How you rinse, dry, and store neoprene changes feel and lifespan—whether you own a suit or rent for a week in Aljezur. Salt, sun, and heat are the enemies; below covers washing, storage mistakes, and when a suit is done—even for hire gear everyone shares next.
Rinse with fresh water after every session
Cold or lukewarm fresh water — hose, shower, or bucket. Salt crystallises in neoprene fibres and abrades the material; sand works into seams. You do not need thirty minutes; a thorough rinse inside and out is enough.
Do not use hot water on the suit — it stresses glue and lining.
Drying: shade, inside out first
UV degrades neoprene faster than surfing does. Hang in shade or a ventilated room, not on a hot car bonnet or balcony in direct July sun.
Technique: Turn inside out first so the lining dries; then flip right-side out for the outer shell. Use a wide bar or wetsuit hanger at the waist — hanging heavy wet neoprene by the shoulders stretches it. Avoid thin wire hangers.
Storage: no sharp folds
Long-term: Drape over a bar or roll loosely. Creases become weak spots and cold bridges. Do not cram a damp suit in the bottom of a bag for days.
Travel: Roll rather than fold if you must pack it; unpack and hang when you arrive.
Cleaning beyond water
Occasionally use wetsuit shampoo or mild soap designed for neoprene — especially if the suit smells or algae stained the ankles. Rinse completely. Never chuck it in the washing machine or dryer.
Common mistakes
| Mistake | Why it hurts |
|---|---|
| Trunk of car in sun | Oven for neoprene and glue |
| Radiator / tumble dryer | Shrinks, delaminates seams |
| Peeing in the suit (and not rinsing) | Bacteria, smell, faster breakdown — your call, but rinse |
| Yanking arms/legs | Tears seam tape; peel gently |
When to replace a wetsuit
- Flushing — cold water pours in at neck, zip, or seams despite OK fit
- Neoprene cracking or permanent compression in high-wear zones
- Seams splitting or glue failing
- Fit changed — weight loss/gain or stretched-out ankles/wrists
A tired suit makes 15°C water feel colder than it should — relevant on the Costa Vicentina in shoulder and winter months. Choosing the right wetsuit explains thickness; wetsuit guide Portugal maps months.
Renters: quick etiquette
Treat hire gear like you would want yours treated: rinse, hang, no sun baking. If a zip sticks or a seam looks odd, tell the shop before your next session — small fixes beat blowouts in the lineup.
Travel days: flying home with your own suit
If you own a suit and flew in for a mixed trip (some days our rental, some days your board), roll the suit in a changing mat or towel so creases do not set during the flight. At security, suits are fine in hold or cabin — dry them first so the bag does not mildew. Renters flying only with us do not need this, but the habit matters if you buy later.
Repairs: when DIY makes sense
Small nicks in smoothskin or unstitched spots sometimes get neoprene glue patches at home — follow product instructions and test flex. Major seam blowouts or zip failure belong to a wetsuit repair shop or warranty. Rental fleet suits are our problem — report damage honestly so the next customer is not surprised.
Pair with board knowledge
Care habits do not change which board suits your level. For soft-tops and sizing, see what surfboard should I rent and soft top vs hard board.
Surf Rental Aljezur
Our rentals include season-matched wetsuits (3/2mm Jun–Sep, 4/3mm Apr–May & Oct, 5/3mm Nov–Mar) with soft-top boards and free delivery to Aljezur, Arrifana, Vale da Telha, and Monte Clérigo (broader Costa Vicentina — ask case-by-case). Rates: Board Only €25/day, Full €35/day, Premium €45/day (weekly bundles on pricing). hello@surfrental-aljezur.com — contact.
Can I use regular detergent?
Better not — harsh detergents strip treatments and stress glue. Use products meant for neoprene or plain thorough rinsing.
How long does a wetsuit last?
With good care, several seasons of regular use for quality suits. Heavy winter abuse or poor drying shortens life.
Is it OK to surf twice a day in one suit without rinsing between?
Not ideal — at least quick rinse the second time; salt builds up.
What about boots and gloves?
Same rules: rinse, dry out of sun, store without crushing creases.