Sailing on the open water requires high-quality weather protection from cold wind and salt spray. Marine gear is an expensive, long-term investment, so it must be maintained to work properly. Simply cleaning your suits extends their lifespan and keeps you safe on the boat. This article takes you through sailing gear maintenance.
1. Rinsing Off Salt Water Immediately
Salt crystals are like little knives on fabric fibres, scratching protective coatings as you move around. Spray your jackets, pants, and boots with a garden hose and remove all salt traces. Notice the folds and fabric creases where salt loves to collect.
Never use hot water for this first rinse, because the heat will melt waterproof seals and break down glue lines inside. Do not leave damp gear in a plastic bag or trunk to dry overnight; salt can crust and be hard. This quick five-minute rinse is the most important habit to save the outer layers of your gear.
2. Cleaning Zippers and Plastic Hardware
Saltwater makes metal zipper sliders corrode and jam up, making your jacket completely useless over time. Remove salt from plastic teeth and tracks with an old soft toothbrush and clean, running water. To clean the zipper track, pull it up and down for a few minutes during washing.
This simple maintenance keeps your zippers from breaking when you’re far out at sea. If you want to replace worn items with high-end clothing, you’d be wise to buy top-end sailing gear. Their state-of-the-art marine apparel is heavy-duty and can handle many wet conditions with ease.
3. Washing Technical Fabrics With Special Soap
Most laundry detergents contain harsh perfumes and brighteners that ruin waterproof layers and clog breathable fabric holes. Wash your gear by hand in a large tub or use a gentle front-load washing machine on a cold cycle. Close all straps and zippers before starting the wash to prevent fabric tearing.
Fabric softeners and bleach instantly remove protective coatings from marine apparel. These harsh chemicals remove the water-repellent finish that keeps you warm and dry on cold morning paddles. For lifetime-performing outdoor sports gear, use clean, simple soaps.
4. Air-Drying Gear Away From Direct Heat
After cleaning your gear, hang it in a large plastic hanger to air dry in a well-ventilated area. Avoid thin wire hangers, which can stretch shoulder pads and ruin heavy jackets. Keep your wet apparel away from direct sunlight, hot radiators or home clothes dryers, as high heat melts waterproof liners. Find a shady outdoor spot or a clean laundry room with a fan running.
Flip jackets and pants inside out to dry the inner mesh layers before flipping them back. This double-drying technique prevents mould, damp smells and mildew from getting in your gear’s deep seams. Making sure your gear is bone dry before packing it away keeps the materials smelling fresh and clean.
5. Storing Your Gear in a Cool Dry Closet
Keep heavy storage boxes away from jacket folds, and don’t fold them tight if you have a leaky jacket and a deep closet layer. Tight folds can create permanent leaks. Avoid damp garages and hot sheds, as temperature swings can damage gear, and keep it dry. Check your storage area monthly for dampness and pests that can damage your valuable marine investment.
Following these storage recommendations guarantees your suits will be soft, pliable and ready for your next sailing excursion. Proper storage is the secret to the success of outdoor apparel working like brand new.
Enjoying Your Long-Term Marine Investment
You will have fun on the water in your high-performance clothes because you are dry, warm, and safe. Good maintenance habits will save you money in the long run as you avoid the costs of early replacement.
Review your cleaning routine and stock up on specialist technical gear soap for the next big trip today. Your safety and comfort out there on the water are worth the little effort of keeping your apparel in good shape.
