How to Care for Your Toddler's Wetsuit and Make It Last
Simple maintenance to extend wetsuit life
You just spent $80 to $120 on a toddler wetsuit. The last thing you want is for it to fall apart after one season because you didn't know how to care for it.
Good news: wetsuit care is simple. A few basic habits after each use will keep your toddler's wetsuit in great shape until they outgrow it.
After every use: the 5-minute routine
This is the most important part of wetsuit care. Do this every single time and your wetsuit will last significantly longer.
Step 1: Rinse with fresh water
Why: Salt, chlorine, sand, and sunscreen break down neoprene over time.
How: Use a hose, outdoor shower, or bathtub to rinse the wetsuit inside and out.
Time: 1 to 2 minutes.
Pro tip: Turn the wetsuit inside out and rinse the interior first. That's where sweat, oils, and sunscreen accumulate.
Step 2: Squeeze out excess water
Why: Heavy, waterlogged wetsuits stretch and lose shape.
How: Gently squeeze (don't wring or twist) to remove water.
Time: 30 seconds.
Don't: Wring it out like a towel. Twisting damages the neoprene and seams.
Step 3: Hang to dry
Why: Proper drying prevents mildew and material breakdown.
How: Hang on a wide, padded hanger or fold over a drying rack.
Where: Shaded area with good airflow, not direct sunlight.
Important: Never use a wire hanger. It creates creases and stretches the shoulders. Use a wetsuit hanger or a wide plastic hanger.
Step 4: Let it dry completely
Why: Storing a damp wetsuit causes mildew and odor.
How long: 24 to 48 hours depending on humidity.
Check: Feel the inside. It should be completely dry before storing.
Common wetsuit care mistakes
Leaving it in a hot car
Heat breaks down neoprene, causes it to lose elasticity, and creates permanent odors. Always remove the wetsuit from your car after the beach. Hang it to dry at home.
Drying in direct sunlight
Strong sunlight degrades neoprene over time, causing it to become brittle and crack. Dry in shade or indoors. A garage, covered patio, or bathroom works great.
Machine washing or drying
Agitation and heat destroy neoprene and seams. Hand rinse only. Never put a wetsuit in a washing machine or dryer.
Storing it wet
Creates mildew, mold, and a smell that's nearly impossible to remove. Always dry completely before storing.
Folding it for long-term storage
Creates permanent creases and weakens the neoprene at fold lines. Store flat or on a wide hanger. If you must fold, fold loosely and refold in a different spot periodically.
Deep cleaning: when and how
If your toddler's wetsuit starts to smell funky despite regular rinsing, time for a deep clean.
When to deep clean
- Persistent odor even after rinsing
- Visible stains or discoloration
- End of season (before long-term storage)
- After heavy use (multiple times per week for a month)
Method 1: Wetsuit shampoo (easiest option)
- Fill a bathtub or large bucket with cool water
- Add wetsuit-specific shampoo (brands like Piss Off, Sink the Stink, or O'Neill work well)
- Submerge the wetsuit and gently agitate for 5 minutes
- Let it soak for 15 to 30 minutes
- Drain and rinse thoroughly with fresh water
- Squeeze out excess water and hang to dry
Method 2: DIY solution (budget-friendly)
- Fill a tub with cool water
- Add a quarter cup of mild, fragrance-free detergent (like Woolite or baby shampoo)
- Soak for 20 to 30 minutes
- Rinse extremely well (detergent residue can irritate skin)
- Hang to dry
What NOT to use
- Bleach (destroys neoprene)
- Fabric softener (breaks down material)
- Hot water (causes shrinkage and damage)
- Harsh detergents (irritates skin and damages wetsuit)
How to store a wetsuit
Short-term storage (using it regularly)
How: Hang on a wide, padded wetsuit hanger in a cool, dry place.
Alternative: Fold loosely over a drying rack.
Location: Garage, closet, or mudroom (away from direct sunlight and heat).
Long-term storage (off-season)
How: Lay flat in a storage bin or on a shelf.
Preparation: Deep clean first, dry completely, then store.
Location: Cool, dry, dark place (basement, closet, under bed).
Pro tip: If you must fold it, place a towel between the folds to prevent creasing.
Dealing with wetsuit odor
Even with proper care, wetsuits can develop a smell. How to fix it:
For mild odor
- Soak in a tub with a quarter cup of white vinegar and cool water for 30 minutes
- Rinse thoroughly
- Hang to dry in fresh air
For stubborn odor
- Use a wetsuit-specific odor eliminator (Sink the Stink, MiraZyme)
- Soak overnight
- Rinse well and dry completely
Prevention
- Rinse immediately after every use
- Turn inside out to dry (allows interior to air out)
- Never store damp
- Deep clean at least once per season
Repairing minor damage
Toddlers are hard on gear. Common wetsuit fixes:
Small tears or holes
Use neoprene glue or Aquaseal. Clean the area, apply glue to both sides, press together, let cure for 24 hours.
Loose seams
Use seam sealer or neoprene cement. Apply along the seam, press firmly, let dry.
Broken zipper
Usually requires professional repair or replacement. Prevention: use the zipper pull gently, don't force it.
When to replace instead of repair: If the neoprene is losing elasticity, has multiple large tears, or the zipper is completely broken, time for a new wetsuit.
How long should a toddler wetsuit last?
With proper care:
- Light use (1 to 2 times per month): 2 to 3 years or until they outgrow it
- Moderate use (1 to 2 times per week): 1 to 2 years
- Heavy use (3-plus times per week): 1 season
Realistically, most toddlers outgrow their wetsuit before it wears out. If you take care of it, you can pass it down to a younger sibling or sell it secondhand.
Quick care checklist
After every use:
- Rinse with fresh water (inside and out)
- Squeeze out excess water (don't wring)
- Hang on a wide hanger in shade
- Let dry completely before storing
Never:
- Leave in hot car
- Dry in direct sunlight
- Machine wash or dry
- Store wet or damp
- Use harsh chemicals
Occasionally:
- Deep clean with wetsuit shampoo
- Check for tears or damage
- Treat odors with a vinegar soak
The bottom line
Wetsuit care is simple. Rinse after every use, dry in the shade, store properly. Do these three things consistently and your toddler's wetsuit will last as long as they fit in it.
The five minutes you spend rinsing and hanging the wetsuit after each beach day will save you from buying a replacement mid-season. Worth it.
Shop the collection: The Grom Fullsuit is built for sand, salt, and sibling hand-me-downs.
