This scuba gear care guide walks through rinsing, drying and storing your equipment between seasons, with separate attention to the regulator, BCD, computer and exposure gear. The goal is to reduce avoidable wear and keep the equipment ready for its next outing. Use the manufacturer’s instructions for each item, especially where cleaning and storage methods differ by model.
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Scuba Gear Care Continues After the Last Dive
Salt, chlorine and sand can damage neoprene, silicone and metal. Leaving equipment ready for the next season starts with removing those residues and letting everything dry. Storage then protects the shape and condition of the gear you have cleaned.
Work through the equipment by item rather than treating the packed dive bag as the finished job. Each component needs attention, and a dry exterior is not a substitute for following the relevant cleaning instructions.
Rinse Thoroughly and Dry in the Shade
Begin with a thorough freshwater rinse, using the manufacturer’s method for each item. Follow the regulator instructions carefully rather than assuming the same approach works for every piece of scuba gear.
Let everything dry completely in a shaded, well-ventilated place. Direct sunlight can permanently damage materials, break down rubber and speed up wear. Give drying its own place in your routine before moving equipment into storage.
Follow the Instructions for Each Component
Regulator
Keep water out of the first-stage inlet and do not press the purge button while rinsing an unpressurized regulator. Do not immerse the first stage unless the manual for your model permits it. A dust cap alone is not a universal guarantee against water entering.
After it has dried completely, place the regulator in a dedicated dive gear bag. Arrange the hoses without folding or crushing them. Cleaning and packing both matter: careful rinsing should be followed by storage that preserves the equipment’s shape.
Buoyancy control device
Rinse the BCD inside and out according to its manual. Use the specified amount of fresh water and the recommended valve procedure. Drain it thoroughly, let it dry in the shade and store it partially inflated if the manufacturer instructs you to do so.
Dive computer
Rinse and dry the computer, then follow the storage, battery and care instructions for your model. If you are unsure about the condition of any equipment, have a professional inspect it. Scuba gear care includes recognizing when an experienced eye is needed.
Protect Neoprene, Silicone and Plastic
Hand-wash your wetsuit with specialist neoprene wetsuit shampoo to remove salt and unwanted odors. Check for small tears or holes that need repair. Once the suit is completely dry, use a wide, sturdy hanger to prevent creases and stretched shoulders.
Store the mask and fins somewhere cool and dark, ideally in their original cases. This helps prevent silicone and plastic from warping. Appropriate bags, cases and hangers help preserve shape instead of leaving soft or flexible parts folded under other equipment.
For more on the routine, consult PADI’s equipment maintenance guidance. The manual for the individual item remains the reference for its specific cleaning and care procedure.
Choose a Suitable Storage Space
Look for a cool, dry, dark place indoors. Avoid outdoor sheds or garages exposed to fuel fumes or other chemicals, which can damage silicone and neoprene. Purpose-made bags and hangers help equipment retain its shape between trips.
Scuba gear care is part of preparing for the next outing, even when it happens at the end of this one. Our guide to technical and recreational diving offers further context on different dive setups, and the diving blog has more reading between seasons.
Once the equipment is stored, my photographic gifts for scuba divers, including the diver silhouette in Palau’s Blue Hole, offer a reminder of the water. For questions about the photographs or site, contact 2DIVE.