56 replies to this topic

[WreckWench]

Well since we are on the subject of dry suits...and mine is still very new...maintenance and cleaning will be critical. I've been waxing the zipper... but I'm not sure the best way to tackle the rest of it! Thanks for any suggestions! -ww

[markglist]

padi has an excellent video for thier drysuit course and it covers drysuit cleaning and maintenance

mark

[drdiver]

I was taught (and this is apparently a DUI recommendation) to not store my suit hung up. Roll it up and put in in the storage bag, less stress on the neck seals.

Now that I think about it, I need to get that puppy out and use it!!!!

[Walter]

Never fold it.

[Diverbrian]

I was taught (and this is apparently a DUI recommendation) to not store my suit hung up.  Roll it up and put in in the storage bag, less stress on the neck seals.

Now that I think about it, I need to get that puppy out and use it!!!!

Or one of our instructors stores his hung upside down. This allows the condensation to drip out.

Also, liberal use of seal saver for those with latex seals is recommended as well. If not for an overactive Labrador, I still would have the same seals on mine as I did 200 dives ago.

Walter is correct, roll it when possible. Folding can lead to pinhole leaks in the material.

PS I used mine today so ; !

Edited by Diverbrian, 01 January 2005 - 07:58 PM.

[drdiver]

Walter's right. Mine is rolled, not folded.

[ScubaDadMiami]

If you are going to store it other than by hanging, make sure it is absolutely dry inside before doing so.

I really like McNett UVTech. This was recommended to me by the guy that does just about the most dry suit repairs in Florida. It keeps the seals in good condition and prevents breakdown from sun exposure. I just spray some on a thin sponge and wipe on the inside and outside of my seals every couple of dives.

If you do a lot of beach dives or in conditions where the zipper gets sand and crud in it, there are some cleaners for this. I have some but I still have never used it.

[WreckWench]

SDM...where do you get this product? And is it for neoprene seals too or just latex? I opted for neoprene due to warmth, and durability. And the company High Tide provides you with a special hanger to hang the suit so no issues there.

How do you clean your drysuit? I've seen drysuit/wetsuit cleaners? Are they needed? Do you hose the inside out occassionally and then hang upside down to drain and dry out? How about cleaners...what do you suggest and how often? And finally...how often do you all wax zippers? I've been doing it before most every dive or at least once a day. And I just did it about a week ago after the suit has hung for a month.

Thanks for all the great suggestions! -ww

[peterbj7]

I hang my O3 suit in the garden upside down on a hanger designed to hold the boots and hose it inside and out. Then I leave it to dry fully out of the sun. O3 say to put french chalk on the wrist and neck seals before putting it away, as well as waxing the zip with solid beeswax (every four or five dives, or just before it starts to get stiff). They also recommend storing it zip open hanging upside down as above. They say it should only be rolled up for transit (with the zip open) and then hung up again on arrival. And of course it should never be folded.

For seals I've tried latex, neoprene, and the two combined. To my mind you can't beat good quality neoprene seals that fit you properly. They are comfortable and durable. But emphasise "quality" and "fit".

[randy54]

I hose mine out and off in the bathtub with it hanging from a boot hanger, with warm water. Every few dives, I run the water up into the boots. To dry my boots, I turn the suit inside out as much as possible, then use boot dryers that are made for snow ski boots. They're small blow dryers with flexable/extendable nozzels. My suit is a Whites tri-lam with latex seals. I use baby powder on the latex seals, and after 5 years they're still like new. I follow White advice, and has been mentioned here already, loosely roll up the suit, and stor it that way. A little zipper wax before the dive, and I use KY jelly on the seals to help them slide over my hands and head. Good luck with yours.

[jextract]

I've been waxing the zipper... but I'm not sure the best way to tackle the rest of it!

Is that what the kids are callin' it nowadays?

A little zipper wax before the dive, and I use KY jelly on the seals to help them slide over my hands and head.

.... not much to add here!

[cmt489]

While I can see the benefit of the "lubricated" seals, I think I will try putting on my drysuit (once it finally comes in - ordered two months ago!) sans KY for the first while. I just don't have pretty mental picture of what my head will look like after sticking it through a neck seal coated in KY!!!

[jextract]

......... hold on ....... lemme grab the twister game.........

[cmt489]

Two words - dirty dog!!

[EdmDiver]

And you people wonder why lurkers don't post...It starts off with a serious Drysuit question...next thing you know, we are talking about KY jelly...blown seals...and what brand of smokes seals use after the fact....yeeesh