Equipment Cleaning: Maintaining Your Dive Gear for Safety and Longevity

Introduction to Equipment Cleaning

Diving equipment represents a significant investment and is crucial for ensuring your safety underwater. To maintain your equipment in optimal condition and prolong its life, regular cleaning is essential. This guide covers the best practices for cleaning your dive gear, the importance of thorough rinsing, and common mistakes to avoid.

Importance of Cleaning Your Dive Gear

1. Prevent Corrosion and Damage

Dive gear is regularly exposed to saltwater, sand, and other contaminants that can cause corrosion and wear if not properly rinsed. Salt is particularly corrosive and can damage both metal and fabric components of your gear, leading to costly repairs or replacements.

2. Ensure Reliable Functionality

Regular cleaning helps ensure that all components of your dive gear function as intended. For example, salt build-up can affect the operation of regulators, buoyancy compensators (BCDs), and valves, potentially causing malfunctions during a dive.

3. Maintain Hygiene

Dive gear, particularly items like wetsuits, masks, and snorkels, come into direct contact with your body. Rinsing and sanitising these items help maintain hygiene and prevent skin infections caused by bacteria and other contaminants.

When to Clean Your Dive Equipment

• After Every Dive Day: It is recommended to thoroughly rinse all dive gear at the conclusion of every day of diving, regardless of the number of dives. This helps to remove salt, sand, and other contaminants that could cause long-term damage.
• After Freshwater Dives: Even if you are diving in freshwater, rinsing your gear is important to remove dirt, algae, and other organic matter that could degrade your equipment over time or spread invasive species to other waterways.

How to Properly Clean Dive Equipment

1. Regulator

• Rinse Thoroughly: After every dive, rinse your regulator in freshwater. Make sure the dust cap is securely in place to prevent water from entering the first stage. Submerge the regulator in fresh water, and operate the purge button a few times to help remove salt and debris.
• Avoid Back-Pressurising Underwater: Do not reserve-pressurise the regulator while it is submerged in water, as this can force contaminants into the first stage, potentially causing damage.

2. Buoyancy Compensator Device (BCD)

• Flush the Inside: Rinse the inside of the BCD bladder by filling it partially with fresh water, inflating the BCD slightly, and shaking it to ensure all areas are rinsed. Drain the water through the dump valves to remove salt deposits that could damage the internal bladder.
• Rinse External Components: Ensure all external components, including the power inflator and straps, are thoroughly rinsed.

3. Wetsuit, Boots, Gloves, and Hoods

• Soak in Freshwater: Soak your wetsuit, boots, gloves, and hoods in fresh water for several minutes. This helps to dissolve salt and flush out sand or other debris. Adding a small amount of wetsuit shampoo can help remove odours and keep the neoprene in good condition.
• Hang to Dry Properly: Hang wetsuits to dry in a shaded area, away from direct sunlight. UV rays can degrade neoprene, leading to loss of flexibility and durability.

4. Mask, Snorkel, and Fins

• Rinse Thoroughly: Rinse your mask, snorkel, and fins in fresh water after each use. Pay special attention to areas where sand or salt can accumulate, such as the snorkel mouthpiece and fin straps.
• Store Carefully: Store these items in a cool, dry place to avoid exposure to direct sunlight or extreme temperatures, which can cause the materials to degrade.

Common Mistakes to Avoid During Cleaning

1. Using Harsh Chemicals

• Avoid Detergents: Do not use harsh chemicals or detergents to clean your dive gear. These can degrade rubber components, damage neoprene, and affect the performance of your equipment. Use products specifically formulated for dive gear cleaning.

2. Skipping Regular Rinses

• Daily Rinses are Crucial: Skipping regular freshwater rinses, especially after saltwater dives, can cause significant damage to your gear. Salt is highly corrosive and can quickly lead to equipment failure if not removed.

3. Improper Drying Techniques

• Avoid Direct Sunlight: Drying gear in direct sunlight may seem convenient, but UV rays can damage the materials, causing fading and weakening over time. Instead, dry your gear in a shaded, well-ventilated area.

Checklist for Cleaning Dive Gear

1. Regulator: Rinse thoroughly with fresh water, keep the dust cap on, and avoid pressurising underwater.
2. BCD: Rinse both the inside bladder and external parts. Drain completely and inflate slightly while drying.
3. Wetsuit and Accessories: Soak in freshwater, use wetsuit shampoo, and hang to dry in the shade.
4. Mask, Snorkel, and Fins: Rinse all parts thoroughly and store in a cool, dry place.

Conclusion

Properly cleaning your dive gear is essential for ensuring safety, extending the life of your equipment, and maintaining its performance. By rinsing your gear thoroughly after each day of diving, avoiding harsh chemicals, and storing items appropriately, you can keep your gear in top condition and ready for your next underwater adventure. Remember, well-maintained equipment is not only more reliable but also contributes to a safer diving experience.