The protection and comfort that our wetsuits provide make them invaluable. Here are our top 6 tips for caring for your wetsuit in a practical and effective way.
These are basic steps that will take very little time. Best of all, they will allow us to enjoy maximum comfort and safety when diving underwater. Discover them all below!
1.- CARE WHEN TAKING OFF OR PUTTING ON YOUR SUITSeam sealing is of great importance, as it will prevent water from seeping in. For this reason, the neoprene must not stretch.
In case a thread comes loose, never pull it out. Instead, cut it with scissors or burn it with a lighter.
If you get a hole in your wetsuit, make sure you fix it as soon as possible to prevent it from growing over time. A little liquid neoprene is usually enough.
Also, if your wetsuit has a velcro zip, be careful with the self-adhesive. If it sticks to the neoprene it could affect the material.
Once you take it off (and before you put it away) check for any tears or snags. This way you can make sure there is no damage to the material that could ruin your next dive.
One final tip: Keep all the neoprene from bunching up around your ankle. This will make it easier for your foot to come out of the wetsuit and therefore the rest of your body.
2.- RINSING MUST ALWAYS BE DONE IN FRESH WATERThis process should be done as soon as you get out of the water. It will help you to avoid saltpetre getting on the neoprene, seams or zips.
If you don't rinse, you risk the salt crystallising when the water evaporates. Over time, this practice will eventually damage your neoprene and make it less waterproof.
To prevent it, soak it for 15 minutes in a bucket full of natural water. You can choose to use baby shampoo or scented fabric softener to get rid of unpleasant odours.
Warm water will cause the neoprene to stretch too much, so you should also do without it.
In the case of zips, keep in mind that this is one of the most sensitive parts of a suit. So, if you use wax for maintenance, make sure it is the most suitable one.
3. BE CAREFUL WITH THE WASHING MACHINEHand wash is generally recommended by experts. However, in case you are one of those who prefer the washing machine above all else, be careful with the function you select.
Choose a short programme, do not use the spin cycle and do not use hot water. Forget about ironing too.
4. USE SPECIFIC WASHING PRODUCTSNormal soaps can be corrosive to neoprene. So, to wash it, remove all bacteria and take care of the material, make sure you choose a suitable detergent.
5. AVOID EXPOSING IT TO THE SUNAfter diving in Lanzarote, be sure to dry your wetsuit in the shade. In case the only option is outdoors, turn it inside out to avoid ultraviolet rays damaging the fibers of the suit.
If we do not take these recommendations into account, the sun will gradually make it lose its elasticity and it will end up cracking. It will also become discoloured and look worn.
It is also important to hang it on a hanger around the waist. If you do this by pulling on the shoulders, it will stretch due to the weight it has when wet.
You can spread it out and turn it over and over like a barbecue.
6. CHOOSE A COOL, DARK PLACE FOR STORAGEWhen our suit is dry on both sides, place it on a hanger around the waist. It is important that the space is not exposed to intense light or heat.
And if you plan to store it for a long period of time, simply put some talcum powder on it and cover it with a bag. This will prevent air and light from damaging the material.
Now that you know how to take care of your wetsuit, you just need to put each tip into practice and get ready to enjoy it for a long time.
Remember that if you have any questions, you can leave them in the comments.
We will answer all your questions and advise you to make your diving experience the safest and most fun.
Creación web : OTUNDRA
