Wetsuit care and maintenance is vital in making your wetsuit last for years. Here's some tips that should help you be aware of potential problems that could arise.

 

How to put on, take off and maintain your wetsuit.

 

Wetsuit Troubleshooting

ISSUES	REASONS	PREVENTIONS
Small tears on the inside of the wetsuit	Pulling or digging fingertips into the neoprene on the inside of the wetsuit Not using enough wetsuit wash when lubricating and donning open cell wetsuits	Only pulling on nylon lined part of the wetsuit Use more wetsuit wash to lubricate wetsuit  Push cuffs over hands and ankles, do not pull
Broken stitching	Over stretching the wetsuit Brushing up against something sharp (ex. reef)  Pulling on stitching when donning or taking off wetsuit	Use more wetsuit wash to lubricate wetsuit before donning Start at the beaver tail before pulling off your wetsuit (watch the video)
Reinforced stitching cracking/peeling	It is made to be an added protection to the stitching but is a sacrificial layer. Drying in direct sunlight for prolonged periods of time Wetsuit staying wet for prolonged period of time Not drying suit on hangar, or leaving suit creased up	Hang dry wetsuit out of direct sunlight starting inside out until dry then turning right side out to dry using a hangar Maintain with wetsuit glue by removing bad areas then applying fresh wetsuit glue to stitching and allow to cure for 72 hours. Click here for wetsuit glue
Wetsuit fading, sticking together or delaminating	Drying suit in direct sunlight for prolonged periods of time Wetsuit stored in hot area Wetsuit not properly dried before storing Wetsuit not on hangar when stored and dried	Hang dry wetsuit out of direct sunlight starting inside out until dry then turning right side out to dry using a hangar Store wetsuit in cool area that is not exposed to excessive heat
Wetsuit developing strong odors	Not properly washing and rinsing wetsuit Not properly hung when drying thoroughly Stored in moist and/or wet conditions	Use Wetsuit Shampoo when odor develops and/or after fishy dives Use Odor Eliminator if wetsuit if Wetsuit Shampoo doesn't kill odor.