How Do You Use Wetsuit Cleaner?
Using wetsuit cleaner is a simple yet vital process for maintaining your wetsuit's hygiene and extending its lifespan. It primarily involves a four-step method of preparing, cleaning, soaking, and rinsing.
Step-by-Step Guide to Cleaning Your Wetsuit Effectively
To ensure your wetsuit remains in optimal condition and free from odors and residues, follow these precise steps when using a dedicated wetsuit cleaner:
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Prepare Your Cleaning Solution
- Gather Materials: Start by collecting your wetsuit cleaner and a suitable tub large enough to fully submerge your wetsuit.
- Mix Solution: Fill the tub with cool water. Then, add the wetsuit cleaner to the water and stir it well until the cleaner is evenly dispersed throughout the water, creating your cleaning bath.
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Ready and Submerge the Wetsuit
- Open Zippers: Before placing your wetsuit into the solution, open all its zippers. This allows the cleaner to access all interior areas and prevent tension on the zippers during cleaning.
- Turn Inside Out: Next, turn the wetsuit inside out. This ensures the side that directly contacts your skin, which accumulates sweat, oils, and body residues, gets the most thorough cleaning.
- Submerge Fully: Once prepared, submerge the entire wetsuit into the cool water and cleaner solution. Make sure it is fully immersed so that all parts can be cleaned.
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Clean and Soak the Suit
- Knead In Cleaner: With the wetsuit submerged, actively knead the cleaner into the suit material. This manual action helps the cleaning agents penetrate the neoprene and fabric, effectively breaking down salt, chlorine, organic matter, and odors.
- Allow to Sit: After kneading, let the wetsuit sit in the solution for a while. This soaking period allows the cleaner sufficient time to work its magic, deep-cleaning the material and neutralizing unpleasant smells.
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Rinse and Dry Thoroughly
- Rinse with Cool Water: Once the soaking is complete, remove the wetsuit from the cleaning solution. Thoroughly rinse it with cool water until all traces of the cleaner are gone. Residual cleaner can irritate skin or degrade the wetsuit material over time.
- Hang to Dry: Finally, hang it up to dry. It's best to hang your wetsuit in a well-ventilated area, away from direct sunlight, which can cause neoprene to become brittle. Ensure it's hung properly to prevent stretching or creasing.
By diligently following these steps, you can effectively clean your wetsuit, eliminating salt, chlorine, and odors, thereby preserving its flexibility and extending its useful life.
