Scuba diving unlocks a magnificent underwater world, offering unforgettable adventures beneath the waves. However, the fun is only sustainable when your gear is well-maintained and safe to use. Proper cleaning of your scuba diving equipment after each dive isn’t just about aesthetics; it plays a crucial role in preserving the gear’s functionality, preventing damage, and ensuring your safety on every dive. This comprehensive guide walks you through the essential steps to clean all your scuba diving gear, helping you extend its lifespan and avoid costly repairs.
Why Cleaning Your Scuba Gear is Essential
After every dive, your scuba gear is exposed to saltwater, sand, dirt, sweat, and sometimes chemicals or contaminants. If these residues are left unwashed, they can corrode metal parts, degrade rubber seals, and cause unpleasant odors as well as possible health risks. Salt crystals in particular are notorious for accelerating wear and tear on regulators and valves, potentially leading to failures during dives. Moreover, improper cleaning can promote bacterial and fungal growth on wetsuits, masks, and mouthpieces, which can cause infections.
In summary, cleaning your scuba diving gear:
- Ensures operational reliability and safety underwater
- Prevents corrosion and material degradation
- Extends equipment longevity and performance
- Reduces risk of infections and unpleasant odors
- Maintains warranty conditions for many manufacturers
Cleaning Regulators and Mouthpieces
The regulator is arguably the most critical piece of scuba gear. It controls your breathing underwater, so keeping it clean and operational is vital.
Right after your dive, rinse your regulator thoroughly with fresh water, keeping the dust cap or regulator covers on to prevent water intrusion into the first stage. Never press the purge button during rinsing to avoid water entering the internal parts. Use a soft brush if necessary to gently remove salt deposits or sand particles from the exterior.
For your mouthpiece, detach it if possible and soak it in warm fresh water mixed with a mild antimicrobial solution or a recommended mouthpiece cleaner. This helps remove bacteria and break down organic buildup. Rinse it thoroughly afterward and allow it to air dry completely before reattaching.
Washing Wetsuits, Masks, and Fins
Wetsuits are susceptible to salt, sweat, and dirt buildup, which can degrade neoprene and cause odors. Rinse your wetsuit inside and out with fresh water immediately after each dive. To remove stubborn salt stains or odors, soak it occasionally in a wetsuit cleaner mixed with cold water according to product instructions. Avoid using hot water or harsh detergents that can damage neoprene.
Masks and fins also need a thorough rinse to remove salt and sand that can scratch lenses and damage straps. For masks, soak and gently clean the silicone skirt and strap with fresh water, using a soft cloth to clean the lenses. Avoid touching the inside lens surface where anti-fog coatings are applied. For fins, rinse and wipe down all surfaces, paying attention to any crevices where debris might hide.
Handling Buoyancy Compensators and Tanks
Your buoyancy compensator device (BCD) requires careful cleaning since it traps water internally and has important valves and inflators. First, rinse the exterior with fresh water to remove salt and debris. To clean inside the bladder, fill the BCD partially with fresh water via the inflator hose or dump valves, then inflate and deflate it several times. Drain completely and hang it to dry in a shaded, ventilated area to prevent mold growth.
Scuba tanks need to be rinsed externally with fresh water, especially around the valve and neck where salt deposit buildup is common. Always ensure the tank is completely dry before storage to prevent internal rusting. Also, have your tank visually inspected and hydrostatically tested as per required schedules.
The Role of Fresh Water and Suitable Cleaning Agents
Fresh water rinsing is the cornerstone of scuba gear cleaning, as it dissolves salt and removes dirt without causing harm. Avoid using tap water that contains chlorine or other chemicals, which can negatively impact certain materials over time. Distilled or spring water is even better if available.
When selecting cleaning agents, choose products specifically designed for scuba gear. Mild, fragrance-free detergents or designated wetsuit shampoos work well without damaging neoprene or rubber components. Antimicrobial solutions for mouthpieces and certain parts help prevent microbial growth without harsh chemicals. Avoid household cleaners, bleach, or solvents, as they may corrode or weaken gear materials.
Drying and Properly Storing Your Gear
Once cleaned, proper drying is crucial to avoid mold, mildew, and material degradation. Hang wetsuits and BCDs inside out on wide, padded hangers to preserve shape and speed drying. Keep them out of direct sunlight to prevent UV damage. Masks, fins, and regulators should air dry at room temperature on flat surfaces or hangers.
Storage is equally important. Keep gear in a cool, dry place away from extreme temperatures and sunlight. Store regulators in their protective cases and avoid coiling hoses tightly to prevent kinking. Wetsuits and BCDs should not be folded but hung loosely to avoid creases that can degrade neoprene or bladder materials.
Troubleshooting Common Cleaning Challenges
Even with careful cleaning, you might encounter issues such as persistent odors, sticky valves, or salt deposits that are hard to remove.
- Odors in wetsuits or BCDs: These can be minimized by thorough rinsing and occasional soaking with antimicrobial wetsuit shampoos. Ensure gear is fully dried before storage.
- Sticky inflator valves or dump valves: A buildup of salt or sand may cause valves to stick. Rinse thoroughly and operate valves several times during rinsing. If sticking persists, consider professional servicing.
- Salt crystals on regulators or tanks: If you notice chunky salt buildup that doesn’t rinse off, gently use a soft brush and warm water. Avoid hard scrubbing that could damage components.
Keeping Your Gear Safe and Ready for Every Dive
Regular cleaning and maintenance of your scuba diving gear are the foundations of safe and enjoyable diving experiences. By following these guidelines—rinsing with fresh water, using appropriate cleaning agents, drying correctly, and storing thoughtfully—you protect your investment and your safety underwater. Remember, when in doubt or facing gear issues beyond routine cleaning, always consult a professional technician for inspections and servicing.
Happy diving, and may your gear stay pristine and dependable dive after dive!
