A wetsuit is your “second skin” when it comes to warmth and comfort in cold and windy conditions. More than that, it also saves your skin from the sun as you ride the waves in the ocean. If you’re thinking of a good wetsuit to purchase, you might need to invest more of your hard-earned money.
Therefore, taking care of wetsuits is not like your everyday laundry work. More so, rinsing it with fresh water and hanging it out to dry is not the best way to go. If you want to have a wetsuit that lasts for a long time, there are various wetsuit shampoos and cleaner brands to choose from.
A good wetsuit cleaner is a gentle cleanser specifically formulated to remove salt, sand, bacteria, and all micro-organisms without damaging neoprene.
With these in mind, we made a list of the best-reviewed wetsuit cleaners in the market.
Top 9 Best Wetsuit Cleaners Reviewed
- Slosh Wetsuit Shampoo & Conditioner by JAWS – Best Overall
- Wetsuit Cleaner and Neoprene Wash by Seavenger – Best Value
- Piss Off Wetsuit Shampoo by Rip Curl – Editor’s Choice
- Wetsuit Cleaner and Conditioner for Neoprene by GEAR AID
- Wetsuit Cleaner and Conditioner by O’Neill
- All-Natural Neoprene Deodorizer by Open Road Goods
- Wetsuit Cleaner by Sink the Stink
- Pau Pilau Wet Suit Cleaner by Drainbo
- Revivex Odor Eliminator by GEAR AID
#1. Slosh Wetsuit Shampoo & Conditioner by JAWS – Best Overall
Specifications:
- Size / Weight: 4.8 ounces
- Material: Lycra and Neoprene
- Package Color: Yellow Orange, Gold
- Sport Type: swimming, waterski, scuba diving, marine, and hiking
- Available in: 30 ml (Travel Size) and 118 ml
The Slosh Wetsuit Shampoo & Conditioner by JAWS is considered one of the most unique wetsuit shampoos ever created. Compared to most wetsuit cleaners, the JAWS Slosh does not contain any harmful chemicals. It effectively removes salt, odor, chlorine, organic residue while preserving your wetsuit’s life.Â
It works on all types of water sportswear. Plus, it contains special conditioning agents and leaves a fresh scent. This wetsuit cleaner is eco-friendly, biodegradable, and hypoallergenic.
Not all wetsuit cleaners are created equally, and the JAWS Slosh Wetsuit Shampoo and Conditioner has its own distinguishable, universal feature. Having said so, this naturally green 2-in-1 formula is undeniably convenient as it cleans your wetsuit as well as your body and hair.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| A hypoallergenic and fresh scent | Complains about being less cost-effective |
| Eco-friendly and biodegradable | Does not completely remove the smell |
| Works on all water sportswear |
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| Unique 2-in-1 formula |
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| No harmful chemicals |
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#2. Wetsuit Cleaner and Neoprene Wash by Seavenger – Best Value
Specifications:
- Size / Weight: 8.5 ounces
- Material: Non-toxic, biodegradable formula
- Package Color: Black & Yellow
- Sport Type: Scuba Diving, Surfing
- Available in: 1 Pack, 2 Pack, 3 Pack
Either you enjoy diving deep underwater or like to surf on the big waves, your wetsuit can go through several hazards. Fortunately, you can now give it a refresh with the Seavenger Wetsuit Cleaner.Â
This product can be used for a quick spray for spot cleaning on small areas and a total deep clean gear soak. It has a safe, non-toxic, biodegradable formula that is safe for both you and the ocean. It is alcohol-free, so you don’t have to worry about your wetsuit getting damaged. With ample formula that can allow you approximately 15 soaks, this refreshing wetsuit cleaner is a must-have item.
Moreover, it features a neoprene wash that removes grime and bacteria build-up from water sports like scuba diving and surfing. Whether your wetsuit needs a quick refresh or a deep soak cleaning application, this product can be very handy and convenient.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Excellent for completely removing unwanted bacteria build-up that causes a smell | Needs about 2-4 soaks and washes before completely cleaning |
| Can be used for spot clean or deep soaking | Requires more of the product in one wash |
| A good amount of product in one bottle |
|
| Worth the price |
|
| Cleans well |
|
#3. Piss Off Wetsuit Shampoo by Rip Curl – Editor’s Choice
Specifications:
- Size / Weight: 8.82 ounces
- Material: eco-friendly, biodegradable
- Package Color: White & Blue
- Sport Type: Surfing
- Available in: 250 ml
The Rip Curl Piss Off Wetsuit Shampoo is a super stretch neoprene conditioner and disinfectant that is biodegradable and environmentally safe. This 250 ml product keeps your wetsuit stretchable and fresh. More so, you can use this wetsuit cleaner on other neoprene-made gear, such as gloves, boots, hoods, and rash vests.Â
If you’re having trouble eliminating the stinky smell of urine from your last trip, then this wetsuit shampoo is a go-to product. As an antimicrobial disinfectant, this is popularly a surfer’s choice for eliminating odor caused by urine, sand, dirt, and body oils.
Therefore, this biodegradable wetsuit disinfectant is an outstanding shampoo and conditioner in one bottle. Your gear can benefit from a good wash, leaving it fresh, smelling great, stretchy, and in good condition.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Helps wetsuit to be stretchy and easy to wear on | Can only be used for approximately 3-5 washes |
| Effectively removes stench from urine | Does not completely get rid of the smell |
| Works excellently as advertised | Too expensive for its volume |
| Leaves a pleasant smell | Needs more in one wash |
| Cleans well |
|
#4. Wetsuit Cleaner and Conditioner for Neoprene by GEAR AID
Specifications:
- Size / Weight: 296 ml
- Material: Revivex concentrated formula
- Package Color: Grey
- Sport Type: All watersport types
- Available in: 10 fl oz pouch
The Gear Aid Revivex Wetsuit Cleaner is a concentrated shampoo that is uniquely formulated to gently eliminate any organic residue, bacteria, chlorine, and salt from your neoprene wetsuit. It is an ideal product for all your rubber and plastic watersports equipment.
It does the trick for fishing waders, GORE-TEX fabrics, drysuits, and paddle jackets, as well as Lycra body wear. The Gear Aid Wetsuit Cleaner also effectively cleans and conditions your expensive wetsuits, drysuits, and other neoprene gear while keeping neoprene supple and fresh.Â
In particular, expensive suits are prone to damage caused by chlorine and salt after years of usage, when neoprene gradually wears. By removing organic residues using this product, you can have a long-lasting neoprene gear.Â
If you have costly dive suits and equipment that needs cleaning and refreshing, try the Revivex formula from this wetsuit cleaner.
The Gear Aid Wetsuit Cleaner extends suit life and keeps colors bright while preventing premature aging and oxidation. With its concentrated, low-suds formula, you can have up to 10 washes and use it as a silicone conditioner. Refresh and keep your neoprene gear in shape with this wetsuit and drysuit shampoo.Â
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Makes the wetsuit soft and smelling new | Complaints about pouch and packaging |
| Effectively eliminates the horrible smell | Expensive |
| Improves wetsuit look |
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| Removes stains |
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| Many uses | |
#5. Wetsuit Cleaner and Conditioner by O’Neill
Specifications:
- Size / Weight: 0.64 ounces
- Material: Non-toxic, biodegradable
- Package Color: White / Transparent
- Sport Type: Diving
- Available in: 8 oz
The O’Neill Wetsuit Cleaner is one the best products that you can rely on when it comes to extending your wetsuit’s lifespan. This non-toxic, biodegradable conditioner is cold-water activated, and is excellent in restoring your wetsuit’s functions even after you store them for a long time.Â
O’Neill ensures your suit is kept fresh with their special blend of wetsuit shampoo and conditioner. It cleans and conditions your neoprene products and wetsuit while preventing oxidation and salt deposits.
More so, its most distinguishable characteristic is its ability to extend neoprene products’ lifespan. With regular use, you can also enjoy a more flexible wetsuit while keeping the stink at bay. Plus, its fine scent is a cherry on top.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Greatly extends its life and function | Inconsistencies with the amount of product advertised |
| Cleans wetsuits excellently | Complaints about seal |
| Keeps wetsuit intact | Expensive for some |
| Restores wetsuit |
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| Smells great |
|
#6. All-Natural Neoprene Deodorizer by Open Road Goods
Specifications:
- Size / Weight: 9.59 ounces
- Material: All-natural, biodegradable
- Package Color: White
- Sport Type: Surfing, Snorkeling, and Scuba Diving
- Available in: 8 oz
The Open Road Good wetsuit cleaner is another good choice when it comes to wetsuit cleaners. Each package consists of an all-natural, non-toxic neoprene shampoo and conditioner with a fresh Hurricane Citrus scent. So, no need to worry about orange groves dominating the calming breeze of the ocean, and enjoy the refreshing aroma that takes away the stinky smell in your old wetsuit.
This product is easy to use, and it cleans, softens, disinfects, and eliminates odor from your gear in a matter of 5 minutes. Unlike any other wetsuit cleaner, this product does the trick in no time.
This biodegradable product is an all-in-one solution that has an outstanding restoration, softening, and deodorizing effect on your wetsuit. To apply the product, you can mix a generous portion into a bucket of water. After which, you can place your suit inside and let it soak for at least 30 minutes. Rinse in fresh water and observe excellent results.
Your wetsuit has never been softer and feeling new again with the neoprene conditioner built into the formula. So, say goodbye to the stale, rough sandpaper feels from worn-out neoprene.Â
More importantly, the Open Road Good Wetsuit Cleaner is all-natural, 100-percent biodegradable, and eco-friendly wetsuit cleaner is developed in the USA, so enjoy a safe suit for you and the ocean.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Also functions as a wetsuit conditioner | Does not completely remove dirt and oil |
| Unique light and refreshing scent | Relatively small size |
| Eco-friendly and all-natural |
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| Eliminates odor |
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| Easy to use |
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#7. Wetsuit Cleaner by Sink the Stink
Specifications:
- Size / Weight: 4.8 ounces
- Material: four special odor-eliminating bacteria cultures
- Package Color: Yellow
- Sport Type: Surfing
- Available in: 118 ml
Sink the Stink is a highly concentrated wetsuit formula that is convenient to take along for the ride and easy to mix. By mixing half an ounce of the concentrate with 10 to 20 gallons of warm water, you can have a mixture that is good for ten or more wetsuits.Â
Before you soak your wetsuit for 5 to 10 minutes, make sure that the suit is saturated. After soaking, you can pull it out and hang it to dry without rinsing. This ensures that odors are gone in a matter of seconds as the biological odor-reducing process work until your suit becomes dry.
However, for really tough odors, it is recommended for you to have your wetsuits soaked overnight. When traveling, you can pack your wetsuit while still wet so it will arrive odor-free.
This product is a mixture of four special odor-eliminating bacteria cultures activated once you dilute them in warm water. It is safe for you and the environment, and the product is entirely biodegradable, hypoallergenic, and non-toxic.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Useful for other types of gears | Does not completely eliminate smell for long-term stored gear |
| Effectively reduces smell | The scent of the product itself is strong and overpowering |
| Does not irritate the skin | Size runs small |
| No rinse required |
|
| Cleans as it dries |
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#8. Pau Pilau Wet Suit Cleaner by Drainbo
Specifications:
- Size / Weight: 9.03 pounds
- Material: All-natural bacteria
- Package Color: White
- Sport Type: Diving and Snorkeling
- Available in: 1 gallon, 16-ounce, 32-ounce
Pau Pilau is a natural wetsuit cleaner for wetsuits and other neoprene products. It is a safe, all-natural, and effective way to clean and deodorize your wetsuit. It is an environmentally safe way that also prolongs neoprene life.
This product is an economical and easy-to-use concentrate that penetrates neoprene pores, and it consumes all unpleasant smells from organic matter, such as urine, mold, and algae residue.
The Pau Pilau wetsuit cleaner is formulated using bacteria found in nature that considers these organic wastes as its food and energy source. These bacteria work after it is immersed in water, wherein it is immediately activated.
After washing your wetsuit with Pau Pilau, the byproduct of the process is water and carbon dioxide. This is highly the same as in natural decomposition and recycling in the environment.
When it comes to its discovery, Pau Pilau was discovered by an experienced surfer while working for the company Drainbo Natural cleaning products. Searching for an effective way to clean a wetsuit and remove odor, the surfer utilized an existing technology that fine-tunes the product to amazing results.
Pau Pilau is available in several surf shops and online markets in 16 oz, 32 oz, and 1-gallon size containers. Today, the company ensures its customers that this wetsuit cleaner is an effective cleaning solution. Otherwise, they further guarantee your money back.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Needs less to clean and remove foul smell | Functions more as a cleaner than a deodorizer |
| Keeps wetsuit clean, fresh-smelling | Problems with leakage |
| Completely removes smell | No scent |
| Great for maintenance | Watery |
| Cost-effective solution |
|
#9. Revivex Odor Eliminator by GEAR AID
Specifications:
- Size / Weight: 10 ounces
- Material: All-natural formula
- Package Color: Gray
- Sport Type: Camping, Hiking
- Available in: 10 ounces, 2 ounces
Whether the unpleasant smell comes from the organic residue, the ocean water, or body odor, all of these can ruin your expensive gear. Fortunately, the Revived Odor Eliminator by Gear Aid, previously known as Mirazyme, is an ideal solution when washing is not enough. It features a concentrated mixture of active ingredients, particularly water-activated microbes, that move deep into the materials to gently remove the cause of the odor.Â
It is gentle for all types of outerwear and gear, so you can either spray on the material or soak the entire outerwear, tents, shoes, and wetsuits. Moreover, you also conveniently add this to the washing machine to keep your gear fresh for any season. Since it is HE-Compatible, you can use this on all types of washing machines. Make sure that you use the formula within 72 hours after adding water.
You can use its formula on various fabrics, including neoprene, spandex, fleece, cotton, and Lycra. The Revived Odor Eliminator does not just cover up bad smells, but it completely eliminates the unpleasant stench without damaging your gear. Its multipurpose feature allows you to use this formula on outerwear, cycling gear, athletic clothes, rugs, and pet items.
It removes odors naturally, so it is suitable for wetsuits, footwear, tents, and sports gear. As an all-natural, enzyme-based biodegradable solution, the Gear Aid Revived Odor Eliminator specifically eliminates odors associated with mildew, mold, algae, perspiration, pets, and bacteria. Moreover, one sachet is good for 20 washes.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Can also remove odor for long-term stored gears | Does not effectively remove odor for materials like rubber and nylon |
| Gears smell new and clean when dry | Needs to add more substance work more effectively |
| Works great in eliminating odors | Benefits gear that can be machine-washable |
| Easy to mix and store | Needs improvement in packaging |
| No rinse needed | |
Top Pick – Best Wetsuit Cleaners 2020Â
The JAWS Slosh Wetsuit Shampoo & Conditioner is one of the most well-received and best-rated wetsuit cleaners in the market and across multiple website reviews. This product contains no harmful chemicals and is completely biodegradable. It eliminates salt, odors, chlorine, and inorganic residue using unique and special disinfectants and conditioning agents that maintain and extend your equipment’s life.Â
Moreover, you can also use this on wet and dry suits, swim and waterski wear, scuba equipment, marine wear, and hiking. It works fine on various sports equipment and clothing and is excellent for materials like neoprene and Lycra.
The JAWS Slosh wetsuit cleaner is made with natural ingredients, making it hypoallergenic, biodegradable, alcohol-free, and non-comedogenic. With its 2-in-1 formula, you can use the JAWS Slosh Wetsuit Shampoo & Conditioner both as a wetsuit shampoo and a body wash.
Top Brands for Wetsuit Cleaners –Â JAWS
Founded in 2005, JAWS creates eco-friendly solutions and products for the water sports industry. Therefore, it offers various solutions for different water sports and aquatic activities, including surfing. Inlined with this, they added fourteen more products to provide quality, eco-friendly solutions to land sports, industrial needs, and water sports.
The company also aims to provide solutions to enhance both enjoyment and comfort in any activity or sports. They also maintain simplicity while providing quality products that function naturally, using recognizable and easy-to-remember names. Currently, JAWS products are distributed in 10 countries, with about 520 dealers in the United States.
Seavenger
“TOGETHER, WE VENTURE” – With their tagline, Seavenger values adventure shared with people. The company believes that the moments created with your loved ones make up a well-lived life. So, whether you explore underwater, ride the perfect wave, or spend the vacation on a boat, Seavenger thrives in everyone’s love for the ocean.Â
The company caters to free spirits of any age, and weekend getaways are better spent at sea. Seavenger encourages connection and inspires community with products that you can wear in moments that make life an adventure.
Rip Curl
Tagged as the “Ultimate Surfing Company”, Rip Curl is a company built for, and about, The Search, as it drives the company’s progress and vision. No matter what your adventure involves, Rip Curl makes sure that it provides you with the best equipment you’ll need. No matter what adventure you have, Rip Curl has you covered.
For over 30 years, the company stands as the market leaders in surfing wetsuits. Their ultimate stretch neoprene and zip-free entry technologies set the standard for future wetsuits. With more advanced technology than expected, they ensure competence that will last for a long time.
How to Use Wetsuit CleanersÂ
Prepare the Materials
The most important thing you need when cleaning your wetsuits is an appropriate wetsuit cleaner. So, see to it that you read the label as some manufacturers specify the type of suit that will best benefit the product. Next, prepare a bathtub filled with cold water. Make sure that you have ample space so you can wash your suit.
Mix Cleaner in Cold Water
Before using your chosen wetsuit cleaner, make sure that you read the instructions indicated in each container. This is to ensure that you pour the right amount of cleaner in the water, avoiding damage to your wetsuit.
Although there are several products in the market, choose the one that will remove algae, salt, and bacteria. More so, by looking at the buyer’s guide in choosing the best wetsuit cleaner, you can have the best one in the market.
Flip Your Wetsuit and Wash
Most algae, bacteria, and salt remain inside the wetsuit as sweet build up starts from the inside. By opening the zipper and turning the wetsuit inside out, you can make sure that the product enters the wetsuit. Thus, you can easily wash and scrub your wetsuit using your hands. Note that brush can be harsh to neoprene material, so you can just simply rub the material together then leave it inside the tub for about 10 to 15 minutes.
Rinse with Cold o Fresh Water
Eliminate the soapy water from the suit by rinsing it with either cold or freshwater. Use a water hose nozzle and rinse thoroughly the same way you wash your normal clothes. However, if you are using a bathtub, you can use the faucet instead.
Dry the Wetsuit
A wetsuit tends to stretch, so you need to use a thicker hanger to dry it. Don’t zip the wetsuit to ensure air circulation. Moreover, just as hot water damages neoprene, hot conditions are not good for wetsuits. So, placing them inside a dryer permanently shrinks and destroys the wetsuit.
Hang Up the Wetsuit
Avoid anything that spoils your garment, and avoid folding your wetsuit. This, keeping user a hanger or keep it flat. The former is much preferred as it keeps air circulation going in out, keeping its fresh scent.
What to Consider When Buying Wetsuit Cleaners (Buyer’s Guide)
Non-Toxic
One of the most crucial factors in a wetsuit cleaner is that it is proven safe for both you and your wetsuit. With this, a great cleanser should clean your wetsuit without the use of any harmful alcohol or unnecessary chemicals that do more harm than good.
Gentle on Skin
Since washing wetsuits strictly prohibits the use of washing machines and dryers, it is important that the product is not harmful to your hands when handwashing your wetsuit using the product.
Biodegradable
Several wetsuit cleaners use natural and biodegradable ingredients. The biodegradable feature comes hand-in-hand with the first two factors. So, making use of biodegradable ingredients makes wetsuit cleaners environmentally friendly.
Neoprene-Friendly
Your wetsuit cleaner must not wear out the neoprene component of your wetsuit. Keeping the neoprene supple and softer for long-time results in skin comfort and easier wear.
Removes Residue
A cleaner will not be a good one if it does not remove dirt and odor, as well as organic residue, urine, sunscreen, and salt on your wetsuit. By doing so, it leaves you with a fresh, clean scent and looks for your wetsuit. Using sanitation and conditioning components preserves and extends your wetsuit’s life.
Conclusion
Wetsuits are useful to keep you warm and protected from the cold and are usually used for watersports like surfing. These clothing types are mostly made of neoprene material, which requires special care to remain flexible and stay fresh. Concerning this, the best way to do the job is to use a wetsuit cleaner or shampoo. Taking into consideration all factors needed, our top choice is the JAWS Slosh Wetsuit Shampoo & Conditioner. It effectively eliminates bacteria, salts, and organic residue with its biodegradable formula while keeping your wetsuit’s neoprene in shape.
FAQs – Frequently Asked Questions
What are the best components of a wetsuit cleaner?
Why do you need your wetsuit cleaner?
Can you machine wash your wetsuit?
How do wetsuit cleaners prolong neoprene without smelling?
How should you wash your wetsuit?
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G’day, my name is Rach Taylor and I’m the proud Founder of Surf Hungry. I am a former Australian Olympic athlete and Australian representative surf sports athlete. I’ve worked in the surf industry and lived at several of Australia’s best surf spots, sparking a life-long love of the ocean and a passion for surf sports which has now well and truly rubbed off on my two young sons, both little Aussie surf-stoked groms!
