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Rashguards and wetsuits take a beating — saltwater, chlorine, sunscreen, sand, and UV exposure all degrade the fabric over time. The good news: proper care is simple and dramatically extends the life of your gear. A rashguard that costs $40 and gets washed correctly will outlast a $40 rashguard that gets thrown in the dryer twenty times.
Here's what to do after every session, and what to avoid.
Rinsing: The Most Important Step
Rinse immediately after every session in cool fresh water. This is non-negotiable for both rashguards and wetsuits. Salt, chlorine, and sunscreen residue are the primary culprits in fabric degradation — all three are soluble in water and come off easily when the garment is fresh. Left to dry on the fabric, they break down elastic fibres and cause fading, stiffening, and premature wear.
For rashguards: rinse inside and out for 30–60 seconds under a running tap or hose. No soaking required.
For wetsuits: fill the interior with water and turn inside-out while rinsing. The inside of a wetsuit — in contact with your skin — picks up more body oils and sweat than the outside and needs attention too.
Washing Your Rashguard
Machine washing
Machine washing is fine for rashguards — with caveats:
- Use cold water only. Hot water breaks down spandex elasticity permanently
- Set to delicate or gentle cycle
- Use a small amount of mild detergent — standard laundry detergent works but sports-specific formulas (Nikwax, Gear Aid Revivex) are gentler on technical fabrics
- Turn the garment inside out before washing to protect the outer print and surface
- Never use fabric softener — it coats synthetic fibres and reduces moisture-wicking performance
- Never use bleach — even mild bleach damages spandex and causes irreversible colour loss
Hand washing
Preferred for extending garment life. Fill a basin with cool water and a small squeeze of mild soap. Gently knead the fabric for 1–2 minutes, paying attention to cuffs, collars, and underarms. Rinse thoroughly until the water runs clear.
Drying Your Rashguard
Never tumble dry. The heat destroys spandex elasticity and can cause polyester to pill or warp. A rashguard that goes through the dryer repeatedly will lose its shape and compression within a handful of washes.
Instead:
- Gently squeeze out excess water — don't wring or twist
- Lay flat or hang on a plastic or padded hanger
- Dry in the shade. Direct sunlight accelerates UV-related fading and degrades elastic fibres even when the garment is wet
- In humid tropical conditions, ensure airflow — a fan or covered outdoor area works well
Drying time for a polyester-spandex rashguard in typical tropical conditions: 1–3 hours flat, 30–60 minutes if hanging with airflow.
Washing Your Wetsuit
Wetsuits need slightly different treatment to rashguards because of the neoprene construction.
After every session
- Rinse in cool fresh water, inside and out
- Check the zip and flush any sand or grit from the zip channel
- Hang to dry on a wide, padded hanger or fold over a rail — never hang from the neck or shoulders on a thin hanger, which creases the neoprene permanently
- Dry inside-out first, then turn right-side-out to finish
Deep clean (monthly or after intense use)
Fill a large tub or bathtub with cool water and add a wetsuit-specific cleaner (Gear Aid Wetsuit Shampoo or equivalent). Submerge and gently knead the suit for 5–10 minutes. Do not use standard laundry detergent on wetsuits — the surfactants damage neoprene over time. Rinse thoroughly and dry as above.
Storage
Rashguards
Store clean and completely dry. Fold loosely or roll — avoid compression folds that crease the fabric repeatedly in the same place. Keep away from direct sunlight and heat sources. A drawer or hanging in a wardrobe is ideal.
Wetsuits
Never store a wetsuit folded — the neoprene creases permanently. Store hanging on a wide hanger in a cool, dark location. If space is limited, roll loosely starting from the feet, without tight creasing. Do not store in a sealed bag or car boot — trapped heat and moisture causes neoprene to degrade and develop odour.
Common Mistakes That Shorten Garment Life
- Rinsing in hot water — degrades elastane, even a single hot rinse causes measurable stretch loss
- Leaving saltwater to dry on the fabric — salt crystals are abrasive and hygroscopic, drawing moisture out of fibres
- Using sunscreen on top of a rashguard — chemical sunscreen soaks through fabric and is harder to rinse out than saltwater; apply sunscreen 20 minutes before putting on your rashguard, not after
- Draping a wet wetsuit over a fence rail or thin bar — creases and deforms the neoprene at the fold point
- Tumble drying "on low" — there is no safe dryer temperature for spandex; air dry always
Frequently Asked Questions
How often should I wash my rashguard?
Rinse after every session. Machine or hand wash after every 2–3 sessions in saltwater or chlorine, or immediately if you've applied sunscreen that has soaked through the fabric. Washing too frequently causes unnecessary wear; rinsing after every use removes the chemicals that cause degradation.
Can I wash a rashguard in a washing machine?
Yes — on a cold, delicate cycle with mild detergent, turned inside out. Never use hot water, fabric softener, or bleach. The dryer is the main thing to avoid, not the washing machine itself.
How do I get sunscreen out of a rashguard?
Pre-treat the affected area with a small amount of dish soap or sports detergent before washing — both cut through oil-based sunscreen residue. Work it gently into the fabric, leave for 5 minutes, then rinse and wash as normal. Avoid hot water, which sets the stain permanently.
How long should a rashguard last?
A quality polyester-spandex rashguard that is rinsed after every use and air-dried will typically last 3–5 years with regular use. The first signs of end-of-life are loss of elasticity (the fabric no longer snaps back), permanent fading, or pilling on the surface. These are all accelerated by heat drying and sunscreen residue left unwashed.
Can I store a wetsuit in a bag?
Only for transport — and even then, loosely. Long-term storage in a sealed bag traps moisture, encourages mould and odour, and causes neoprene to break down faster. Store hanging in a cool, ventilated space whenever possible.
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