A wetsuit keeps you warm in water, protects your skin, and helps you to float more easily. However, due to the main element of wetsuits, neoprene is a synthetic rubber, the gear often develops an offensive odor that can be rather pungent.

Furthermore, a wetsuit smell can affect your overall diving, swimming, or surfing experience, as well as those around you. Thankfully, it is possible to get rid of the wetsuit smell with proper wetsuit cleaning and some simple steps. In this article, we’ll explore what causes wetsuit smell and provide practical tips to eliminate this pungent odor completely.

What Causes a Wetsuit to Smell?

As mentioned earlier, wetsuits are made of neoprene rubber, which can absorb odors from exposure to the ocean, pool chemicals, sunscreen residue, body oils, and more. The suit’s design also creates a warm, damp environment for bacteria growth when not properly rinsed and dried.

5 Tips to Get Rid Of Wetsuit Smells

Here are some easy and helpful tips on how to prevent or stop your wetsuit from smelling:

1. Rinse your wetsuit after use. As soon as you’re out of the water, rinse both the outside and inside of the wetsuit thoroughly with fresh water. This removes salt, chlorine, sunscreen oils, and other odor-causing gunk while it’s still fresh. Also, do not rinse your wetsuit with hot water to avoid damaging the neoprene fabric.

2. Use a wetsuit shampoo to wash. Invest in shampoos or cleaners that are specifically designed for cleaning wetsuits. These commercial wetsuit cleansers can kill odor-causing bacteria and remove unpleasant smells from your wetsuit. Look for ones with natural antimicrobial ingredients. Also, ensure that you follow the usage instructions on the product label for optimal results.

3. Make a baking soda paste. Baking soda is a powerhouse for absorbing and eliminating odors in clothing materials. Make a spreadable paste by mixing baking soda and a small amount of water. Apply this paste to the inner lining of your wetsuit while focusing on odor-prone areas. Let it sit for about one hour. This allows the baking soda paste to absorb all the unpleasant smells. Afterwards, rinse thoroughly with fresh water.

4. Hang your wetsuit properly to dry. After cleaning, hang your wetsuit inside-out in a well-ventilated area, on a plastic hanger, or clothesline that’s out of direct sunlight. Direct sunlight and UV rays can weaken the neoprene fabric over time. You can also use a wide hanger to maintain its shape.

5. Apply odor eliminators. When dealing with stubborn, deep-set wetsuit smells, consider using an enzyme-based odor remover. These specialized products are designed to break down organic residues and neutralize odors effectively. Spray the enzyme-based odor remover directly onto the inside of your wetsuit, focusing on areas with the strongest smell. Allow it to soak for a while, then rinse thoroughly with fresh water.

Finally, you can keep your wetsuit smelling fresh, extend its overall durability, and make every surf session, dive, or swim very enjoyable.