsuit hangers in our shop.

Additionally, take care of the cuffs and zippers of your suit. Rubber or latex cuffs may occasionally need a care product or talcum powder, and you should regularly grease the zippers - you can find suitable products for these in our shop.

With these tips, your wetsuit will stay as good as new for a long time, accompany you safely through many dives and offer lasting comfort. Make sure you take proper care of your wetsuit and use our specialised products to give it optimum protection.

• Do not use detergents not specifically designated for neoprene - when in doubt, it is better to use only fresh water without any additional cleaning agents.
• Do not scrub - do not use brushes or scrubbing pads on the wetsuit - this damages the material.
• Do not soak in hot water - lukewarm water is sufficient.
• Do not wash in the washing machine and do not spin dry.
• Do not hang in direct sunlight - prolonged exposure to direct sunlight is a no-go for neoprene.
• Do not tumble dry.
• Do not store folded.
• Do not store in excessively hot or cold conditions.

For all neoprene-based diving equipment, such as gloves, booties, or hoods, the same rules apply as for the wetsuit. Rinse with fresh water after each dive and thoroughly clean a few times a year with suitable cleaning agents. You can clean these items at the same time as your wetsuit in a prepared bath with neoprene shampoo or Myrazyme, and then dry and store them accordingly.

Of course, not only your wetsuit requires regular and thorough maintenance, but also your entire diving equipment, which is heavily used during every dive. In general, for all your diving gear - clean with fresh water after each dive, never let salt or chlorine water dry on it, regularly treat with special cleaning agents and maintenance products, and store properly after drying.

For more information on individual pieces of diving equipment, read the care and cleaning recommendations in the respective equipment category.