The Ultimate Guide to Wetsuit Maintenance in Summer

Summer heat, salt, and the intense sun in Las Canteras are your wetsuit's worst enemies. Even if the water is warmer in August, if you're using a shorty or a 2mm suit, you need to know that heat accelerates bacterial growth (causing that terrible damp smell), and UV rays crack the neoprene, making it stiff.

If you leave your wet suit in the trunk of your car in Las Palmas after a session at La Cícer, you're creating a bacteria bomb. Here is how to extend the life of your wetsuit.

Step by Step: How to Wash a Wetsuit Properly

1. The Immediate Fresh Water Rinse (The Golden Rule)

Sea salt is highly abrasive. As soon as you get out of the water, use the beach showers or a jug of fresh water at your car. Rinse the suit thoroughly. Never use hot water, as it melts the glue on the seams and ruins the panels.

2. Can You Put a Wetsuit in the Washing Machine?

No, under no circumstances should you put a wetsuit in a washing machine or dryer. The spin cycle destroys the sealed seams, and the heat permanently deforms the neoprene structure. Hand washing is the only way.

3. The Odor Killer: Wetsuit Shampoo

If your suit already smells bad, fresh water won't be enough. Soak it in a bucket of cold water with a capful of antibacterial wetsuit shampoo for 15 minutes. Never use fabric softener, bleach, or regular laundry detergent.

How to Dry and Store Your Wetsuit Without Stretching It

Drying the suit incorrectly is the most common summer mistake. Follow these guidelines to keep the elasticity intact:

🟢 Do's	🔴 Don'ts
Dry in the shade in a ventilated area	Leave it in direct sunlight (destroys rubber)
Dry inside out first	Leave the suit in a wet crumpled ball
Fold in half over a wide, thick hanger	Hang from the shoulders (it will stretch out)

Frequently Asked Questions

How do you get the bad smell out of a wetsuit?
Soak it in cold fresh water with a specialized wetsuit shampoo, rub it gently by hand, rinse it thoroughly, and let it dry inside out in the shade.

What to do if the wetsuit zipper is stuck with salt?
Apply warm fresh water to dissolve the salt crystals. Use an old toothbrush to clean the zipper teeth and apply a little special wax or silicone lubricant. Never pull it by force.

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Did your suit not survive the winter, or do you need zipper wax? Stop by the Oceanside physical store in Las Canteras. We have all the technical gear you need. And if you are visiting, check out our Surfboard and Wetsuit Rental service with top-quality, spotless gear.