Wetsuit Care and Maintenance

Any rubber outer on a wetsuit is susceptible to damage by sharp objects such as finger nails, so care should be taken when putting on the suit and how it is stored. Wash the suit in fresh water after use and hang inside out on a padded hanger allowing plenty of air to circulate around it. Never roll a suit and keep it stored in this way for long as it can permanently damage the neoprene. Occasionally you may experience burning around the neck after swimming and a colleague might advise you to use grease or shampoo. This is not always good advice as not only can the grease pick up grit in the lining making it rather like sandpaper but it can also cause the seams to open. In addition if a repair or alteration is needed the grease makes it impossible to reglue. Should you experience a problem it is best to contact the manufacturer for advice and possible rectification or alteration of the suit. If a lubricant is necessary, baby oil is probably the best as it can be washed out using a mild detergent. Minor repairs are fairly easy to undertake yourself, a small tube of neoprene glue is a good investment for small nicks. With care a good quality wetsuit should last you a few seasons if you follow the above advice.

Advice

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