Neoprene is durable, but it is not indestructible. Salt, sand, UV exposure, and poor storage habits break it down faster than most divers and surfers expect. Knowing how to dry and store a wetsuit correctly is what separates gear that lasts a decade from gear that stiffens and cracks after a single season. The steps below cover everything from the first rinse to off season storage, so your wetsuit stays flexible, fresh, and ready every time you suit up.
The Original Tough Hook Hanger is rated to 200 lbs with wide reinforced shoulders that keep neoprene from stretching while it dries.
The Complete Guide to Drying and Storing a Wetsuit
Each step below builds on the last. Skipping one, even the rinse, creates problems that compound over time and shorten the life of the material significantly.
Rinse Immediately After Every Session
Rinsing after every use is the single most important step in wetsuit maintenance. Salt crystals, sand, and debris embed themselves into neoprene seams and accelerate material breakdown if left to dry in place. Turn the wetsuit inside out and rinse thoroughly with fresh, cold water since warm or hot water weakens neoprene over time. Pay close attention to the zipper, as salt and grit accumulate there and cause corrosion. If you are between dives, rinse during surface intervals rather than waiting until the end of the day. Consistent rinsing after every use is far more effective for odor control than attempting to fix buildup after the fact. PADI recommends rinsing as the single most important habit for extending neoprene lifespan.
Begin Drying Inside Out
Once rinsed, keep the wetsuit inside out before hanging. The interior lining retains moisture more than the exterior, so exposing it to airflow first allows it to dry fully before you flip the suit to finish the outside. Drying in stages prevents the kind of trapped moisture that leads to persistent odors and bacterial growth. Always choose a shaded and well ventilated area. Direct sunlight causes UV degradation that makes neoprene brittle even after a single drying session. Avoid folding during this stage, as even temporary folds can leave permanent creases in neoprene that affect fit and flexibility.
Choose the Right Hanger, Not Wire
Hanging method has a bigger impact on wetsuit shape than most people realize. Wire hangers concentrate the full weight of wet neoprene at a single point, creating shoulder distortion that compounds with every use. A wide shouldered hanger distributes weight evenly across the upper body, keeping the suit in its natural shape while it dries. If you are using a standard plastic hanger, wrapping pipe insulation around the bar adds cushioning that reduces stress on the material. The suit can also be draped in half over a wide beam or rafter if a proper hanger is not available. Before investing in new gear hangers, read this hanger buying guide to understand what to look for in terms of shoulder width and weight capacity.
Storing multiple wetsuits or a full dive kit requires a hanger built for sustained weight. The RHINO Hanger handles serious loads without bending or deforming over time.
Clean Before Any Extended Storage
A rinse removes surface debris, but a proper clean is necessary before storing the wetsuit for more than a few days. Open all zippers, keep the suit inside out, and submerge it in a tub or bucket with cool or lukewarm water and a wetsuit specific cleaner. Standard household detergents strip neoprene’s natural oils and should be avoided entirely. Knead the suit gently to work the solution into every section, then rinse with cool water until all residue is gone. Never wring or twist the wetsuit. Press gently or allow it to drip dry. Heavy duty hangers for gear storage keep the suit fully extended during this stage rather than bunched, which speeds up drying and prevents new creases from forming.
Short Term Storage Between Sessions
For storage between sessions, a well ventilated indoor space is the right environment. A closet with airflow protects the wetsuit from UV exposure while allowing any residual moisture to continue evaporating. Store it flat or on a wide hanger and never fold it or compress it into a tight space. Compression stresses the seams and leaves crease lines that can become permanent. Sealed or cramped storage also creates conditions that allow mold and odors to develop. closet organization with hangers makes it easier to keep wetsuits and other gear properly supported and accessible without overcrowding the space.
Long Term Storage for the Off Season
Off season storage requires a few additional steps. Begin with a thorough wash using wetsuit shampoo to clear all residue, then allow the suit to dry completely since any remaining moisture will cause mold or mildew to develop during extended storage. Hang it on a wide shouldered hanger in a cool, dry indoor space and keep it away from direct sunlight, heat sources, and sharp objects. Never fold or crease the neoprene during long term storage, as fold lines can crack the material over months. A light application of talc helps control interior moisture. The same principles that apply to storing weighted vests and other heavy structured gear hold true here. Proper support, dry conditions, and ventilation are what preserve material integrity over time.
Frequently Asked Questions
These are the questions that come up most often around wetsuit care, drying, and storage.
Can I use a hairdryer to speed up drying my wetsuit?
No. Heat from a hairdryer dries neoprene too quickly and unevenly, which causes cracking and permanent stiffness. Air drying in a shaded, well ventilated area is the correct method even if it takes longer.
How do I remove odors from a wetsuit without a full wash?
A wetsuit specific deodorizer applied after rinsing will neutralize odors without requiring a full cleaning cycle. Products formulated for neoprene will not degrade the material the way standard fabric sprays or household fresheners can.
Is it safe to use fabric softener on a wetsuit?
No. Fabric softener degrades neoprene by breaking down its structure, leading to tears, mildew, and a shortened lifespan. Always use a wetsuit specific cleaner or very mild soap and rinse thoroughly to remove all residue.
Can a wetsuit be dried in a tumble dryer on low heat?
No. Even low heat combined with the mechanical agitation of a dryer is damaging to neoprene. The material weakens significantly under these conditions. Air drying is the only safe method for preserving a wetsuit’s integrity.
How often should I deep clean my wetsuit?
Every couple of months is appropriate for regular users, or whenever the suit develops stiffness or persistent odor. Consistent rinsing after every use will reduce how often a full deep clean becomes necessary.
Treat Your Wetsuit Right and It Will Last for Years
The gap between a wetsuit that holds up for a decade and one that falls apart after two seasons comes down to consistent care habits. Rinsing, drying correctly, using the right hanger, cleaning before storage, and keeping the suit in a ventilated space all add up to real and measurable longevity. Start with the hanger, since a wide shouldered option rated for actual gear weight is the foundation of the entire storage routine, and the rest of the process becomes straightforward from there.