Hey divers!
Your drysuit is your gateway to exploring the underwater world in comfort, especially in these top cold-water diving destinations. However, it’s also a significant investment. Proper maintenance, care, and storage are crucial to extending its life and performance. Let’s dive into how you can keep your drysuit in top condition.
Why Drysuit Maintenance Matters
Taking care of your drysuit isn’t just about keeping it clean, it’s about ensuring it lasts and performs season after season. Here’s why you should prioritise drysuit maintenance:
Longevity: Regular care prevents wear and tear, saving you from costly repairs or replacements.
Performance: A well-maintained drysuit keeps you warmer, drier, and more comfortable during your dives. For more tips, check out our top tips for scuba diving in cold waters.
Safety: Proper maintenance ensures your drysuit remains watertight, reducing the risk of leaks that could compromise your safety in cold water.
Routine Drysuit Maintenance
Rinse Thoroughly
After each dive, make it a habit to rinse your drysuit with fresh water inside and out. Pay special attention to the zippers, seals and valves, as salt, chlorine, and sediment can degrade these materials over time.
- Tip: Turn the suit inside out to rinse the interior, and don’t forget to clean the boots or gloves if they’re attached.
Zipper Care
Your drysuit’s zipper is one of its most critical components. Keep it clean and lubricated to ensure smooth operation and extend the life of your drysuit.
- Lubrication: Both metal (brass) and plastic (YKK) zippers require regular maintenance to ensure smooth operation and longevity. For lubrication, use silicone-based products or wax. These are safe for both types of zippers and help prevent corrosion in metal zippers while ensuring smooth movement in plastic ones.
- What to Avoid: Avoid petroleum-based products, as they can degrade rubber, latex, and plastic materials, including the seals around the zippers.
Seal Inspection
The wrist and neck seals are essential for keeping water out. Regularly inspect these seals for tears, cracks, or signs of degradation.
- Repair Tips: Small tears in latex or silicone seals can often be repaired with specialised seal tape or glue. If the damage is significant, consider replacing the seals to maintain the drysuit’s integrity.
Dry Properly
After rinsing, hang your drysuit to dry in a shaded, well-ventilated area. Hanging it upside down by the boots or using a wide, padded hanger can help prevent stretching and creasing.
- Avoid Direct Sunlight: UV rays can damage the suit’s material over time, so always dry it away from direct sunlight.
Deep Cleaning Your Drysuit
Occasionally, your drysuit will need more than just a rinse, especially if it starts to smell or if you’ve been diving in polluted or murky water, or in environments with high levels of algae, silt, or other debris.
Wash It
For a deep clean, use a mild soap or a specialised drysuit shampoo. These products are designed to clean both neoprene and membrane suits without damaging the material. For a deeper understanding of the differences between materials, see our guide on trilaminate vs. neoprene drysuits.
- Water Temperature: Use lukewarm water, as hot water can weaken the suit’s fabric and adhesives.
Tackle Stubborn Spots
For stubborn stains or areas with heavy buildup, use a soft brush to gently scrub the suit. Be careful not to apply too much pressure, as this could damage the material.
Storing Your Drysuit
Proper storage is key to preserving your drysuit’s condition. Here’s how to do it right:
Hang Correctly
Store your drysuit on a wide, padded hanger to avoid creasing and stressing the shoulder areas. Hanging it by the waist or upside down (if possible) is also effective, especially for membrane drysuits.
- Cool and Dry: Store your drysuit in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight and heat sources to prevent material degradation.
Zipper and Seals
Before storing, make sure the zipper is fully closed to avoid deformation. Also, lightly powder latex or silicone seals with unscented talcum powder to prevent sticking and cracking during storage.
- Pro Tip: Occasionally open and close the zipper during long storage periods to maintain its flexibility.
Understanding And Caring For Drysuit Seals
Drysuit seals are made from different materials—neoprene, latex, and silicone, each requiring specific care.
Neoprene Seals
Neoprene seals are thicker and more durable, offering good insulation, particularly in cold water.
- Care Tips: Rinse thoroughly with fresh water and check regularly for nicks or tears. Minor damage can often be repaired with neoprene cement. Avoid folding the seals during storage to prevent creasing.
Latex Seals
Latex seals are thinner and provide a snug, flexible fit, but they are more prone to UV damage.
- Care Tips: Rinse, dry, and condition latex seals with unscented talcum powder. Avoid exposure to direct sunlight and harsh chemicals, and inspect regularly for brittleness. Small tears should be repaired immediately with latex adhesive, but replacing the seals might be necessary over time.
Silicone Seals
Silicone seals are soft, hypoallergenic, and offer great comfort. They are generally less durable than neoprene seals but are more resistant to UV damage compared to latex seals
- Care Tips: Rinse and dry silicone seals carefully. They don’t require conditioning, but handle them gently to avoid tears. If damaged, silicone seals often need to be replaced rather than repaired, but the feature of quick-change systems in many drysuits makes this process straightforward and convenient. For more details on how these systems work and their benefits, check out our blog on the Si-Tech Quick Change System: Pros and Cons.
Drysuit Gloves: Care and Maintenance
Dry gloves are crucial for keeping your hands warm and dry, especially in cold water. If you’re weighing your options between dry gloves and wet gloves, check out our detailed comparison in the Dry Gloves vs. Wet Gloves article. To ensure your dry gloves remain in top condition, follow these maintenance tips:
- O-Ring Care: Inspect O-rings before each dive for cracks or wear and replace any damaged ones immediately. Apply a silicone-based lubricant sparingly to keep O-rings supple, avoiding over-lubrication which can attract dirt.
- Glove Care: Rinse gloves with fresh water after each dive and store them in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight. Regularly check for holes or tears and patch any damage with appropriate adhesives.
Conclusion
Taking care of your drysuit doesn’t just extend its lifespan; it ensures that your gear is always ready to perform when you dive into your next underwater adventure. A little effort goes a long way in keeping you warm, dry, and safe during your dives. Remember, proper maintenance is key to enjoying a longer-lasting and more reliable drysuit.
We’d Love To Hear From You!
Got any maintenance tips or questions about caring for your drysuit and accessories? Share them in the comments below! Your insights could help fellow divers keep their gear in top shape. If you found this guide helpful, don’t miss out on our comprehensive Ultimate Drysuit Guide. Happy diving!