A Guide for Neoprene Products (How to extend the longevity of the neoprene wetsuits)

Neoprene is the perfect material for those who love living life on or in the water. It is probably best known as the material from which wetsuits are made. Offering built-in sun protection and welcome water-resistance so that you stay drier and warmer, it helps you stay comfortable while surfing, boating, kitesurfing or engaging in other water sports so that you can spend more time enjoying the activities that you love. Neoprene wetsuit ranges in thickness from 0.5 mm for relatively warm weather and water to 6 mm, which is reserved for the coldest of conditions. Because even the thinnest neoprene is actually thick relative to most other fabrics, it is highly effective at blocking UV rays without the need for added chemicals or dyes.
Top-quality neoprene gear is an excellent investment, and like any investment, you’ll want to take care of it properly to ensure that its lifespan is as long as possible. What care does neoprene need to provide you with many years of reliable service?

Neoprene is a durable, flexible synthetic rubber that is used for a variety of garments for watersports. Formed via a chemical process, neoprene is a type of closed cell foam rubber. The cells are actually tiny bubbles of gas, typically nitrogen, that are scattered throughout the material. These closed cells help deliver neoprene’s signature benefits. They slow the transfer of heat, providing the insulating properties that help those wearing garments made from the material stay warmer. Because they are closed, the cells help prevent saturation, delivering both buoyancy and water-resistance.
While the material offers many advantages, neoprene does have its weaknesses. Heat, chlorine and salt water can all degrade neoprene. Fortunately, proper care can help you safeguard items made from neoprene so that they’ll last longer.

Natural bodies of water are filled with a variety of microbes and contaminants. Swimming pools trade these menaces for chlorine’s sting. Neither of these substances are things that you want lingering on your gear. As a result, it is best to hone the habit of rinsing out your neoprene gear with cool, fresh water as soon as possible after every use. This helps to wash away damaging residues and aids in the prevention of odor issues.
While you may be able to get by with rinsing for a little while, there will come a time when you’ll want to thoroughly clean your items. Never throw neoprene in the washing machine and hope for the best. Instead, check the care instructions that came with the gear. If in doubt, hand wash the items in cool or lukewarm water using detergents that are specifically designed for neoprene.

Drying neoprene items thoroughly before storing them is vital if you want to avoid unpleasant consequences like mildew and foul odors. Neoprene doesn’t fare well when exposed to heat, so it’s no surprise that you can’t use a clothes dryer to remove any dampness lingering after it’s been washed. What should you do? Carefully hang the item in a place where it is not exposed to direct sunlight. Then, allow it to air dry. Use a sturdy hanger, and try to avoid creases or folds whenever possible.

When folded and subjected to pressure, neoprene is prone to wrinkles and creases. That’s why gear made from this material should be stored hanging flat rather than crammed into a drawer. What if it wrinkles? Since avoiding heat is vital to safeguarding your neoprene, using an iron to combat wrinkles is definitely out. Fortunately, there are other methods. With minor wrinkling, you may find that the wearing the item and getting it wet is all that is necessary to smooth the fabric. For stubborn creases, stretch the neoprene out on a flat surface like a table or floor, smooth the material with your hands, and wait 24 hours. If that doesn’t work, gently stretch the material. Keep it pulled taut for at least 24 hours to allow the material to breathe and release the creases.

If you really worked up a sweat by playing hard, forgot to rinse off after a long day or failed to completely dry your neoprene before storing it, you may discover that your gear has developed an unpleasant odor. Oils from human skin can damage neoprene over the long term, and without regular rinsing, neoprene can develop bad odors. When even a good, thorough cleaning doesn’t eliminate the smell, it’s time to take things a step farther. Use a deodorizer designed for neoprene. These products utilize odor-eating microbes and enzymes to eradicate bad smells at their source.

Designed for active people, neoprene gear is the perfect companion for your adventures. The tough, protective material is fairly durable, but if things get especially rough, you may discover small rips or cuts in it. Don’t panic. There are various adhesive kits designed for repairing neoprene, so it is easy to fix minor tears. Some repair kits can even be used in the field for quick, on-the-go repairs.

Neoprene can make a day spent on or near the water more fun and comfortable, so it’s no wonder that it is favored by boaters, fans of water sports, and people who want to protect their skin from the sun and other hazards while enjoying the water. Neoprene is a reasonably durable material, but it does require considerable care in order to ensure a long life. If you want to get the most from your gear, following a few simple tips for extending the longevity of neoprene can help:

• Chose well-designed products made from top-quality materials.
• To enhance your comfort and avoid unnecessary strain, be mindful of fit.
• Never leave neoprene in a hot vehicle.
• Avoid aerosols, chemical solvents, oil and gasoline; they can stain and weaken the material.
• Always rinse neoprene gear promptly after using it. Never use hot water to rinse or clean neoprene. Always use cool or tepid water.
• Never machine wash a neoprene garment. Neoprene can tear if it is stretched by an agitator.
• Use only cleaning products that are designed for neoprene.
• Keep neoprene away from potential heat sources.
• Never put neoprene gear away while it is still wet. To dry a neoprene garment, turn it inside out and hang it from a thick, padded hanger. Wire hangers can damage the fabric.
• Avoid folding or compressing neoprene gear.