How to Clean a Patagonia Wetsuit and Remove Odor

Step-by-step instructions

Step 1: Read the label and inspect the suit

Confirm the Patagonia material, zipper arrangement and printed care label before using a product. Look for open seams, torn rubber, lifting tape, a damaged zipper or areas worn thin. Cleaning does not repair structural damage, and pulling a compromised suit through a wash can enlarge a small tear.

Step 2: Rinse promptly after every session

As soon as practical after surfing, rinse the wetsuit with cool or lukewarm fresh water. Rinse the exterior first, then turn it inside out and rinse the lining, neck, cuffs and zipper area. This is especially important after salt water, sand or a chlorinated pool. Avoid hot water, which can age flexible materials and adhesives.

Step 3: Flush sand without grinding it

Let water carry sand away from zipper teeth, seam intersections and cuffs. Use fingers gently to open folds but do not scrub rubber with a stiff brush or kneel on the suit. Work the zipper only after visible grit is gone and support the surrounding material so the slider is not forced.

Step 4: Decide whether a deep wash is needed

A fresh-water rinse is the routine treatment. Use Patagonia's deeper hand-wash method when body oils, algae, odor or grime remain. Do not repeatedly soak a clean suit merely for fragrance. Never put it in a washing machine or dry-clean it, and exclude bleach, fabric softener and ordinary solvent cleaners.

Step 5: Hand-wash with wetsuit cleaner

Fill a clean basin with fresh water at a safe temperature and add the amount of wetsuit-specific cleaner directed on its label. Submerge the suit gently and let it soak for about 15 minutes, following Patagonia's guidance. Agitate lightly by hand and work the solution through high-contact areas without twisting seams or rubbing panels against each other.

Step 6: Rinse until residue is gone

Drain the wash water and rinse with clean fresh water. Move water through both sides, cuffs and zipper folds until there is no foam or slick feel. Do not wring the suit. Support its weight when lifting because a waterlogged wetsuit puts extra strain on shoulders and seams.

Step 7: Drip-dry inside out in shade

Pat away excess water with towels, turn the suit inside out and drape it over a broad wetsuit hanger or padded rail. Patagonia says to keep it out of direct sun; UV can degrade rubber. Provide airflow and turn it right-side out after the lining dries so both surfaces finish evenly.

Step 8: Avoid heat and narrow hangers

Do not use a clothes dryer, hair dryer, radiator, heated room or hot vehicle. A thin hanger can stretch shoulder material under the suit's weight, so use a wide support or fold it at the waist over a padded rail. Do not iron or press a crease flat with heat.

Step 9: Store only when fully dry

Check cuffs, zipper backing, knee panels and seam intersections for concealed moisture. Store the suit in a cool, dry place away from sun, ozone-producing equipment and sharp objects. Use a broad hanger suitable for long-term storage or follow Patagonia's folding direction, and never seal a damp wetsuit inside its changing bag.