8 Essential Cleaning Supplies for Wetsuits and Water Shoes

There is nothing worse than pulling your favorite wetsuit or water shoes out of storage only to be greeted by the sour stench of mildew and stiff, crumbling rubber. High-performance water gear is a serious investment, but its lifespan is cut drastically short without proper post-session maintenance. Fortunately, keeping your neoprene supple and your water shoes odor-free requires just a few specialized tools and a consistent cleaning routine.

Disclosure: As an Amazon Associate, this site earns from qualifying purchases. Thank you!

Why Proper Neoprene Care Prevents Gear Rot

Neoprene is essentially a synthetic rubber foam packed with thousands of microscopic nitrogen gas bubbles that provide insulation and buoyancy. When you wear a wetsuit, it absorbs body oils, sweat, sunscreen, and organic matter from the water. Left unchecked, these contaminants degrade the neoprene cells, causing them to lose elasticity and eventually tear.

Simple freshwater rinsing is a good start, but it only scratches the surface. Microbes and salt crystals wedge themselves deep within the porous neoprene structure, acting like tiny pieces of sandpaper every time the suit flexes. Over time, this abrasive action leads to “gear rot,” characterized by cracked seams, brittle panels, and a permanent, offensive odor.

How Saltwater and Chlorine Damage Water Shoes

Water shoes are built to take a beating on rocky riverbeds and sandy beaches, but they are highly vulnerable to chemical degradation. Saltwater leaves behind sharp salt crystals as it evaporates, which slice through delicate mesh fibers and dry out rubber soles. Chlorine from backyard pools is even more aggressive, actively eating away at the adhesives holding the shoe’s sole to the upper fabric.

Once the glue breaks down, the structural integrity of the shoe fails, leading to delamination and mid-sole separation. Regular canvas or athletic detergents are often too harsh or fail to neutralize these specific chemical residues. Utilizing specialized cleaners keeps the rubber pliable, preserves stitch strength, and prevents the dreaded sole-peeling that ruins a good pair of shoes mid-season.

Wetsuit Shampoo – Gear Aid Revivex Suit Shampoo

Standard laundry detergents contain harsh surfactants and fragrances that strip the natural oils from neoprene, leaving it stiff and prone to cracking. A dedicated wetsuit shampoo is formulated to gently lift organic debris, saltwater residues, and chlorine without compromising the integrity of the neoprene or its glued seams. It keeps the fabric soft, flexible, and comfortable against your skin.

Gear Aid Revivex Suit Shampoo is the industry standard for keeping neoprene in peak condition. It is a concentrated, cold-water formula that targets chlorine, salt, and organic odors in a single soak. This biodegradable wash rinses clean without leaving behind any soapy residue that could irritate skin or attract dirt during your next session.

• Concentrated formula requires only two ounces per rinse tub
• Safe for wetsuits, drysuits, booties, gloves, and rash guards
• Biodegradable ingredients make it environmentally friendly for outdoor washing
• Removes organic residues, chlorine, and salt deposits efficiently

When using this shampoo, always mix it with cold or lukewarm water, as hot water can melt seam tapes. This product is perfect for any surfer, paddler, or diver who uses their gear weekly and wants to maximize its lifespan. However, if your gear is already suffering from severe, deep-set mildew smells, you will need to pair this with a dedicated odor treatment.

Odor Eliminator – Gear Aid Revivex Odor Eliminator

Wetsuits and water shoes are notorious for harboring bacteria that thrive in damp, dark environments. Simply masking the smell with perfume only delays the problem; you need a solution that targets the root cause. A biological odor eliminator uses natural enzymes and microbes to actively consume the organic compounds causing the stench.

Gear Aid Revivex Odor Eliminator uses a water-activated enzyme formula to eradicate stubborn odors rather than covering them up. It penetrates deep into porous materials, making it highly effective for thick neoprene booties, water shoes, and wetsuits alike. Because it is highly concentrated, a single small bottle lasts through dozens of washes.

• Natural enzyme-based formula targets bacteria, mold, and mildew
• Compatible with neoprene, nylon, canvas, and fleece-lined gear
• No-rinse application allows the enzymes to continue working as the gear air-dries
• Available in multiple sizes, including travel-friendly bottles

For the best results, dip your gear in the diluted solution and hang it up immediately without rinsing. This allows the active ingredients to work their magic during the drying process. This product is a must-have for anyone dealing with “swamp foot” in their booties, though it is less effective as a primary cleaner for removing heavy mud or silt.

Wetsuit Hanger – Underwater Kinetics SlideHanger

Hanging a wet, heavy wetsuit by its shoulders on a standard plastic hanger is a surefire way to ruin it. The weight of the water pulls down, stretching out the shoulders and weakening the seams over time. A specialized hanger folds the suit at the waist, distributing the weight evenly to prevent stretching and damage.

The Underwater Kinetics SlideHanger eliminates shoulder stretch entirely by utilizing a unique, open-ended shoulder-free design. By sliding the wetsuit through the center bar, the suit hangs double-folded at the waist, reducing stress on the delicate neck and shoulder seams. The heavy-duty plastic construction easily supports the weight of thick, waterlogged cold-water suits.

• Rugged, non-corrosive plastic construction supports up to 20 pounds
• Unique slide-in design prevents neck and shoulder stretching
• Broad shoulder bar promotes air circulation for faster drying times
• Perfect for wetsuits, drysuits, and heavy flotation vests

Using this hanger requires a slight learning curve to slide the wet neoprene through the center bar smoothly. However, once you master the technique, it dramatically speeds up drying and preserves the shape of your suit. This is a vital investment for anyone using suits thicker than 3mm, but it may be overkill for lightweight spring suits or simple rash guards.

Forced Air Dryer – MaxxDry Heavy Duty Boot Dryer

Leaving water shoes and neoprene booties to air-dry naturally in a dark garage invites mold and mildew growth. The deep, enclosed toe boxes of booties restrict airflow, meaning they can stay damp for days. A forced-air dryer circulates warm, gentle air directly to the tips of the toes, drying them in hours rather than days.

The MaxxDry Heavy Duty Boot Dryer uses a combination of thermal convection and forced air to dry up to four garments simultaneously. It features two removable extension tubes to handle tall wetsuit boots, while the quiet fan pushes air to the very tip of the footwear. You can toggle between mild heat and “no heat” modes to protect heat-sensitive adhesives.

• Dual-drying ports dry two pairs of shoes or boots at once
• Optional gentle heating element safely warms air to accelerate drying
• Three-hour timer prevents over-drying and conserves energy
• Compatible with neoprene booties, water shoes, gloves, and helmets

Never use high heat on neoprene or rubber gear, as it can melt seam tape and degrade the glue on water shoes. Always opt for the “no heat” or low-temp setting to ensure long-term durability. This dryer is perfect for multi-day paddle trips or weekend beach getaways, though it does require access to a standard electrical outlet.

Gear Conditioner – Gear Aid Seal Saver Conditioner

Sunlight, salt, and oxygen are constant threats to the latex, rubber, and neoprene seals on your water gear. Over time, these materials oxidize, leading to dry rot, cracking, and eventual failure during a session. A high-quality conditioner replenishes lost oils and creates a protective barrier against UV damage and environmental pollutants.

Gear Aid Seal Saver Conditioner is specifically formulated to preserve and protect rubber gaskets, latex seals, and neoprene cuffs. This liquid silicone-based conditioner penetrates deeply into the material to restore elasticity and shine. Regular application prevents the dry-rotting that commonly ruins expensive drysuits and cold-water wetsuit seals.

• Liquid silicone formula restores elasticity and suppleness
• Protects against UV rays, ozone degradation, and salt oxidation
• Convenient applicator top ensures precise, mess-free application
• Ideal for drysuit wrist/neck gaskets, wetsuit collars, and rubber boot soles

Apply a thin layer to clean, dry seals before storing your gear for more than a few weeks. It only takes a small amount to be effective, so a single two-ounce bottle will last through several seasons. This conditioner is essential for cold-water enthusiasts relying on tight seals, but unnecessary for simple, warm-water rash guards.

Disinfecting Wash – Defunkify Active Wash Detergent

Traditional detergents rely on synthetic fragrances to cover up odors, which quickly wash away to reveal the same stale smell underneath. Water shoes and wetsuit linings trap sweat and sebum, creating a breeding ground for odor-producing bacteria. A high-performance disinfecting wash breaks down these stubborn complex oils on a molecular level.

Defunkify Active Wash Detergent is an enzyme-powered laundry detergent designed specifically for high-odor synthetic fabrics. It uses a proprietary blend of enzymes to target and dissolve the sweat, oils, and bacteria that cling to water shoe mesh and neoprene interiors. It rinses completely clean, leaving no chemical film to irritate sensitive skin during active use.

• Enzyme-driven formula targets deep-set sweat and organic body oils
• Free of dyes, phosphates, and artificial masking fragrances
• Optimized for synthetic fibers, spandex, mesh, and neoprene linings
• Works effectively in cold water to preserve gear glues

While it is excellent for machine-washing fabric-heavy water shoes, you should always hand-wash neoprene items to avoid damaging them in a washing machine agitator. Use a capful in a tub of cold water, let your gear soak, and rinse thoroughly. This is the ultimate weapon for restoring smelly water shoes, though it should be used sparingly on delicate, glued seams.

Detail Brush – Muc-Off Individual Claw Brush

Mud, sand, and tiny gravel particles have a habit of embedding themselves in the deep treads of water shoes and wetsuit booties. Left untreated, this grit wears down the rubber soles and can puncture thin neoprene booties when stepped on. A heavy-duty detail brush allows you to scrape out stubborn debris from hard-to-reach areas quickly.

The Muc-Off Individual Claw Brush features a smart, multi-functional design with three distinct brush heads and a notched claw scraper. The stiff nylon bristles are perfect for scrubbing dried mud out of deep sole lugs, while the scraper easily hooks out wedged pebbles. The comfortable, non-slip grip makes it easy to apply leverage when scrubbing tough, dried-on river silt.

• Three-headed brush design offers varying bristle stiffness
• Integrated notched claw for scraping out rocks and packed mud
• Durable, impact-resistant handle withstands heavy pressure
• Great for water shoes, bootie soles, kayak rudders, and general marine gear

Avoid using the stiffest bristles or the claw scraper directly on delicate neoprene or mesh uppers, as they can snag and fray the material. Save the heavy scraping for the rugged rubber outsoles and use the softer bristles for seams. It is an indispensable tool for river rafters and beachcombers who constantly deal with sand and gravel intrusion.

Collapsible Tub – Prepworks Collapsible Tub

Washing a wetsuit or a pair of muddy water shoes requires a dedicated soaking station to keep dirty water off your floors. A spacious wash tub allows you to completely submerge your gear in cleaning solutions for maximum effectiveness. However, bulky plastic tubs take up valuable storage space in your garage, vehicle, or boat.

The Prepworks Collapsible Tub solves this storage dilemma by folding down to a fraction of its fully expanded size. With a generous 10-quart capacity, it provides ample room to submerge booties, water shoes, and folded wetsuits. The heavy-duty plastic rim and silicone walls are highly durable, ensuring it holds its shape even when filled to the brim with water.

• Space-saving design collapses flat for easy storage under car seats or on shelves
• 10-quart capacity holds plenty of water for thorough soaking
• Rigid rim and base provide excellent stability on uneven ground
• Doubles as a wet-gear carrier for your trunk after a day on the water

While highly durable, avoid carrying the tub with heavy water loads over long distances, as the silicone walls can flex if unbalanced. It is best used as a stationary soaking station in your backyard, trunk, or shower. This tub is perfect for campers, kayakers, and boaters with limited storage space who still need a dedicated wash basin on the go.

Step-by-Step Washing Guide for Water Shoes

Cleaning water shoes is a straightforward process, but following a systematic routine ensures you do not damage the glues or fabrics. Start by removing the insoles and using a detail brush to scrape out any dried mud, sand, or gravel from the outer sole. Next, fill a collapsible tub with cold water and add a capful of specialized enzyme-powered detergent.

Submerge the shoes and insoles in the soapy water, letting them soak for 15 to 30 minutes to break down sweat and organic matter. Gently scrub the mesh uppers with a soft-bristled brush to lift embedded dirt without fraying the fabric threads. Rinse the shoes thoroughly with clean, cold freshwater until all soap bubbles are completely gone.

To dry, place the shoes on a forced-air boot dryer using the “no heat” setting, or stuff them with newspaper and place them in a well-ventilated, shaded area. Avoid direct sunlight and high heat sources like campfires or home radiators, as excessive heat will shrink the rubber soles and dissolve structural adhesives. Once dry, insert the clean insoles and store them in a cool, dry place.

Storing Neoprene and Rubber Gear Off-Season

Off-season storage is where the most damage occurs to neoprene and rubber gear if not handled correctly. Before putting your gear away for the winter, ensure every piece is completely dry inside and out to prevent mold growth. Even a tiny pocket of moisture sealed inside a bootie or folded wetsuit can turn into a mold colony over several months.

Store your wetsuit flat or draped over a wide, rounded hanger in a cool, dark closet away from direct sunlight and ozone sources like electric motors. Folding a wetsuit tightly creates permanent creases that weaken the neoprene cells and can cause the material to crack. For rubber water shoes and booties, dust the interiors with a small amount of baking soda to absorb any residual moisture.

Keep all rubber and neoprene items away from hot attics, damp basements, or uninsulated garages where temperature fluctuations are extreme. Treating zippers with silicone grease and conditioning rubber seals prior to storage ensures your gear is soft, supple, and ready to perform the moment the next season begins.

Conclusion

Investing a little time in maintaining your wetsuits and water shoes guarantees they will keep you warm, comfortable, and protected for seasons to come. By using the right cleaning agents, drying tools, and storage techniques, you protect your gear from the damaging effects of salt, chlorine, and mold. Clean your gear diligently, store it properly, and get back out on the water with confidence.