Properly drying your wetsuit at home is essential for its longevity and performance, preventing mildew and neoprene degradation. The key involves removing excess water, choosing the right environment, and optimizing airflow.
Drying a wetsuit at home effectively ensures it remains in top condition for many uses. Follow these steps for the best results:
1. Pre-Drying Preparation
Before hanging, it's crucial to remove as much residual water as possible.
- Rinse Thoroughly: First, rinse your wetsuit inside and out with cool fresh water immediately after use. This removes salt, chlorine, sand, and other residues that can damage the neoprene.
- Absorb Excess Water: Gently pat your wetsuit with clean, absorbent towels to soak up excess water before hanging it to dry. This significantly reduces drying time and helps prevent waterlogging.
2. Selecting the Ideal Drying Location
The environment where you hang your wetsuit plays a critical role in how quickly and safely it dries.
- Choose a Warm and Well-Ventilated Spot: After patting it dry, hang your wetsuit in a warm and well-ventilated area. Ideal locations include a spacious bathroom, a laundry room, a garage, or even outdoors on a mild, cloudy day if protected from direct sun.
- Avoid Direct Sunlight: While a warm spot is good, direct sunlight can degrade neoprene over time, making it brittle. Always opt for a shaded area.
- Ensure Good Air Circulation: A well-ventilated space prevents moisture from lingering, which can lead to mold and mildew.
3. Optimizing Airflow and Humidity
To speed up the drying process and ensure thorough drying, enhance the air movement around the wetsuit.
- Increase Airflow: Position fans near your wetsuit to circulate air, which helps moisture evaporate more quickly.
- Reduce Humidity: If your drying area is humid, use a dehumidifier. This helps to reduce the ambient humidity, making it easier for moisture to evaporate from the wetsuit's fabric. Combining fans with a dehumidifier creates an optimal drying environment.
4. Proper Hanging Technique
How you hang your wetsuit can prevent damage and ensure even drying.
- Use a Wide Hanger: Always use a wide, padded hanger designed for wetsuits or a sturdy plastic hanger. Avoid thin wire hangers, as they can crease or stretch the shoulders of the wetsuit, especially when wet and heavy.
- Hang Inside Out First: Start by hanging your wetsuit inside out. This allows the inner lining, which absorbs more moisture and is in direct contact with your body, to dry first.
- Flip After Drying: Once the inside is dry, flip the wetsuit right side out to allow the exterior to dry completely.
- Avoid Folding: Never fold a wet wetsuit as this can trap moisture and create permanent creases.
5. Patience is Key
Wetsuits can take anywhere from a few hours to a full day to dry completely, depending on their thickness and the environmental conditions. Ensure your wetsuit is bone dry before storing it to prevent mildew and unpleasant odors.
Key Tips for Wetsuit Longevity
- Never Machine Wash or Dry: The high heat and harsh tumbling of washing machines and dryers can severely damage the neoprene and seams of your wetsuit.
- Store Properly: Once completely dry, store your wetsuit flat or on a wide hanger in a cool, dark, and dry place. Avoid cramming it into tight spaces.
- Avoid Harsh Chemicals: Do not use detergents, bleach, or any harsh cleaning agents on your wetsuit, as these can break down the neoprene.
By following these steps, you can effectively dry your wetsuit at home, extending its lifespan and keeping it fresh for your next adventure.
