Post-Race Wetsuit Care SOP: The Science of Rinsing, Drying, and Storing

Why Is Care More Important Than Training?

Yamamoto Neoprene is a limestone-based closed-cell foam with hundreds of thousands of individual air bubbles per cubic centimeter. These bubbles determine buoyancy and thermal insulation. Once a bubble ruptures, the buoyancy is gone forever. Common causes of bubble rupture:

• UV exposure causing surface Nylon to crack and Neoprene to oxidize
• High temperatures (>40°C) causing the foam to expand and permanently deform
• Folding for storage causing bubbles at crease points to burst
• Salt and chlorine crystals repeatedly piercing cell walls inside the foam

0-2 Hours After the Race: First Rinse

1. Quick rinse with fresh water on site: Turn the wetsuit inside out (inner side facing out) and rinse with fresh water for 3 minutes
2. Avoid hot water: Water temperature below 30°C; hot water will permanently expand the Neoprene
3. Do not use a washing machine: The spinning and squeezing will damage the seams
4. After rinsing, hang it in a ventilated area, avoid direct sunlight

Within 24 Hours After the Race: Deep Cleaning

Prepare a bathtub or large basin, add 50L of cold water, and add about 30ml of a dedicated cleaner (such as Wetsuit Shampoo). Do not use regular laundry detergent; alkaline agents will damage the SCS coating.

Cleaning steps:

1. Soak the wetsuit for 15 minutes (do not exceed 30 minutes; water absorption will make it heavier and damage the seams)
2. Gently rub the armpits, crotch, and collar—the three high-sweat areas—with your hands
3. Never wring or twist; press to drain water
4. Rinse in clean water for 5 minutes to remove the cleaner
5. Lay it flat on a towel, roll the towel up, and press to absorb water

Drying: The Most Critical 48 Hours

Ranking of incorrect drying methods:

Correct method:

1. First hang it inside-out on a wide hanger (shoulder width 5cm or more)
2. Place it in a ventilated, shaded area; ideally with a fan gently blowing on it
3. Once the inside is dry (about 8 hours), turn it right-side out and continue drying for 12-24 hours
4. Criterion for fully dry: pressing the armpit seams yields no feeling of moisture

Storage: Fold or Hang?

• Short-term (< 2 weeks): Hang on a wide hanger, away from sunlight
• Long-term (end of season): Recommended to “roll” rather than “fold”
  • Lay the wetsuit flat and loosely roll it starting from the feet toward the shoulders
  • Place it in a breathable cotton bag (not a sealed plastic bag)
  • Store in a dry place at 15-25°C
  • Unroll and check once a month to avoid prolonged pressure on the same crease

Common Care Misconceptions Q&A

Q: Can I use a washing machine?
A: Absolutely not. Even on the delicate cycle, the spin-dry action will tear the seams.

Q: What should I do if I smell an odor?
A: Soak in baking soda + white vinegar for 10 minutes (ratio 1:1:10 water) to remove bacteria and mildew odor.

Q: Can I apply sunscreen on the wetsuit?
A: No. Chemical oils will dissolve the SCS coating, increasing water drag. If you need sunscreen, apply it to your skin 10 minutes before putting on the wetsuit and wait for it to absorb.

Q: Can soaking in water the night before a race increase flexibility?
A: A short soak (within 30 minutes) in warm water helps, but soaking too long will over-expand the Neoprene and affect the fit.

End-of-Season Annual Inspection

• [ ] Check all seams for loose threads
• [ ] Stretch test: stretch elbows and knees to 30%; they should snap back instantly
• [ ] Buoyancy test: while bathing, observe whether any areas sink locally
• [ ] Track training mileage; after more than 200km of open-water swimming, evaluate whether replacement is needed

A NT$ 25,000 wetsuit, with proper care, can last 5-7 years; with neglect, you will need to buy a new one in 1-2 years. Spending an extra 2 hours per year on care equals saving NT$ 5,000 per hour.

Related Reading

• Wetsuit Dressing and Undressing Techniques and Care
• Wetsuit Hole and Seam Repair: Lifespan-Extending Tricks You Can Do with Household Tools
• The Complete Guide to Washing and Caring for Cycling Jerseys and Bib Shorts: The Right Way to Extend the Life of Your Riding Gear
• The Complete Wetsuit Guide: Selection, Dressing, and Adjusting Your Swimming Feel