A wetsuit is an important piece of equipment for all water sports enthusiasts who are concerned about their health and comfort. Having bought a new wetsuit, everyone probably thinks about how to care for it?
Neoprene, the material from which wetsuits are made, is a type of synthetic rubber: it is elastic, waterproof, but, like any rubber, it has the unpleasant property of breaking, stretching and sticking together. Therefore, so that it does not lose its appearance, it must be properly looked after.
How to store a wetsuit?
To prevent creases from forming on the wetsuit, it should be stored on a hanger with smooth, wide or soft shoulders, then the material will not be deformed. Folding the wetsuit is not recommended because it may cause wrinkles that may not straighten out later.
The storage temperature of wetsuits should not exceed 25°C.
If after long-term storage you find that the suit is stuck together in some places, you should never try to force the material apart, as this may ruin it. It's best to let your wetsuit soak for a day or two. To prevent sticking from occurring, before storing the wetsuit for a long time, it must be thoroughly rinsed from the inside.
Features of neoprene care
Neoprene is distinguished by high strength and durability. The material practically does not wrinkle or deform, retains heat well and provides comfort when worn or used. It is resistant to moisture and sun, frost and temperature changes. This is an environmentally friendly material that does not cause allergies.
However, neoprene does not allow air to pass through, and the skin in such clothing does not breathe. Therefore, neoprene items are not recommended to be worn in hot weather and for more than three hours a day. Despite the fact that the material does not wrinkle or deform, it reacts with solvents, acids and alkalis, and some oils.
As a result, the tissue structure is destroyed. Therefore, when cleaning neoprene, you cannot use bleaches, stain removers, or various aggressive detergents! In addition, it is important to follow a number of rules for caring for products.
When caring for neoprene, you should not:
- Wash and dry things in a machine;
- Wash the material in hot water;
- Wash products frequently;
- Use aggressive detergents, bleaches and stain removers, formulations with chlorine and acids for washing;
- Squeeze and twist the material;
- Iron and steam;
- Dry items in a vertical position;
- Dry next to or on the radiator and other heating devices.
Before washing or ironing any item, be sure to check the label. He will indicate the best way to wash, iron or dry clothes. He will tell you what you can do and what you cannot do. You can find the explanation of the symbols here. And then we will look at how to wash neoprene and how to ensure proper care for this material.
How to wash a wetsuit?
Every time after using a wetsuit in salt water, it must be rinsed in fresh water, preferably warm. Locks and zippers should be cleaned with a small brush, and after they are dry, unfasten and fasten them several times.
It is necessary to wash a wetsuit with regular powder without adding bleach, but best of all - with a special shampoo for wetsuits. With this shampoo, you can clean your wetsuit from sea salt and other contaminants both on the surface and inside. Shampoo can be purchased at any dive shop. After washing, the suit should be rinsed thoroughly so that no cleaning agents remain - this way you can avoid possible sticking during drying.
It is better to wash by hand at 30-40°C. However, washing in a machine is also allowed, on the most gentle cycle, without spinning and drying.
Features of washing and drying
Suits, dresses, coats and other items made of neoprene can only be washed by hand in cool water (+30-40ºС). A special liquid shampoo or soap for neoprene products is used as a cleaning composition. Neutral washing powder or gel without chlorine, bleaching particles and other caustic additives is also suitable.
Washing rules:
- Soak the clothes for 10-20 minutes.
- Wash items by hand first from the outside, then from the inside.
- Rinse thoroughly using lukewarm water.
- Leave things in a basin or bathtub to drain (do not wring out).
- Hang clothes horizontally to dry away from heating equipment and radiators.
Neoprene does not “shrink” after washing and does not lose its shape if you follow the care instructions. It is better to dry things in the air or in a well-ventilated area. It is important to smooth out all folds and periodically straighten things, pulling their edges.
How to dry a wetsuit?
You can dry your wetsuit like regular clothes, both outdoors and indoors. Under no circumstances should you leave it in the open scorching sun or near artificial heat sources (heating system, heaters, etc.) - high temperatures lead to the destruction of neoprene. It is best to turn the suit inside out while drying.
In addition to the above, we note that there are gadgets for drying wetsuits, such as fan hangers and other special devices.
We hope these tips will help you keep your wetsuit in great condition for as long as possible!
Washing neoprene products
First of all, it is important to find out whether neoprene can be washed and under what conditions the durability of the waterproof product will be preserved. Most manufacturers advise not to overdo laundry and do it yourself or send such items to dry cleaning only as needed.
Some items can be washed using a washing machine. But before washing a neoprene dress, you should read the recommendations and use only certified detergents without bleach. Otherwise, machine washing may cause the stitching of a neoprene fabric product to come apart, rendering it completely unusable.
Considering that neoprene is a waterproof material, it is recommended to clean clothes and other products by hand. The sequence of actions is as follows:
- A clean bathroom is filled with warm (up to 30˚C) water with a neutral detergent without bleach or special shampoo;
- The item is immersed in water and kept there for 10-15 minutes from the moment of placement;
- After draining the dirty water, rinse using a standard shower head.
Squeezing and twisting are strictly prohibited. The best option is to leave the item in a clean, empty bathroom for a certain period (from 20 to 40 minutes).
Fashion trends
In the modern world, stylish items made from thin and flexible neoprene are simply hits. This includes outerwear, cardigans and dresses. Skirts of different colors and styles: from pencil to pleating.
Pros and cons of neoprene clothing
They protect perfectly from moisture, they are free from dirt and stains, and the fabric does not wrinkle. Bacteria do not multiply, clothes last a long time, and do not fade in the sun.
The downside is that the fabric does not “breathe”, the feeling of a sauna effect. Nowadays the fabric has fewer and fewer flaws, but it’s not easy to wear a tight dress all day.
Application of material
- For lovers of underwater adventures, wetsuits made from this rubber (type HS) are incredibly durable and keep a person warm.
- In the automotive industry - tubes, hoses, rings. Products made from this material (type HHS) reduce vibration and noise. And car seat covers have the longest service life. The construction industry produces roofing materials, sheaths for various cables, etc.
- In the medical field (W type): bandages, overalls, various shoes, etc.
- For sports and tourism enthusiasts (HS type), they produce coverings for sports equipment, clothing and camping equipment (waterproof tents, clothing, etc.).
- Firefighters and emergency workers wear rubber clothing (fireproof NF type) - this is protective clothing.
- Used for consumer goods: durable cases for carrying tablets (laptops, phones), shoes, beach flip-flops. Protects equipment and shoes from water and is resistant to sunlight.
- Since 2009, for the first time, N. Ghesquière, a fashion designer, presents an unusual collection of neoprene. These clothes, fashionable shoes, and various accessories have completely transformed the concept of fashion.
Basic recommendations
To prevent wrinkles from appearing on the wetsuit, it should be stored on a regular wardrobe hanger with wide and even shoulders. This way you will prevent deformation and, as a result, damage to the product. Storing a suit in a folded state is fraught with the appearance of rough folds, which will be problematic to straighten, and in some cases impossible.
If you do not have a hanger of a suitable configuration, you can modify it yourself. For this purpose, 1.5 liter plastic bottles are used. This solution allows you to increase the surface of the support and give it a more streamlined shape. Rounded hangers eliminate the possibility of creases forming where the hanger comes into contact with the suit.
If you store your diving equipment in a closet, you need to ensure the proper microclimate in the room. The room should be well ventilated and the temperature should not exceed 25°C.
If stored for a long period of time, a neoprene wetsuit may stick together. It is not recommended to use physical force to correct this defect. Otherwise, you risk damaging the product, rendering it unusable. To straighten the suit, place it in water for 24 hours. Preparation for storing underwater clothing involves preliminary cleaning, washing and drying of its external and internal surfaces. If you plan to transport it, it is recommended to roll the suit using a roller. You can use regular newspaper as a “backing”. During transportation, the wetsuit should not wrinkle or press anything.
Main characteristics of neoprene
Neoprene is a new type of material, also known as foam rubber. To find out what neoprene fabric is, let's look at the production process. At the first stage, the raw materials are formed by kneading and rolling. Then compression, extrusion, and vulcanization occur. The mass is placed in compact blocks and divided into sheets of different thicknesses. At the final stage, the material is processed and covered with fabric.
Once it has become clear what kind of fabric neoprene is, you can consider its characteristics:
- heat preservation;
- waterproof;
- resistance to temperature changes;
- durability;
- environmental friendliness;
- safe for skin;
- resistance to chemicals;
- resistance to mechanical damage.
Fungi and mold do not form on the surface of the raw material, since the material is synthetic. The fabric is flexible, pliable and durable, since what neoprene fabric is made of is an artificial analogue of rubber.
We invite you to read why the washing machine washes but does not spin
How to care for a wetsuit for spearfishing and diving?
First, let's determine what kind of water you used the suit in: fresh or salt? Diving wetsuits are often used in salt water. If this is the case, then do not allow the suit to dry out completely and salts to be deposited - they greatly damage the neoprene. After using the suit, be sure to:
1) Check the suit for damage. Carefully examine the seams and zippers - problems discovered in time are much easier to fix than problems that are neglected. Take a look at the knee pads and elbow pads and look for possible cuts. If something is discovered, do not forget about it during washing, otherwise you may inadvertently stretch the hole even more. It is better to carry out repairs on a dry, clean surface and leave it to an experienced technician.
2) After use, rinse the wetsuit as quickly as possible with clean, fresh water. If necessary, use neutral hypoallergenic (!) soap. The neutral pH level allows you to wash it safely for the suit, and the hypoallergenic properties of the soap guarantee you comfort and safety during use. There are known cases of unexpected occurrence of allergies due to extensive skin contact with an inaccurately washed suit, previously soaped with ordinary soap. In addition to simple soap, there are special gels and shampoos for the care of wetsuits; they are ideal and guarantee safety. One of the options for such shampoos is Wet & Dry Suit Shampoo from Best Divers.
Rinse the detergent well before drying and storing. First of all, it will bring fewer problems for the skin. This will also prevent the suit from sticking together during long-term storage.
3) Dry the suit by hanging it on a hanger. Ideally, first turn it inside out and dry it from the inside, then turn it inside out again (this time with the outside out) and dry it until the bitter end.
Do not dry the wetsuit in direct sunlight - this will lead to loss of its properties and unraveling of the seams. Neoprene can overheat and float, or simply lose its insulating qualities. Do not dry your wetsuit on heaters or radiators.
A few words about the hangers themselves:
The wetsuit can be hung either on regular hangers or on specialized ones. Ideally, of course, use a special hanger that allows you to neatly hang your jacket and wetsuit pants. There are a lot of options for such hangers. One of the most delicious offers is the O.ME.R Wetsuit Hanger. Wetsuit hanger. The advantage of such a hanger is that it allows you to correctly place the hood of your jacket. If this is not done, there is a risk of jamming it and experiencing serious discomfort during operation (for example, cold water will circulate through a jammed face seal).
If you don’t have a special hanger, then you need to hang the jacket upside down, fastening it with a “beaver tail” (this is the part of the jacket that goes between your legs) directly on the crossbar of the hanger. Pants with straps are actually attached to the hanger by the same straps. If there is a problem with the straps, then the pants cling to special loops provided on the belt of most pants. If you are unlucky here, just throw your pants over the crossbar, nothing will happen to them.
I would also like to mention such an interesting accessory as the Underwater Kinetics (UK) HangAir hanger. This is a high-tech drying system for wetsuits and equipment that allows you to dry everything you need very quickly and enjoy dryness and freshness. A wetsuit that would normally take a couple of days to dry can easily be dried in 2-3 hours.
4) Store the suit hanging. This way, nothing will get jammed or pinched. Ideally, it is best to store it in a cool, dark place with a temperature no higher than 25 degrees.
A good idea would be to keep it as far away as possible from sharp objects, hooks, corners and any other protruding parts of the interior, on which you can hook the wetsuit and then shed a few tears over the stupidly torn suit. We have already written above how to hang it correctly. This is the only normal storage position that will not cause creases or damage to the properties of the suit. If there is a chance that something might blur out or get dirty on the suit during storage, or it might become dusty, it is better to put some kind of bulky plastic body bag on top of it.
All of these recommendations, for the most part, are suitable for both caring for a wetsuit and maintaining a dry suit. However, there are a few “buts”:
Due to the specific design, maintenance of the drysuit zipper is very important. To maintain its water-repellent properties, zippers require special treatment. The main care product can be called paraffin or wax pencils, for example, such as the Best Divers Zip Wax Wetsuit Pencil. Additionally, it is a good idea to use Best Divers Zip Care to clean and lubricate zippers.
Wetsuit cuffs must be covered with talcum powder at all times. Otherwise, they quickly become unusable from constant contact with the human body. The specific material reacts poorly to skin secretions. Manufacturers of diving equipment are well aware of the needs of their customers and, in order to ease the pain of searching, they themselves package and produce good mineral talc, for example Best Divers ProTalcum.
Keep your suit dry and clean as much as possible. No seriously. Using it more carefully and not getting it dirty is a direct path to washing it less often. However, it is still worth carrying out maintenance, salty and dirty water has never made anyone better.
We remind you once again that proper care of a wetsuit for spearfishing and diving, or a dry wetsuit, guarantees its durability and reliability. Don't push your luck.
Detergents
The fabric can be washed with chlorine-free products
Recently, foam rubber is often used in tailoring trendy items.
This is not at all surprising, since the fabric does not shrink, does not wrinkle, retains its shape elegantly, and has dirt-repellent and powerful waterproof properties.
The material requires special care; many people prefer dry cleaning. If washing is carried out at home, it is advisable to use neutral products that do not contain chlorine.
Basically, baby gel, regular soap, or a solution based on it are suitable. It is recommended to use a specialized shampoo designed for cleaning wetsuits.
Bleaching Neoprene Fabric
Neoprene is a special type of rubber that is covered with fabric, most often cotton and viscose are used. This is a modern, fashionable, comfortable, practical, high-tech material.
The product will retain its unique properties and will last for many years if you care for it properly.
For such purposes, it is strictly prohibited to remove stains, bleach, wring out, twist, or use chlorine-containing products.
Drying
Neoprene products may only be dried horizontally. Preferably outdoors, but possible in a ventilated area.
It is prohibited to use additional heat sources - heaters, hot air - in the process. It is important to ensure that the product is not exposed to direct sunlight.
Thanks to the horizontal position, all moisture drains away and ensures complete, uniform drying, including stitches and seams.
The use of heaters and exposure to heat disrupts the amazing properties of matter.
