Best Wetsuit Cleaner – Top 5 Picks & Review

Ever wonder what happens to your wetsuit after a long day in the ocean? It’s a trusty companion, keeping you warm and protected, but all that saltwater, sand, and sweat can leave it feeling less than fresh. Choosing the right cleaner for this essential piece of gear can feel like navigating a maze. There are so many brands and types, and you just want to do right by your wetsuit, right?

A good wetsuit cleaner isn’t just about making things smell nice; it’s about preserving the integrity of the neoprene, preventing mold and mildew, and ultimately, extending the life of your investment. But with so many choices out there, how do you know which one will actually get the job done without damaging your suit? It’s a common frustration for surfers, divers, and anyone who loves getting wet.

This post is here to cut through the confusion. We’ll dive into what makes a wetsuit cleaner effective, what to look out for, and give you some clear advice to help you pick the perfect product. By the end, you’ll feel confident in your choice and ready to give your wetsuit the best care possible. Let’s get started on keeping your gear in top shape!

Our Top 5 Wetsuit Cleaner Recommendations at a Glance

Top 5 Wetsuit Cleaner Detailed Reviews

1. O’NEILL Mens Cleaner Wetsuits

Rating: 9.3/10

Get ready to hit the waves with the O’NEILL Mens Cleaner Wetsuits, ASSORTED! These wetsuits are designed for comfort and performance, whether you’re a beginner or a seasoned pro. They come in a variety of styles, so you can find the perfect fit for your needs. Plus, they’re made right here in the United States, so you know you’re getting quality craftsmanship.

What We Like:

  • Made in the USA: You can trust the quality.
  • Assorted styles: Lots of options to choose from.
  • Comfortable fit: You can move easily in the water.
  • Durable material: These wetsuits will last a long time.
  • Easy to put on and take off: Saves you time.

What Could Be Improved:

  • Limited sizing information: It can be tricky to pick the right size online.
  • Details on specific features: We’d love to know more about the thickness and warmth of each style.

The O’NEILL Mens Cleaner Wetsuits, ASSORTED offers a solid option for surfers looking for a reliable and comfortable wetsuit. With a focus on US-made quality, these wetsuits are a good investment for your water adventures.

2. GEAR AID Wetsuit Cleaner and Conditioner

GEAR AID Wetsuit Cleaner and Conditioner, Wash Away Salt, and Residue with Concentrated Shampoo, 10 fl oz

Rating: 9.1/10

Keep your favorite watersports gear looking and feeling like new with GEAR AID Wetsuit Cleaner and Conditioner. This concentrated shampoo is designed to gently clean and protect all your neoprene items, from wetsuits and drysuits to booties and gloves. It effectively removes salt, chlorine, and other residues that can damage your gear over time.

What We Like:

  • Cleans and conditions expensive wetsuits, drysuits, and other neoprene gear.
  • Washes away salt, chlorine, and organic residue.
  • Extends suit life by keeping neoprene soft and fresh.
  • Helps keep colors bright and prevents premature aging.
  • Gentle enough for booties, gloves, fishing waders, GORE-TEX, and Lycra.
  • Concentrated formula lasts for up to 10 washes.

What Could Be Improved:

  • Packaging may vary, which could be a minor surprise if you expect a specific look.

This cleaner is a smart investment for anyone who loves spending time in the water. It helps your gear last longer and perform better.

3. [32 Washes] Wetsuit Soap Cleaner Shampoo for Neoprene Wetsuit Women & Men – Removes Odors

[32 Washes] Wetsuit Soap Cleaner Shampoo for Neoprene Wetsuit Women & Men - Removes Odors, Chlorine & Ocean Residue - Scuba Gear - 32 oz - Scuba Gear Wash

Rating: 9.4/10

Keep your wetsuit looking and smelling its best with the [32 Washes] Wetsuit Soap Cleaner Shampoo. This powerful cleaner is designed for both men and women and effectively tackles tough odors, chlorine, and salty ocean residue. It’s perfect for all your neoprene gear, from full suits to shorts and tops, ensuring they last longer and perform better.

What We Like:

  • Makes cleaning wetsuits super easy.
  • Gets rid of bad smells from salt and sand.
  • Saves you money because one bottle lasts for up to 32 washes.
  • Helps protect your wetsuit from damage caused by salt and grime.
  • Made right here in the USA!
  • Works on more than just wetsuits – you can use it on booties and gloves too.

What Could Be Improved:

  • The scent is nice, but it could be a bit stronger for those who like a very fresh smell.
  • While it works well, some very stubborn, old stains might need a second wash.

This wetsuit cleaner is a fantastic way to care for your gear. It’s an efficient and affordable solution for keeping your neoprene in top condition for all your water adventures.

4. OdoBan Dive No-Rinse Wetsuit Cleaner Concentrate

OdoBan Dive No-Rinse Wetsuit Cleaner Concentrate, 1 Gallon

Rating: 8.7/10

Keeping your dive gear clean and fresh is essential for your next adventure. The OdoBan Dive No-Rinse Wetsuit Cleaner Concentrate, 1 Gallon is designed to do just that. It’s a powerful cleaner that gets rid of tough stuff like salt, algae, and even unpleasant smells. Plus, it helps keep your wetsuit flexible, so it feels great every time you put it on.

What We Like:

  • It’s a no-rinse formula, which saves you time and water.
  • It effectively removes stenches, salt, algae, and body oils from your gear.
  • The concentrate ratio is fantastic – 1 gallon makes up to 256 gallons of cleaning solution, so it lasts a long time.
  • It helps keep your wetsuits and diving gear in great condition.
  • The fresh, clean scent leaves your gear smelling great.

What Could Be Improved:

  • The instructions for mixing the solution might be a little unclear for some users.
  • While it’s a concentrate, the initial purchase price might seem a bit high for a single bottle.

This cleaner is a great way to maintain your diving equipment. It’s an easy and effective solution for keeping your gear in top shape.

5. Drainbo Pau Pilau Wetsuit Cleaner and Conditioner

Drainbo Pau Pilau Wetsuit Cleaner and Conditioner, 16-Ounce

Rating: 8.7/10

Keep your wetsuit fresh and like new with Drainbo Pau Pilau Wetsuit Cleaner and Conditioner. This 16-ounce bottle offers a safe and natural way to clean and get rid of bad smells from your neoprene gear. It helps bring your wetsuit back to its original, store-bought condition. Say goodbye to yucky stuff like urine, mold, and algae that can make your wetsuit stink.

    What We Like:

  • It’s a safe and all-natural cleaner.
  • It works to restore wetsuits to their original condition.
  • It effectively removes foul odors from urine, mold, and algae.
  • No assembly is needed; it’s ready to use right away.
  • It’s easy to use for cleaning and conditioning your gear.
    What Could Be Improved:

  • The 16-ounce size might not be enough for frequent users or multiple wetsuits.
  • More information on the specific natural ingredients used could be helpful.

Drainbo Pau Pilau is a simple solution for maintaining your neoprene gear. It’s an effective way to keep your wetsuit clean, odor-free, and in great shape for your next adventure.

Wetsuit Cleaner: Your Dive Buddy’s Best Friend

Your wetsuit works hard. It keeps you warm in the water. It protects you from scrapes. But after a fun day surfing, diving, or swimming, your wetsuit needs some TLC. That’s where wetsuit cleaner comes in. It gets rid of salt, sand, sweat, and yucky stuff that can make your wetsuit smell bad. It also helps your wetsuit last longer.

Key Features to Look For

1. Gentle Formula

You want a cleaner that’s tough on dirt but soft on your wetsuit. Harsh chemicals can damage the neoprene. Look for cleaners made with natural ingredients. These are usually safer for your wetsuit and the environment.

2. Odor Elimination

Wetsuits can get pretty smelly! A good cleaner will get rid of those unpleasant odors. It should leave your wetsuit smelling fresh, not like a locker room.

3. Material Preservation

The best cleaners help keep your wetsuit’s material strong and flexible. They prevent the neoprene from drying out or cracking. This means your wetsuit will stay comfy and protective for more adventures.

4. Easy to Use

Cleaning your wetsuit shouldn’t be a chore. Most cleaners come as liquids you mix with water. Some are sprays that you apply directly. Find one that fits your cleaning routine.

5. Eco-Friendly Options

Many water lovers care about the planet. You can find wetsuit cleaners that are biodegradable and made with sustainable ingredients. This is a great way to enjoy the water and protect it too.

Important Materials in Wetsuit Cleaners

Wetsuit cleaners use different ingredients. Many use mild soaps or surfactants. These help lift dirt and oil from the fabric. Some cleaners have natural disinfectants like tea tree oil. These can help kill bacteria that cause smells.

Factors That Improve or Reduce Quality

Improving Quality:
  • Natural ingredients are better.
  • Formulas that are pH-neutral.
  • Cleaners that are specifically made for wetsuits.
  • Products with good reviews from other water sports fans.
Reducing Quality:
  • Harsh chemicals like bleach or strong detergents.
  • Cleaners that have artificial fragrances.
  • Products that aren’t designed for neoprene.
  • Using too much cleaner can be bad.

User Experience and Use Cases

Most people use wetsuit cleaner after every few uses, or whenever their wetsuit starts to smell. It’s simple to do. You usually mix the cleaner with cool or lukewarm water in a tub or bucket. Then, you soak your wetsuit for a bit. After that, you rinse it thoroughly and hang it to dry away from direct sunlight.

Surfers use it to get rid of saltwater and sand. Divers use it to clean off salt and any aquatic gunk. Anyone who spends time in the water can benefit from keeping their wetsuit clean.

Wetsuit Cleaner FAQs

Q: How often should I clean my wetsuit?

A: It’s a good idea to clean your wetsuit after every few uses, especially if you notice any smells or see dirt on it.

Q: Can I use regular laundry detergent?

A: No, regular laundry detergent is usually too harsh. It can damage the neoprene material of your wetsuit.

Q: Is it okay to wash my wetsuit in a washing machine?

A: Most wetsuits should not be washed in a washing machine. Hand washing with a special wetsuit cleaner is the best way to clean them.

Q: What if my wetsuit smells really bad?

A: Use a cleaner specifically designed for odor elimination. You might need to soak it a bit longer.

Q: Can I use hot water to clean my wetsuit?

A: It’s best to use cool or lukewarm water. Hot water can damage the neoprene.

Q: Do I need to rinse my wetsuit after using cleaner?

A: Yes, you must rinse your wetsuit very well to get all the cleaner out. If you don’t, it can damage the material.

Q: Where should I dry my wetsuit?

A: Hang your wetsuit in a cool, shady place. Keep it out of direct sunlight, as the sun can make the neoprene brittle.

Q: Will wetsuit cleaner remove stains?

A: Some cleaners can help with minor stains. However, their main job is cleaning and preserving the material, not stain removal.

Q: Are there any natural alternatives to wetsuit cleaner?

A: Some people use a small amount of mild, natural soap or even vinegar mixed with water. However, a dedicated wetsuit cleaner is usually the safest and most effective option.

Q: How much wetsuit cleaner should I use?

A: Always follow the instructions on the product label. Using too much cleaner isn’t better and can sometimes be harmful.

In conclusion, every product has unique features and benefits. We hope this review helps you decide if it meets your needs. An informed choice ensures the best experience.

If you have any questions or feedback, please share them in the comments. Your input helps everyone. Thank you for reading.