A wetsuit smell is almost always moisture, bacteria, and body oils trapped in the neoprene. blueseventy builds its swim wetsuits from Yamamoto neoprene, which is flexible and supple. That material holds odor if the suit stays damp or gets washed with the wrong cleaners. The result is a smell that comes back every time the suit gets wet. The fix is rinse, wash gently, and dry it all the way through.
Why the smell starts
Wetsuits are designed to let a thin layer of water in. Your body warms that water. That process also carries sweat, skin oils, sunscreen, and lake or pool residue into the suit. If the suit stays damp, bacteria multiply and the odor sets into the lining and neoprene. The smell is a care and drying issue, not a defect in the suit.
Rinse first, every time
Rinse the suit in cool fresh water as soon as you can after a swim. Turn it inside out and rinse the lining. Pay attention to the neck, underarms, and crotch area. Those are the places body oils and sweat collect. Rinsing before the suit dries flushes out salt, chlorine, and lake water before they concentrate. For pool or ocean swimmers, this is the most useful habit.
Wash with a mild cleaner
Use a wetsuit-specific cleaner if you have one. If you do not, a small amount of gentle, fragrance-free soap in cool water works. Work the soap into the chest, neck, and armpit areas with your fingers. Do not scrub with a brush or sponge. Rinse until no suds remain. Rinse after every swim, and do the soap wash every few swims or when odor starts.
Some products and habits damage neoprene and glued seams:
- Bleach
- Fabric softener
- Standard laundry detergent
- Hot water
- Machine washing
- Machine drying
Stick with cool or lukewarm water and a gentle hand wash.
Dry completely
Shake off excess water. Hang the suit over a wide, padded hanger or lay it flat. Dry it inside out first, then right side out. Keep it out of direct sun and away from radiators, dryers, and dehumidifier vents. Heat and UV degrade neoprene. Store the suit only after it is fully dry, and do not leave it in a gym bag or car. A dry suit in a ventilated spot stays fresh longer.
For stubborn odor
If the smell persists after a full wash and dry, try a short soak in cool water with a splash of white vinegar. Keep it dilute. Rinse the suit thoroughly afterward. You can repeat the soak if needed. Vinegar is mild enough for occasional use and its acid breaks down odor-causing residue. Do not use strong chemical deodorizers or bleach.
Most wetsuit smell comes from the same three things: moisture, body oils, and time in a bag. Remove all three and the odor goes with them.
