How do you wash a dry suit?

To properly wash a dry suit, focus on both the seals and the suit itself, using appropriate cleaning agents and methods.

Cleaning Your Dry Suit

Maintaining a dry suit involves regular cleaning to prevent odors and preserve its waterproof properties. Here's a breakdown of how to do it:

Use Mild Soapy Water: Gently wash the seals with mild soapy water to remove body oils. This prevents degradation and keeps them supple.
Rinse Thoroughly: Ensure all soap residue is completely rinsed off after washing.

Use Drysuit Shampoo: Occasionally, wash both the inside and outside of your dry suit with a specialized drysuit shampoo.
Benefits of Shampoo:
- Odor Control: Drysuit shampoo, such as McNett Wet and Dry Suit Shampoo, helps prevent unpleasant odors.
- Waterproofing: It protects the waterproof properties of the suit.
Follow Instructions: Always follow the specific instructions provided with your chosen drysuit shampoo.

Rinse After Every Use: After each dive or activity, rinse your dry suit with fresh water to remove salt, sand, or other contaminants.
Dry Properly: Hang your dry suit inside out in a well-ventilated area, away from direct sunlight, to dry thoroughly.

Step	Action	Purpose
1. Seals Cleaning	Wash with mild soapy water.	Remove body oils and prevent degradation.
2. Rinse Seals	Thoroughly rinse the soapy water off the seals.	Remove all traces of soap.
3. Suit Washing	Wash both inside and out with drysuit shampoo.	Eliminate unpleasant odors and protect waterproofing properties.
4. Rinse Suit	Rinse thoroughly with fresh water.	Remove any traces of shampoo.
5. Drying	Hang the suit inside out to air dry in a well-ventilated area, away from sun.	Ensure proper drying and prevent moisture damage.

By consistently following these steps, you can extend the life of your dry suit and maintain its performance.