How to Store a Wetsuit and Snorkel Gear
Sep 4, 2026 / Public Storage
To store a wetsuit and snorkel gear, rinse every item with fresh water, clean it according to the manufacturer’s instructions and let it dry completely away from prolonged direct sunlight. Store the wetsuit on a suitable wide hanger or broad support, place the mask in its case and keep fins flat without bending the blades.
These steps can help limit odors, creases and residue while your equipment is packed away between trips or during the off-season.
How Should You Prepare Water Gear for Storage?
Before packing:
- Rinse away salt, sand, chlorine and visible residue.
- Clean each item with products approved by its manufacturer.
- Allow the equipment to dry completely.
- Inspect straps, seams, zippers and mouthpieces.
- Remove liquids and damp towels from gear bags.
- Organize small accessories in labeled containers.
- Photograph the complete set for your inventory.
- Review the manufacturer’s storage instructions.
Do not use bleach, household detergents, solvents or petroleum-based products unless the equipment manufacturer specifically permits them.
How Do You Clean a Wetsuit Before Storage?
Rinse the wetsuit thoroughly with fresh water after ocean, lake or pool use. Pay attention to the zipper, cuffs, seams and areas where sand or salt may collect.
If additional cleaning is needed, use a wetsuit cleaner approved for the material. Avoid machine washing or drying unless the care label allows it.
Do not scrub neoprene aggressively, wring the wetsuit or use high heat to speed drying.
How Should You Dry a Wetsuit?
Dry the wetsuit in a shaded area with adequate airflow. Keep it away from heaters and prolonged direct sunlight.
Turn it inside out when directed so both surfaces can dry. Thick seams, cuffs, pockets and integrated boots or hoods may need additional time.
Use a wide hanger designed for wetsuits if the manufacturer permits hanging. Thin wire hangers can place pressure on the shoulders. Some wetsuits should instead be folded once at the waist over a broad, rounded support.
The wetsuit should be dry on both sides before it enters a storage container or garment bag.
How Should You Store Each Type of Gear?
| Item | Storage method |
|---|---|
| Wetsuit | Use an approved wide hanger or broad support |
| Mask | Place dry in a fitted or rigid case |
| Snorkel | Store without bending the tube or mouthpiece |
| Fins | Keep flat or positioned as directed without pressure |
| Gloves and booties | Dry inside and out, then store loosely |
| Gear bag | Clean, empty and dry every compartment |
| Electronics | Follow the manufacturer’s battery instructions |
What Is the Best Way to Store a Wetsuit?
Follow the wetsuit manufacturer’s instructions. When hanging is permitted, use a wetsuit hanger on a freestanding garment rack. Do not attach hooks or hanging hardware to a storage-unit wall or ceiling.
A breathable garment bag may help limit direct contact with dust. Make sure the bag does not compress the shoulders, zipper or seams.
If the wetsuit must be folded, avoid sharp creases. Fold it loosely at the waist or as directed, and do not stack heavy belongings on top.
How Should You Store a Snorkel Mask?
Rinse the mask with fresh water and clean the lens according to the manufacturer’s guidance. Avoid abrasive cloths or cleaners that could affect the lens or an applied coating.
Dry the skirt, strap and lens completely. Place the mask in its original case or another fitted container where the silicone skirt will not be folded or compressed.
Do not place heavy gear on the mask or pack hard objects against the lens.
How Should You Store a Snorkel?
Rinse the complete snorkel, including the mouthpiece, splash guard and purge valve when present. Follow the manufacturer’s cleaning instructions and allow the inside of the tube to dry.
Store the snorkel in its natural shape. Avoid folding the tube or placing pressure on a flexible mouthpiece.
Keep the snorkel in a labeled mesh bag or compartment after it is fully dry.
How Should You Store Fins?
Rinse sand, salt and chlorine from the foot pockets, straps and blades. Dry both sides and inspect the straps or buckles.
Store fins flat with the blades supported, or position them as directed by the manufacturer. Do not bend the blades or place heavy equipment on top.
Avoid tightly fastening adjustable straps for storage unless the instructions recommend that position.
How Should You Store Gloves, Hoods and Booties?
Rinse neoprene accessories and allow them to dry inside and out. Turn them as directed so moisture does not remain in fingers, toes or enclosed sections.
Store gloves, hoods and booties loosely rather than stuffing them inside fins or folding them into the wetsuit. A clean mesh bag can keep these smaller items together after they are dry.
How Should You Care for Wetsuit Zippers?
Rinse sand and salt from the zipper without forcing it. Open, close or position it for storage according to the manufacturer’s instructions.
Use only a zipper lubricant approved for the wetsuit. Avoid petroleum jelly, household oil or another unapproved product because it may affect some materials.
Inspect the zipper pull and surrounding seams before packing.
Can You Put Everything in a Storage Bin?
A clean bin can keep permitted snorkel gear organized, but every item must be completely dry first.
Use separate cases or soft dividers so fins, buckles and other firm components do not press against the mask or wetsuit. Avoid filling the container so tightly that neoprene, silicone or fin blades remain compressed.
A hanging wetsuit may be stored outside the bin on an appropriate freestanding rack. Smaller dry items can remain together inside a labeled container.
Should You Add a Moisture Absorber?
A contained silica-gel packet or similar product may be added to an outer storage bin when used according to its instructions. Keep it separated from direct contact with the equipment.
Moisture absorbers do not replace proper rinsing and drying. Do not pour loose drying products into a gear bag or wetsuit.
Where Should You Place Water Gear in a Storage Unit?
Place bins on stable shelving or a raised platform. Keep hanging wetsuits on a freestanding rack where they will not touch the floor, wall or other belongings.
When organizing the unit:
- Do not compress the wetsuit with boxes.
- Keep the mask in its case.
- Store fins where the blades remain supported.
- Keep damp towels and swimwear out.
- Remove sunscreen, cleaners and other liquids.
- Leave gear accessible for periodic inspection.
- Maintain an inventory of the stored equipment.
Do not store compressed-gas cylinders or other hazardous equipment. Review the complete Public Storage storage policies before moving in.
Should You Choose Climate-Controlled Storage?
Climate-controlled storage may be worth considering for wetsuits and snorkel gear stored for an extended period or when the manufacturer recommends more consistent conditions.
These units are designed to help maintain more consistent temperature or humidity levels than standard storage spaces. They do not guarantee the condition or flexibility of neoprene, silicone or other stored materials.
Learn more about climate-controlled storage.
What Should You Check During Extended Storage?
Inspect the equipment periodically for:
- Moisture or odors
- Deep folds or compressed areas
- Changes in seams or adhesive
- Stiff or damaged zippers
- Cracked straps or mouthpieces
- Warped fin blades
- Dirt or pests around the container
Follow the manufacturer’s guidance if you notice a change in any component.
What Should You Do Before Using the Gear Again?
After removing the equipment from storage:
- Inspect the wetsuit, seams and zipper.
- Check the mask skirt, strap and lens.
- Examine the snorkel mouthpiece and valves.
- Check fin straps, buckles and blades.
- Clean the gear again when needed.
- Replace damaged components before entering the water.
- Test fit the equipment in an appropriate setting.
Frequently Asked Questions
Should you rinse a wetsuit before storing it?
Yes. Rinse it with fresh water to remove salt, sand, chlorine and other residue. Use only cleaning products approved by the manufacturer.
Can you store a wetsuit folded?
Possibly. Follow the manufacturer’s instructions and avoid sharp folds. When folding is permitted, a loose fold at the waist may place less pressure on the material than several tight folds.
Is it better to hang a wetsuit?
A wide wetsuit hanger may work when the manufacturer permits hanging. Avoid thin hangers that concentrate weight at the shoulders.
Can you store a wetsuit in a plastic bin?
Yes, if it is completely dry and can fit without tight folding or compression. Do not place heavy gear on top of it.
How do you store a snorkel mask?
Clean and dry the mask, then place it in a fitted or rigid case. Keep the silicone skirt from being folded and avoid placing objects against the lens.
Should fins be stored flat?
Fins can generally be stored flat with the blades supported. Follow the manufacturer’s instructions and avoid bending or placing weight on them.
Can you store wet snorkel gear?
No. Allow every item, bag and compartment to dry completely before packing.
What size storage unit do you need for water gear?
A wetsuit and basic snorkel equipment may fit in a small unit with other permitted recreational items. A freestanding garment rack, multiple gear sets or larger equipment may require more room. Use the Public Storage Size Guide to compare options.
Clean, dry and carefully arranged gear will be easier to organize when the next water trip arrives. Find Public Storage near you and compare available unit sizes and features.
Features and amenities vary by location, facility and unit. “Climate-controlled” and related terms describe storage spaces designed to help maintain more consistent temperature or humidity levels compared with non-climate-controlled units. Public Storage does not guarantee temperature or humidity ranges. Confirm which features are available before renting.
