Wetsuit Cleaner vs Fresh Water (2026)
Fresh water rinsing removes most salt and is the essential step. Dedicated cleaner also addresses body oils and the bacteria that produce the smell, which fresh water alone does not. Rinse every time; use cleaner periodically, and never leave a suit in the sun or folded wet, which is what actually destroys neoprene.
At a glance
| GEAR AID Wetsuit and Drysuit Cleaner | XXL Mesh Dive Gear Duffle | |
|---|---|---|
| Removes salt | Yes | Yes, with rinsing |
| Removes body oils | Yes | No |
| Addresses odour | Yes | Partly |
| Needed every dive | No | Yes |
| Protects neoprene | Yes | Drying protects it |
| Cost | Low | Low |
Choose the GEAR AID Wetsuit and Drysuit Cleaner if…
Your suit has started to smell, which is bacteria rather than salt. Cleaner formulated for neoprene addresses that without the detergents that strip the material.
Check GEAR AID Wetsuit and Drysuit Cleaner on Amazon
Choose the XXL Mesh Dive Gear Duffle if…
Drying is what preserves a suit. Hang it on a wide hanger out of direct sunlight, inside out first, and never store it folded or damp. UV and folding do more damage than diving does.
Check XXL Mesh Dive Gear Duffle on Amazon
Related
Comparison based on published manufacturer specifications and the general consensus of owner reports. We have not tested these products side by side. Confirm current specifications and prices before buying. As an Amazon Associate we earn from qualifying purchases, at no extra cost to you.
Deciding on a specific model? We review the Henderson 3mm Thermoprene Pro back zip jumpsuit review in full.
Frequently asked questions
Can I use ordinary detergent?
Not advisable. Household detergents can degrade neoprene and strip its flexibility. Use something formulated for wetsuits, or plain fresh water.
How should I store a wetsuit?
On a wide hanger, dry, out of sunlight, ideally hanging rather than folded. Folds create permanent creases in neoprene that eventually crack.
Does everyone really pee in their wetsuit?
It is common enough that cleaner exists partly for that reason. Rinsing thoroughly matters more if you do, since it accelerates both odour and material degradation.
How we choose: we compare published manufacturer specifications, published training agency standards, and verified owner reviews across retailers. We do not test gear in person, and every depth rating, cylinder capacity and algorithm name quoted here is the manufacturer's published figure unless we say otherwise, so confirm it on the current spec sheet before you buy. Nothing here is dive instruction, and no calculator output on this site is a dive plan. Scuba diving carries a real risk of decompression sickness, oxygen toxicity, barotrauma and drowning. Dive within the limits of your certification, verify every plan with your own computer, and buy the training before the gear that assumes it.
Logging your own SAC rate and gas plans? The Dive Kit & Air Planning Workbook is the paid version of these pages: 8 printable worksheets you fill in with your own numbers, plus the full PDF, $29.