Washing neoprene 5mm semi-dry wetsuit in washing-machine.

[FreeFlyFreak]

 

[chillyinCanada]

He's using a top loader.

The front loaders are not anywhere near as bad for our suits. Put it on handwashing or silk.

 

[FreeFlyFreak]

He's using a top loader.

The front loaders are not anywhere near as bad for our suits. Put it on handwashing or silk.

I agree, no way I would use a top loader. If I didnt own a front loader and HAD to use a washing machine i'd go to the laundromat.

Whatever the OP decides use the most gentle cycle possible if using a machine.

 

[soonerwink]

A semidry also typically has a drysuit zipper that can be destroyed in the tumbling action of a front load washing machine, especially if it is a metal toothed zip.

The zip is the most expensive part of the suit to have replaced, often more expensive than a new suit.

OP, I would recommend hand washing in the bath tub.

-Z

None of the semi-dry suits I have seen have a drysuit zipper. I own both and zippers are nothing alike.

 

[BoltSnap]

What is the difference between a "top loader" and "front loader" in terms of using them to clean a wetsuit? What does the top loader do that the front loader doesn't?

 

[Jcp2]

Many top loaders have a Central agitator while all front loaders do not.

 

[BoltSnap]

Many top loaders have a Central agitator while all front loaders do not.

You mean the plastic post in the middle? The ones I see here in Libya don't have it and are simply a front loader turned up.

 

[soonerwink]

You mean the plastic post in the middle? The ones I see here in Libya don't have it and are simply a front loader turned up.

That is correct, you will be fine without the agitator. Be sure and use the gentle or hand wash cycle.

 

[davehicks]

Does anyone on this thread need an electric spaghetti fork? Seems like this might be a ripe market for "labor saving" devices.

 

[Russjstewart]

Given the amount of salt that comes out of a wetsuit when hand washed, I would be a bit worried about what the salty waterwas doing to the pump in the washing machine.