Maintaining your scuba equipment might not be the most glamorous part of the sport, but it’s absolutely essential for performance, safety, and the longevity of your gear. In this guide, we’ll walk through how to properly clean, dry, inspect, service and store your gear so you’re always ready for your next underwater adventure.

After a long day underwater, giving your scuba gear a thorough clean is one of the most important things you can do to protect your investment—and your safety. Let’s be honest—cleaning your gear right after a dive might sound like a chore, but it pays off. Because there’s nothing more satisfying than a post-dive nap knowing your wetsuit isn’t fermenting in the back of your car.

Fortunately, the process is straightforward. Avoid using harsh chemicals; if you want to go beyond fresh water, look for cleaning products specifically designed for dive gear. You'll need a water source (like a hose, faucet, or shower head) and a large container (such as a large bin, deep sink, or bathtub) to get started.

Neoprene gear collects salt, sweat, and bacteria throughout your dives, so it’s essential to give it a proper clean to maintain its flexibility and longevity.

Start by rinsing off any heavy debris with a hose. Then, fill a bin with cool or lukewarm fresh water and soak your wetsuit, boots, and gloves. Never use hot water—it can damage the neoprene fibers. If you're using a cleaning solution, choose one made specifically for neoprene and follow the instructions closely.

Make sure all zippers and Velcro tabs are open to allow for thorough cleaning. Gently massage and agitate the gear in the water. If the water becomes murky, repeat the rinse.

To dry your wetsuit, turn it inside out and hang it on a thick, wide hanger in a well-ventilated area. Do not wring it out. For a quicker dry, wait about 30 minutes, then gently squeeze water from the wrists and ankles, where it tends to collect. Using a fan can help accelerate drying. Boots and gloves will dry faster—use a hanger designed for dive gear to keep everything organized.

Rinse all your accessories with fresh water to remove salt and sand. Unroll your Surface Marker Buoy (SMB), soak it, and drain any water inside by pressing or pulling the valve depending on the model. Hang to dry thoroughly before storing.

For dive lights, rinse carefully, and if you use retractors, submerge them and pull the cord in and out to flush out grit and prevent future jams. Open and close boltsnaps underwater to keep them from sticking due to salt buildup. Computers should be rinsed; press down on buttons if applicable.

Do not press the purge button unless the system is pressurized, or water could be forced into the hoses. If fully pressurized, feel free to tap the purge button to assist cleaning. Move the venturi switch or knob back and forth to clean around the mechanism. Also, slide back the quick disconnect on your Low-Pressure Inflator (LPI) hose to rinse it.

For the mouthpiece, you can use a mild soap or sanitizing solution like Steramine. When finished, hang the regulator to dry with the second stages positioned to allow water to drain completely. Once dry, store it in a padded case for protection.

Add a bit of air to the bladder so the water can circulate freely. Rotate and gently shake the BCD to help water move through all internal areas. Open each dump valve one at a time, while the BCD is tilted to make the valve the lowest point, to drain the water—this helps clean the valves and internal pathways. Soak the inflator in fresh water, pressing both inflate and deflate buttons to prevent sticky buttons on your next dive.

When finished, fully drain all water, then partially inflate the BCD (about halfway) to keep the inner walls from sticking together. Hang to dry!

Choose a well-ventilated space to dry everything. If you're short on space, a bathroom with an exhaust fan will do. An outdoor shaded area is even better, as long as the weather is dry and not too humid. Avoid direct sunlight, which can degrade materials and fade colors.

Use hangers made specifically for dive gear to keep everything organized and drying efficiently.

Cleaning time is a great opportunity to inspect your gear. When you're familiar with your equipment, you'll likely notice anything out of the ordinary—but it’s smart to do a quick once-over:

• Fins & Mask : Check for cracks, torn straps, or worn buckles.

• Neoprene : Look for tears or thinning areas; neoprene cement can patch minor damage.

• BCD : If it's not holding air, check for leaks, punctures, or worn seams. Inspect buckles and straps for integrity.

• Regulator & Snorkel : Examine the mouthpieces for wear or bite damage—always carry spares. Check regulator hoses for cracks or dry rot.

• Computer: Check for screen cracks, issues with strap.

• Tank : Look at the O-ring for wear or deformation.

Even though you'll do a pre-dive check next time out, catching issues now gives you time for repairs or replacements and ensures you're ready for the next adventure.

While rinsing and drying your gear after every dive is essential, annual maintenance performed by a qualified technician is critical for ensuring your scuba equipment stays reliable and safe. 

• Your regulator is your most complex and important piece of life-support gear—it should be inspected, disassembled, cleaned, and serviced at least once a year or according to the manufacturer’s guidelines. This includes replacing O-rings, inspecting internal components for corrosion or wear, checking hose integrity, and testing for proper airflow and pressure balance. Even if your regulator seems to be functioning well, internal corrosion or salt buildup can lead to serious failures if not addressed in time. Most regulators are due for service annually, while some manufacturers such as Atomic Aquatics have service intervals of two or three years.
• Your BCD also requires annual maintenance beyond routine rinsing. A technician will inspect the internal bladder for leaks or signs of deterioration, test the inflator and dump valves for proper operation, and ensure that the low-pressure inflator connection is secure and functioning. Inflator and valve assemblies may be taken apart, cleaned, and re-lubricated as needed. 
• Lastly, your dive computer should be checked to confirm that software is up to date, buttons are responsive, and battery levels are sufficient. Many models require battery replacement annually or after a certain number of dives. If the battery isn't user-replaceable, send it to an authorized service center to avoid damaging seals or voiding warranties. Technicians may also simulate a dive to ensure that the sensors, alarms, and other functions are working appropriately. Keeping up with this yearly maintenance not only ensures your gear works when you need it—it also extends its lifespan and keeps your dives safe and stress-free. Stop by your local dive shop to learn more about servicing near you!

In addition to annual servicing and routine cleaning, it’s a smart idea to carry a personal maintenance or “save-a-dive” kit —a small collection of essential tools and spare parts that can prevent a minor issue from ruining a dive day. A well-stocked kit typically includes spare mouthpieces, O-rings, zip ties, fin straps, mask straps, silicone grease, a small multi-tool or hex wrench, and perhaps even a snorkel keeper or low-pressure inflator plug. These items are lightweight, inexpensive, and easy to store in your dive bag, but they can be lifesavers when dealing with last-minute equipment hiccups at the dive site. Knowing how to make quick, simple fixes not only keeps your dives on track—it also makes you a more prepared and valuable dive buddy.