How to Clean Rash Guards and Wetsuits: Tips for Water Sports Enthusiasts
Swimming in the ocean is a fun and exhilarating experience. However, it can be tough on your swimwear and gear. Rash guards and wetsuits are essential pieces of clothing for surfers, swimmers, divers, and other water sports enthusiasts.
Rash guards prevent rashes caused by friction against the skin or sunburns while also protecting you from UV rays. Wetsuits keep you warm in cold water temperatures by trapping a thin layer of water between your body and the suit.
These garments need proper care to last long and function effectively. In this article, we’ll go through some tips on how to clean rash guards and wetsuits.
Cleaning Rash Guards
Rash guards come in different materials such as nylon, spandex, polyester blends, or neoprene (the same material used in wetsuits). The cleaning method depends on the type of fabric your rash guard is made from.
1. Read the Care Instructions: Before washing your rash guard, check if there are any specific instructions provided by the manufacturer regarding washing or drying methods. Follow those instructions carefully to avoid damaging your garment.
2. Rinse with Freshwater: After using a rash guard for swimming or surfing sessions at sea, rinse it thoroughly with freshwater immediately after use to remove sand particles that can cause abrasion when rubbing against other fabrics during washing.
3. Soak in Cold Water: Fill a tub with cold water and add mild detergent specifically designed for delicate fabrics like swimsuits to soak your rash guard for 15-30 minutes before washing it properly. Avoid using hot water as it can damage the fibers of synthetic materials like nylon or spandex.
4. Washing Machine Method: Once soaked adequately in cold water with mild detergent solution (as mentioned above), put it into a mesh laundry bag before placing it into the washer with similar colors items; set machine cycle on gentle mode; use only mild detergent without bleach content.
5. Drying: After washing, hang dry your rash guard in a shaded area to prevent fading and direct sunlight exposure that can damage the fabric’s elasticity. Do not use a dryer as it can shrink or deform the fibers.
Cleaning Wetsuits
Wetsuits are thicker and made of neoprene, which is more durable than other fabrics used for rash guards. However, they still require proper care to avoid wear and tear from saltwater, sand, dirt, or chlorine.
1. Rinse with Freshwater: Similar to rash guards, rinse your wetsuit with freshwater immediately after use to remove any debris or saltwater residue that may cause abrasion when rubbing against other fabrics during washing.
2. Soak in Cold Water: Fill a tub with cold water and add mild detergent specifically designed for wetsuits to soak your suit for 15-30 minutes before washing it properly.
3. Hand Wash Method: After soaking it in cold water mixed with mild detergent solution (as mentioned above), gently scrub the entire surface of your wetsuit using a soft-bristled brush or sponge without applying too much pressure on seams and zippers; rinse thoroughly afterward until all suds are gone.
4. Drying: Hang-dry your wetsuit inside out away from direct sunlight or heat sources like radiators as these elements can harm the neoprene material and affect its performance over time; avoid folding or twisting while drying as this can also cause creases that will be challenging to remove later on – instead lay flat on a clean surface once dry completely before storing it away until next use.
Additional Tips:
– Avoid using bleach-based detergents as they can damage both rash guards’ synthetic materials and neoprene suits.
– Do not iron either garment.
– Store them in cool dark places when not in use.
– Check regularly for signs of wear such as holes, tears or worn-out seams, if any; replace them as soon as possible to avoid further damage.
Conclusion
Cleaning rash guards and wetsuits isn’t rocket science. With the right products and methods, you can keep your swimwear looking great for years to come. Always read the care instructions provided by the manufacturer before washing or drying your garments. Remember to rinse with freshwater after every use, soak in cold water with mild detergent solution before washing it gently either in a machine or using hand scrubbing techniques followed by hang-drying away from direct sunlight or heat sources until dry completely before storing it away until next use.