Wetsuit Accessories

Rinsing — after every use without exception
Salt water and chlorine both degrade neoprene over time, accelerating cracking of the rubber and breakdown of the seams. Rinsing your wetsuit thoroughly with fresh water inside and out after every use removes the majority of these contaminants before they can work on the material. Turn the suit inside out to rinse the lining first — the lining is in direct contact with your skin and accumulates the most sweat, salt, and bacteria. Rinse the outside surface as well, paying attention to the zipper and any velcro tabs where salt crystals can accumulate and cause sticking. This three-minute routine after every dive is the single most impactful thing you can do for wetsuit longevity.

Wetsuit shampoo — deeper cleaning
Revivex Wetsuit and Drysuit Shampoo is a purpose-formulated cleanser that removes accumulated salt residue, chlorine buildup, and the bacteria that cause persistent odor — things that a fresh water rinse alone cannot fully address. Use it at the end of a dive trip, at the end of each season, and whenever the suit begins to develop odor. Soak the suit in a diluted solution, agitate gently, and rinse thoroughly. The Stream2Sea Gear Wash provides the same cleaning function in a reef-safe, biodegradable formula — relevant if you are environmentally conscious about what goes down the drain after washing your suit. Neither shampoo should be used as a substitute for daily fresh water rinsing — they are periodic deep-clean products.

Drying and storage
Never store a wetsuit while it is still damp — moisture trapped in a folded or compressed suit leads to mildew growth and a persistent odor that is very difficult to remove. Hang the suit on a wide, padded wetsuit hanger immediately after rinsing — inside out first to dry the lining, then right-side out once the inside is dry. A wire hanger concentrates all the weight of the suit at a narrow point on the shoulder, cutting into the neoprene and creating a permanent crease. A wetsuit hanger with wide padded arms distributes the weight evenly and maintains the shape of the shoulder. Store in a cool, dry, ventilated space away from direct sunlight and any ozone source such as electric motors or fluorescent lights.

Zipper care
The zipper is often the first part of a wetsuit to become stiff or difficult to operate. Sand and salt crystals pack into the zipper teeth and prevent smooth movement. After rinsing, work the zipper back and forth several times with fresh water still on it to flush the teeth. Allow to dry fully before storing with the zipper open or partially open — never compressed tightly closed under tension. Before each dive season, clean the teeth with a soft brush and apply a silicone lubricant or beeswax to restore smooth operation. A stiff zipper that is forced rather than lubricated will eventually pull the teeth apart or separate the tape from the suit material — both are expensive repairs on a quality wetsuit.