HOW TO CARE FOR A WETSUIT
To prolong the good looks and life of your wetsuit,
please follow the following simple guidelines for suit care.
Packing for a dive
If you must pack your wetsuit in a
gear bag, starting at the ankles of the legs roll the suit towards
the torso. Before rolling the legs into the torso lay the sleeves
across the torso. Continue to roll the legs into the torso of the
suit. When you have completed the rolling process place suit in your
gear bag at one side of the bag so as to prevent the suit from
unrolling. By rolling the suit instead of folding the suit it will
prevent the majority of permanent creasing. If you have our popular
shorty and jumpsuit combo, place the shorty over the jumpsuit prior
to the rolling procedure..
Storing
All suits should be stored on a
hanger specially designed for wet or dry suits. Regular hangers are
not broad enough and can cause creases in your suit.
Do not store suits rolled or folded. Hang them out
of direct sunlight in a cool, dry place. Store them as you would any
fine suit or gown.
Direct sunlight will cause your suit to fade and
will shorten its life. Keep exposure to it at a minimum, even while
on a dive boat.
Cleaning
The entire suit should be thoroughly washed after
the dive. Use cool or warm water, never hot. There are shampoos and
cleansers especially formulated for wetsuits. We recommend their
use, as they will not harm the wetsuit material. Do not wash in an
agitator type washing machine. The agitator can cut a suit. A tumble
type washing machine is good on gentle cycle in cold or warm water A
suit can also be washed in a bathtub. Do not ever dry clean any
wetsuit. The chemical solvents used in dry cleaning will put you in
the market for a new suit really fast
A thorough cleansing is especially important if
circumstances caused you to urinate inside your suit. (We know no
one likes to talk about it, but let's face it, it does happen). The
ammonia urea compounds in urine can cause an odor that will repel
you, your dive buddy, sharks, werewolves and vampires and make you
wish you had a new suit if you don't clean it well. A good cleaning
will also prevent other odors and bacteria from growing in your
suit.
Avoid diving in areas polluted with gas, oil or other chemicals,
such as wrecks leaking diesel fuel. If you do come into contact with
any chemicals, clean your suit immediately and rinse thoroughly.
Remember, just as with topside fabrics, the sooner it is cleaned,
the less the stain may set and the better the results.
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