Best Wetsuit Care Products
A wetsuit is a significant investment, and how you care for it between sessions determines whether it lasts two years or five. The main enemies are UV, salt buildup, body oils, and neoprene compressed by a wire hanger or left crumpled in a bag. The right cleaners neutralize salt and odor without degrading the rubber, and a proper wetsuit hanger keeps the suit in its correct shape while it dries. We compared cleaners on effectiveness, biodegradability, and value, and hangers on shoulder width and durability.
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The short answer
The O'Neill Wetsuit Cleaner and Conditioner is the best everyday wetsuit care product, a concentrated, biodegradable formula that removes salt and odor while conditioning the neoprene to keep it supple. Pair it with the Hang 11 Wetsuit Hanger, which distributes the weight of a wet suit across a wide shoulder to prevent the creasing and neoprene damage caused by standard wire hangers.
Top Pick
O'Neill Wetsuit Cleaner and Conditioner
Concentrated, biodegradable cleaner and conditioner that removes salt and bacteria without degrading neoprene, from the brand that makes some of the wetsuits it cleans.
Best for Any wetsuit owner who wants the simplest, most trusted cleaner for regular maintenance.
2 Rip Curl Piss Off Wetsuit Cleaner
Biodegradable enzymatic cleaner specifically formulated to break down urine and bacteria in neoprene, removing the odor that standard cleaners cannot fully eliminate.
Best for Surfers dealing with persistent wetsuit odor that standard cleaners have not solved.
3 Hang 11 Foldable Wetsuit Hanger
Wide-shoulder foldable hanger designed specifically for wetsuits, distributing the weight of a soaking wet suit to prevent creasing and neoprene damage at the shoulder fold point.
Best for Any wetsuit owner who wants to significantly extend the life of their suit between sessions.
4 Gear Aid Aquaseal FD Wetsuit Repair Adhesive
The go-to neoprene and rubber adhesive for repairing small tears, split seams, and delamination in wetsuits and dive gear, with a flexible cure that moves with the suit.
Best for Any surfer with a small tear or seam split who wants to extend the life of a wetsuit.
5 JAWS Slosh Wetsuit Shampoo
Eco-friendly wetsuit cleaner free from harsh chemicals, removing chlorine, salt, and organic residue while conditioning the neoprene.
Best for Surfers who want a cheap, gentle everyday rinse product for routine wetsuit care.
6 Gear Aid Wetsuit and Drysuit Zipper Lubricant
Silicone-free zipper lubricant that keeps wetsuit and drysuit zippers running smoothly and prevents corrosion without contaminating the neoprene.
Best for Wetsuit owners whose back zip or chest zip is starting to drag or stick.
The method
How we chose
We evaluated each option on fit, build quality, daily usability, and value. Our top pick, O'Neill Wetsuit Cleaner and Conditioner, earned the spot because the best everyday wetsuit cleaner: safe, biodegradable, and genuinely effective. The comparison above highlights exactly who each pick is best for.
Related guides
FAQ
Best Wetsuit Care Products: FAQ
How often should I wash my wetsuit?+
Rinse your wetsuit in cold fresh water after every single session to remove salt and chlorine, which degrade neoprene if left to dry. A full wash with wetsuit cleaner is needed every few sessions or whenever the suit develops an odor. Never use hot water, washing machines, or household detergent.
Why does my wetsuit smell even after washing?+
The smell is usually from bacteria that live in the neoprene, especially if the suit is not rinsed immediately after each session. A proper wetsuit cleaner with antibacterial properties eliminates this. Turning the suit inside out to dry also helps because the inner lining holds most of the bacterial growth.
Can I put my wetsuit in a washing machine?+
No. A washing machine's agitation and spin cycle stress the glued seams and degrade the neoprene. Even a gentle cycle is not gentle enough for a wetsuit. Hand-wash in a tub of cold water with a specific wetsuit cleaner, squeeze gently, and rinse thoroughly.
Why does it matter how I hang my wetsuit?+
A standard wire coat hanger or even a narrow plastic hanger concentrates the weight of a wet wetsuit on a small point of the shoulders, permanently creasing and weakening the neoprene at that stress point. A proper wetsuit hanger distributes the weight evenly across a wide shoulder section.
Should I store my wetsuit flat or hanging?+
Hanging is better for drying and short-term storage between sessions, as long as you use a proper wide wetsuit hanger. For long-term storage between seasons, folding the wetsuit loosely in half at the waist and laying it flat avoids the prolonged stress of a hanging weight.