Wetsuit in washing machine?

[Omoplata]

Hear me out:

Front loader, cold wash, no soap, gentle cycle, low spin speed setting.

Is this still a bad idea?

It appeals to me because it's easier than soaking and the spin cycle means it will be dry much quicker and not drip everywhere.

 

[Wants2divemore]

It's considered a bad idea. The stress on the wetsuit created by both the agitation and spin cycles can cause miniscule tears in the neoprene and shorten its life. Every wetsuit manufacturer website I've ever seen says do not put in a washing machine.

 

[lizardland]

Biological laundry liquid is very good at removing, er, "biological" smells. The enzymatic cleaning agents in it is great for getting rid of pish, it's the same stuff used in industrial cleaners for care homes, veterinary hospitals, etc.

 

[BoltSnap]

Certainly, this is a terrible idea, based on my past experience. Rinse and soak your wetsuit in a large tub, then dry it in the shade, avoiding direct sunlight. If necessary, use the anti-smell product available at the dive shop, and that's all.

 

[Mod63]

Every wetsuit manufacturer website I've ever seen says do not put in a washing machine.

Quoting BARE: "The wetsuit should be periodically washed with mild detergent either by hand or on the delicate cycle in washing machine."

 

[lizardland]

It's considered a bad idea. The stress on the wetsuit created by both the agitation and spin cycles can cause miniscule tears in the neoprene and shorten its life. Every wetsuit manufacturer website I've ever seen says do not put in a washing machine.

So many wetsuits these days are cheap Chinese-made shite. I wouldn't put one in a washing machine regularly and expect it to survive. They barely stand up to what they are made for without adding on any extra abuse. Even just the neoprene isn't what it was. I've got a couple of older suits made from high quality Japanese neoprene and they look near enough new. I've got a newer, cheaper 3mm suit I bought a couple of years ago that's only ever been used for kayaking and paddleboarding and it looks like a train ran over it.

 

[OTF]

Usually unnecessary, a good rinse or light soap at worst is all mine have ever needed. But I know of shops that routinely machine wash their rental wetsuits and it doesn't seem to destroy them any faster than normal rental wear and tear. Not sure what settings they use but I would at least put it on a "delicate" cycle if available.