Can You Put a Wetsuit in the Dryer
The Short Answer: No, Don't Use the Dryer
Putting a wetsuit in the dryer is a quick way to damage it. Heat breaks down neoprene, the material most wetsuits are made from, causing it to become brittle, shrink, and lose its flexibility. Your dryer's high temperatures can also melt the glued seams and degrade the rubber backing that keeps water out. A single dryer cycle can take years off your wetsuit's lifespan. The good news? Air drying works just fine and takes only a few hours. Understanding the right way to dry your wetsuit means it'll stay comfortable, waterproof, and ready for your next session for years to come.
5 Proper Ways to Dry Your Wetsuit
Hang it on a thick hanger. Use a padded or wide hanger to avoid stretching the shoulders. Hang it inside out first so the inside dries faster, then flip it to finish. Avoid thin wire hangers that dig into the neoprene and create permanent creases.
Air dry in a shaded, ventilated space. Direct sunlight fades colors and weakens neoprene over time. Choose a spot with good airflow, like a patio or garage. Avoid humid basements where mildew can grow. Most suits dry in 4 to 8 hours depending on thickness.
Rinse with fresh water first. Salt and chlorine corrode neoprene and glued seams. After each use, rinse your suit thoroughly with cool fresh water. This simple step extends durability and prevents odors and mildew from forming during storage.
Never wring or twist your suit. Excess water will drip off on its own. Wringing stresses the seams and can tear thin areas. If you need to remove water faster, gently squeeze sections of the suit without twisting or folding.
Use a dedicated wetsuit hanger or rack. Purpose-built drying solutions keep your suit in shape and speed up drying. Some designs have hooks for gloves and booties, so everything dries together in one organized spot.
Why Heat Damages Neoprene
Neoprene is a synthetic rubber that's engineered to stay flexible in cold water. Heat causes the rubber to lose its elasticity and become stiff or brittle. The glue holding seams together can also soften and fail under high temperatures, leading to leaks. Most wetsuits are also backed with nylon or other synthetic fabrics that melt or shrink when exposed to heat above 140°F. Your dryer reaches 150-160°F easily, which is hotter than any wetsuit can handle. Even if your suit survives one cycle, repeated heat exposure compounds the damage. Cold water and air drying preserve the material's integrity and keep your suit performing as intended. Investing a few hours in proper drying now saves you from buying a replacement suit later.
Common Questions
How long does it take to air dry a wetsuit?
Most wetsuits dry in 4 to 8 hours when hung in a well-ventilated space. Thicker suits (5mm or more) may take longer, while thin spring suits dry faster. Hanging it inside out first speeds up the process. Avoid direct sunlight and humidity, which slow drying. In cooler or more humid climates, drying may take 12 hours or more.
Can I use a fan to speed up drying?
Yes, a fan helps. Position a regular household fan nearby to increase air circulation. This can cut drying time by half. Just don't use a heat gun or hair dryer, which apply direct heat and damage the neoprene. A gentle breeze from an oscillating fan works great without any risk.
What if I need to dry my wetsuit quickly?
Hang it inside out in the sunniest spot available (brief sun exposure is okay for drying, just not ideal for storage). Use a fan to boost air movement. Squeeze out excess water gently before hanging. If you're in a pinch, a cool air setting on a hair dryer works, but keep it on low and far away from the suit. Never use heat.
Should I store my wetsuit wet?
No, always dry your suit completely before storing it. Storing a damp suit invites mold and mildew, which causes odors and material breakdown. Once fully dry, hang it on a thick hanger in a cool, dark closet or use a dedicated storage rack. Keep it away from direct heat sources and extreme temperatures.
Is it okay to use a dehumidifier while drying?
Yes, a dehumidifier helps in humid climates. It removes moisture from the air, which speeds up evaporation from your suit. This is a safe alternative to heat drying. Pair it with a fan for best results. Just don't use it as an excuse to skip rinsing your suit with fresh water first.
Can I put my wetsuit in the sun to dry faster?
Brief sun exposure is fine, but don't leave your suit in direct sunlight for hours. UV rays fade colors and weaken neoprene over time. Hang it in a shaded area with good airflow for the fastest safe drying. If you must use sun, flip the suit frequently and limit exposure to 30 minutes or less.
Smart Drying Gear Makes a Difference
Investing in proper drying accessories pays off. A quality wetsuit hanger is thicker and wider than standard hangers, so it won't dig into the shoulders or create permanent creases. Some designs include integrated hooks for gloves, booties, and other gear, so everything dries in one spot. Wetsuit racks are another option, especially if you have multiple suits or limited hanging space. They're designed to keep your suit's shape while air dries it evenly. The right tools take the guesswork out of drying and protect your investment. When you pair proper drying with regular rinsing and cool storage, your wetsuit stays comfortable and waterproof for seasons to come.
Get the Right Drying Solution
Stop worrying about how to dry your wetsuit. Our drying racks and hangers are built to keep your suit in perfect shape while it air dries. Quick delivery and backed by real reviews from surfers and swimmers who care about their gear.
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