Let the suit dry completely before you try to remove the sand. Wet sand clings to neoprene and works deeper into the fabric when you rub it. Dry sand shakes or brushes off with light pressure. Following that order protects the seams, the liner, and the zipper.
Why dry first works
Sand sticks to wet neoprene through surface tension. On a Blue70 suit, that means grains hold to the exterior neoprene and the jersey liner. Once the suit dries completely, the sand releases and falls away with a shake or a soft brush, so you do not have to scrub hard enough to abrade the jersey liner or stress the seams. Hang the suit on a wide hanger or lay it flat, out of direct sun. If the sand is mostly inside the liner, dry the suit inside out. Wait until the liner feels dry, not just the outside skin.
Step-by-step sand removal
- Shake the dry suit first. Hold it by the shoulders and snap the panels gently. Most surface sand drops away in this step.
- Work on the liner. Use a soft brush or a dry microfiber cloth on any remaining sand. Use light pressure and work in one direction toward the hem. Back-and-forth scrubbing can grind fine particles into the fabric.
- Rinse only after the bulk of the sand is gone. Cool fresh water removes salt and the last fine grains. Rinse inside and out. Hot water can harm neoprene and adhesives.
- Handle the zipper separately. If grit is in the track, run cool water over it while you move the pull gently up and down. Do not force it.
A note for Helix owners
The Helix uses thin, flexible neoprene. Blue70 notes that this race suit's neoprene can break down more quickly with frequent training use, so use less pressure when removing sand. A shake and a soft brush should do the job. The same method works across the range, but race suits get the lightest touch.
What not to do
- Do not wring or twist the suit to force water or sand out.
- Do not machine wash or machine dry it.
- Do not scrub wet sand with a stiff brush.
- Do not use bleach, solvents, or strong detergents.
- Do not force a gritty zipper.
Final rinse and storage
After sand removal and the final rinse, dry the suit again out of direct sun. Store it flat or on a wide hanger once it is completely dry. If the sand has caused a small nick in the neoprene, Blue70 carries neoprene cement for minor spot repairs. For a larger tear or zipper problem, contact us at us@blueseventy.com. Happy swimming.
