Scuba Equipment care – Rinsing and cleaning diving equipment

Maintenance, or “the process of keeping something in a good condition” isn’t just needed to keep the warranty valid, but can prolong the life of your scuba gear, and even keep you alive.
Who are the enemies?
The two biggest enemies of our scuba gear are salt water and sun.
Salt is dissolved in sea water and from the moment water starts evaporating, salt crystals form, and this could lead to jammed zippers, leaking or sticking valves, free-flowing regulators and buttons stuck in “open” position.
Salt is dissolved in sea water and from the moment water starts evaporating, salt crystals form, and this could lead to jammed zippers, leaking or sticking valves, free-flowing regulators and buttons stuck in “open” position.

Who are our friends?
The maintenance technician, and fresh water! Rinsing is the magic word. Rinse everything with fresh water, after every dive. Incidentally, diving in pool or fresh water doesn’t release you from cleaning and washing your kit. Chlorine (pool water), dirt and bacteria (fresh water) need to be removed as well.
General rinsing principles
Try to keep the time between the dive and the rinsing as short as possible, to prevent salt crystals to form. Use lukewarm water rather than cold water, allowing crystals that may have formed to dissolve better.
In some dive centres you don’t have access to a water hose to rinse your equipment, but you can place it in tubs with “fresh” water, and give it some time to make sure salt is washed off. But where does all that salt go? Right into the tub! Most dive centres change the water often, but when a large number of divers use the tubs at the same time, it is less effective than a water hose or shower. To reduce this issue, some centres provide a separate tub for regulators, computers and photo gear, as these items are more sensitive.
Don’t soak or rinse for just a few seconds: you need some time to remove salt or dirt from the equipment.
There is nothing we can do to avoid salt crystals forming, but we can prevent them from building up. Exposure to the sun (drying your kit after a dive) will allow crystals to form more quickly, and direct contact with sunlight decreases the lifetime of your kit in any case. Salt water, fresh water, pool water, even the water you clean with can also cause Calcium deposits.
Dive suits and fins require less care, but water gets everywhere, so keep in mind that every piece of equipment with grooves, overlapping parts such as hose protectors, valves, buttons, couplings and moving parts is prone to salt crystals and calcium deposits, with risks of possible malfunction, leaks or a decreased lifetime.
Then there’s the BCD, especially the internal bladder. Water can/will get inside, and humidity, bacteria and warmth are a perfect mix for fungus to grow. Additionally, salt crystals on the inside can damage the bladder itself, so rinse the internal part too.
Take some time to rinse dive computers, and keep metal contacts clean to avoid corrosion.
Regulators require special care. There are several parts where salt deposition is possible, so rinse them thoroughly, avoiding to let water into the first stage. Soak or rinse them with their protection caps fitted, and don’t press the purge button when immersed and not pressurised. It is recommended to turn all moving parts - such as air flow controllers - and to lower hose protectors during the cleaning process, to make sure all salt is removed.
Last but not least: dive equipment does not like alcohol, oil, gasoline or chemical solvents, as they might degrade materials. Avoid contact with these chemicals!
In some dive centres you don’t have access to a water hose to rinse your equipment, but you can place it in tubs with “fresh” water, and give it some time to make sure salt is washed off. But where does all that salt go? Right into the tub! Most dive centres change the water often, but when a large number of divers use the tubs at the same time, it is less effective than a water hose or shower. To reduce this issue, some centres provide a separate tub for regulators, computers and photo gear, as these items are more sensitive.
Don’t soak or rinse for just a few seconds: you need some time to remove salt or dirt from the equipment.
There is nothing we can do to avoid salt crystals forming, but we can prevent them from building up. Exposure to the sun (drying your kit after a dive) will allow crystals to form more quickly, and direct contact with sunlight decreases the lifetime of your kit in any case. Salt water, fresh water, pool water, even the water you clean with can also cause Calcium deposits.
Dive suits and fins require less care, but water gets everywhere, so keep in mind that every piece of equipment with grooves, overlapping parts such as hose protectors, valves, buttons, couplings and moving parts is prone to salt crystals and calcium deposits, with risks of possible malfunction, leaks or a decreased lifetime.
Then there’s the BCD, especially the internal bladder. Water can/will get inside, and humidity, bacteria and warmth are a perfect mix for fungus to grow. Additionally, salt crystals on the inside can damage the bladder itself, so rinse the internal part too.
Take some time to rinse dive computers, and keep metal contacts clean to avoid corrosion.
Regulators require special care. There are several parts where salt deposition is possible, so rinse them thoroughly, avoiding to let water into the first stage. Soak or rinse them with their protection caps fitted, and don’t press the purge button when immersed and not pressurised. It is recommended to turn all moving parts - such as air flow controllers - and to lower hose protectors during the cleaning process, to make sure all salt is removed.
Last but not least: dive equipment does not like alcohol, oil, gasoline or chemical solvents, as they might degrade materials. Avoid contact with these chemicals!

Disinfection and cleansing agents
Washing dive equipment in a machine washer is not recommended. Neither is the use of strong washing agents. Mild cleansing agents or special products such as anti-odour solutions or wetsuit shampoo will remove dirt, kill bacteria and deodorise neoprene correctly. Always follow the manufacturer’s instructions before use.
Disinfecting agents - when not already part of the cleansing agent - are recommended, especially for BCDs and all equipment coming into contact with your face and mouth: regulators, snorkels masks. Most of the water we dive in- be it ocean, lakes, freshwater springs and even swimming pools - contains bacteria. Keep it in mind, in case of repeated mask clears or mask removal/replacement. Defogging your mask with saliva also increases the bacteria population.
Use a special or mild cleansing/disinfecting agent for the BCD internal bladder. Get water and cleansing solution into the BCD through the inflator hose. Once cleaned inside, rinse with fresh water, inflate and drain any remaining water from the inflator hose.
For a more in-depth consideration about dive equipment and microbes, also read our article Germophobia.
Disinfecting agents - when not already part of the cleansing agent - are recommended, especially for BCDs and all equipment coming into contact with your face and mouth: regulators, snorkels masks. Most of the water we dive in- be it ocean, lakes, freshwater springs and even swimming pools - contains bacteria. Keep it in mind, in case of repeated mask clears or mask removal/replacement. Defogging your mask with saliva also increases the bacteria population.
Use a special or mild cleansing/disinfecting agent for the BCD internal bladder. Get water and cleansing solution into the BCD through the inflator hose. Once cleaned inside, rinse with fresh water, inflate and drain any remaining water from the inflator hose.
For a more in-depth consideration about dive equipment and microbes, also read our article Germophobia.
What about zips?
Dive suits, boots and even our dive bags have zips which, if not properly maintained, don’t slide smoothly anymore over time. The reason can be salt and calcium deposits, sand or dirt, and will ultimately lead to a broken zip. Cleaning with fresh water is the first thing to do. Use a toothbrush to remove any sand or dirt. Some commercial products (with incorporated brush) are available for cleaning and lubricating these zips.
With dry suits the zips are a fragile and expensive component and special care is required. It is therefore recommended to use Zip wax or Zip oil to keep the zip lubricated. When the zip gets dry you will notice a resistance, and too much force to open or close a zip is a clear sign that maintenance was not done well.
With dry suits the zips are a fragile and expensive component and special care is required. It is therefore recommended to use Zip wax or Zip oil to keep the zip lubricated. When the zip gets dry you will notice a resistance, and too much force to open or close a zip is a clear sign that maintenance was not done well.

Often forgotten
All items that are usually carried in pockets (BCD or dry suit), cylinders and everything inside a pouch or rolled up (such as retractors or DSMBs) tend to be forgotten. Rolled up items need to be unrolled when being washed, and the inside of the SMBs and release valves need to be rinsed as well. Some extra care is needed for the boot assembly of the cylinder, as salt water will remain behind between the boot and the cylinder, leading to corrosion.
Once we rinsed and cleaned our gear, we need to dry and store it. This will be discussed in our next article.
Once we rinsed and cleaned our gear, we need to dry and store it. This will be discussed in our next article.
Categories
2020
January
February
Group Fitness at the PoolHow to Rescue a Distressed diver at the SurfaceHow to manage Near-DrowningNo Sit-ups no problem How to manage MalariaHow to manage Oxygen Deficiency (Hypoxia)What to do when confronted by a sharkHow to manage Scombroid PoisoningHow to perform a Deep Diver RescueHow to perform One-rescuer CPRHow to perform a Neurological Assessment
March
DAN’s Quick Guide to Properly Disinfecting Dive GearCOVID-19 : Prevention Recommendations for our Diving CommunityGermophobia? - Just give it a reasonable thoughtScuba Equipment care – Rinsing and cleaning diving equipmentCOVID-19 and DAN MembershipFurther limitations imposed on travels and considerations on diving activitiesDAN Membership COVID-19 FAQsLancet COVID-19 South African Testing SitesCOVID-19 No Panic Help GuideGetting Decompression Sickness while FreedivingDown in the DumpsCardiovascular Disease and DivingDelayed Off-GassingDiving after Dental surgeryDiving with Multiple MedicationsPygmy Seahorses: Life AquaticAfrica DustCOVID-19 Myth BustersScuba Units Are Not Suitable Substitutes for VentilatorsDisinfection of Scuba Equipment and COVID-19Physioball Stability Exercises
April
COVID-19 AdvisoryScuba Equipment Care - Drying & Storing Your GearTransporting Diving Lights & BatteriesHow to Pivot Your Message During a CrisisTourism Relief FundCOVID-19 Business Support ReviewDiving After COVID-19: What We Know TodayEUBS-ECHM Position Statement on Diving ActivitiesPart 2: COVID-19 Business Support ReviewPress Release
May
Diving in the Era of COVID-19Dive Operations and COVID-19: Prepping for ReturnCOVID-19 & Diving Activities: 10 Safety RecommendationsCOVID-19: Surface Survival TimesThe Philippines at its FinestThe Logistics of ExplorationThe Art of the Underwater SelfieShooter: Douglas SeifertFAQs Answered: Disinfecting Scuba EquipmentStock your First-Aid KitResearch and OutreachCovid-19 ResearchOut of the BlueEffects of Aspirin on DivingThe New Pointy end of DivingDiving and Hepatitis CCaissons, Compressed-Air work and Deep TunnellingPreparing to Dive in the New NormalNew Health Declaration Form Sample Addressing C-19 IssuesDiving After COVID 19: What Divers Need to Know
June
Travel Smarter: PRE-TRIP VACCINATIONSAttention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder and DivingCOVID-19: Updated First Aid Training Recommendations From DANDiving with a Purpose in National Marine SanctuariesStay Positive Through the PandemicFor the Dive Operator: How to Protect Your Staff & ClientsStudying Deep reefs and Deep diversAsking the Right QuestionsLung squeeze under cold diving conditions
July
Dive DeprivationVolunteer Fish Surveys: Engage DiversDAN Member Profile: Mehgan Heaney-GrierTravel Smarter: Don’t Cancel, Reschedule InsteadDive Boat Fire SafetyRay of HopePartner ExercisesDiving at AltitudeAluminium ExposureHip FracturesAcoustic NeuromaGuidelines for Lifelong Medical Fitness to DiveNew Dive Medical Forms
August
Women in Diving: Lauren Arthur, Conservationist & Natural History Story TellerWomen in Diving: Dr Sara Andreotti White Shark ResearcherTiming ExerciseWomen in Diving: The Salty Wanderer, Charlie WarlandWomen in Diving: Beth Neale, Aqua soul of freedivingWomen in Diving: Diving and spearfishing Diva, Jean HattinghWomen in Diving: Zandile Ndhlovu, The Black Mermaid
September
October
Freediving For ScienceStep Exercises with CardioFluorescence Imaging help Identify Coral BleachingChildren and DivingThe Watchman device and divingScuba Diving and Factor V Leiden gene mutationNitrogen Narcosis at shallow depthsOil and Particulates: Safe levels in Breathing Air at depthDive Principles for Coping with COVID-19The Importance of a Predive Safety CheckTalya Davidoff: the 'Plattelandse Meisie' Freediver
2019
February
April
May
DAN Press ReleaseYour Dive Computer: Tips and tricks - PART 1Your Dive Computer: Tips and tricks - PART 2Aural HygieneDCS AheadHow Divers Can Help with coral conservationRed Tide and shellfish poisoningDiving after Kidney DonationDiving with hypertrophic cardiomyopathyEmergency Underwater Oxygen Recompression
June
July
September
October
November
Exercise drills with DowelsHeart-rate TrainingCultivating ConservationTRavel Smarter : Evaluating an unfamiliar Dive operatorChallenging the Frontiers of Decompression ResearchTravel Smarter: Plan for Medical EmergenciesWhen should I call my Doctor?DAN Student Medical Expense CoverageAdvice, Support and a LifelineWetsuits and heat stressDiving after Chiropractic adjustments
2018
April
Flying after pool diving FAQLung squeeze while freediving FAQDiving after Bariatric surgery FAQMarine injuries FAQVasovagal Syncope unpredictable FAQIncident report procedure FAQDiving after knee surgery FAQDiving when in RemissionDive with orbital Implant FAQInert gas washout FAQOxygen ears FAQPost Decompression sicknessChildren and diving. The real concerns.Diving after SurgeryPhysiology of Decompresssion sickness FAQDiving and regular exerciseGordon Hiles - I am an Underwater Cameraman and Film MakerScuba Air QualityBreath-hold diving. Part 3: The Science Bit!Compensation Legislation and the Recreational DiverCape Town DivingFive pro tips for capturing better images in cold waterThe Boat Left Without You: Now What?
May
When things go wrongEmergency Planning: Why Do We Need It?Breath-hold diving: Running on reserve -Part 5 Learning to RebreatheSweet Dreams: When Can I Resume Diving Post Anaesthesia?Investing in the future of reefsTo lie or not to lie?THE STORY OF A RASH AFTER A DIVEFirst Aid KitsTaravana: Fact or Falacy?
June
Oxygen Unit MaintenanceKnow Your Oxygen-Delivery Masks 1Know Your Oxygen-Delivery Masks 2Emergency Oxygen unitsInjuries due to exposure - HypothermiaInjuries due to exposure - Altitude sicknessInjuries due to Exposure - Dehydration and other concernsHow to plan for your dive tripThe Future of Dive MedicinePlastic is Killing our ocean
September
Return to DivingDiagnoses: Pulmonary blebSide effects of Rectogesic ointmentDiving with ChemotherapyReplacing dive computers and BCDsCustomize Your First-Aid KitPlan for medical emergenciesHow the dive Reflex protects the brain and heartDry suits and skin BendsAltitude sickness and DCSScuba Diving and Life Expectancy
2017
March
April
Incident Insight: TriageA Field Guide to Minor MishapsSnorkels: Pros & ConsTime & RecoveryMedication & Drug UseDiving with CancerNitrox FAQCOPD FAQHyperbaric Chamber FAQJet Lag FAQHydration FAQAnticoagulant Medication FAQFluid in the Ear FAQEye Surgery FAQElderly Divers FAQNitrogen FAQHealth Concerns FAQMotion Sickness FAQMicronuclei FAQ
June
August
2016
February
March
Breath-Hold Diving & ScubaReturn to Diving After DCITiming Exercise & DivingHot Tubs After DivingSubcutaneous EmphysemaIn-Water RecompressionDiving at AltitudeFlying After DivingDiving After FlyingThe Risks of Diabetes & DivingFlu-like Symptoms Following a DiveHand & Foot EdemaFrontal HeadachesBladder DiscomfortLatex AllergiesRemember to BreatheProper Position for Emergency CareAches & PainsCell Phones While DrivingSurfers Ear Ear Ventilation TubesDealing with Ear ProblemsDiving with Existing Ear InjuriesPerforated Ear DrumENT SurgeryUnpluggedCochlear ImplantsPortuguese Man-of-WarJellyfish StingsLionfish, Scorpionfish & Stonefish EnvenomationsStingray Envenomation Coral Cuts, Scrapes and RashesSpeeding & Driving Behaviour
June
Newsflash! Low Pressure Hose DeteriorationItching & rash go away & come back!7 Things we did not know about the oceanMigraine HeadacheAttention Deficit Disorder Cerebral Vascular AccidentEpilepsyCerebral PalsyHistory of SeizuresMultiple Sclerosis Head TraumaBreast Cancer & Fitness to Dive IssuesLocal Allergic ReactionsSea LiceHow ocean pollution affects humans Dive Fatality & Lobster Mini-Season StatisticsPregnancy & DivingReturn to Diving After Giving BirthBreast Implants & DivingMenstruation During Diving ActivitiesOral Birth ControlBreast FeedingPremenstrual SyndromeOsteoporosisThe Aftermath of Diving IncidentsCompensation Legislation & the Recreational DiverNoise-Induced Hearing LossLegal MattersThe Nature of Liability & DivingDAN Legal NetworkWaivers, Children & Solo DivingHealthy, but overweight!Taking Medication while Scuba DivingGetting Fit for the Dive SeasonBone Considerations in Young DiversAsthma and Scuba DivingHepatitisDiving with HyperglycemiaShoulder PainDiving After Spinal Back Surgery
August
Hazard Identification & Risk AssessmentCaring For Your People Caring For Your FacilitiesCaring For Your BusinessScuba Air Quality Part 1Scuba Air Quality Part 2Chamber Maintenance Part 1Chamber Maintenance Part 2The Aging Diver Propeller SafetyRelease The PressureDon't Get LostMore Water, Less Bubbles13 Ways to Run Out of Air & How Not To7 Mistakes Divers Make & How To Avoid ThemSafety Is In The AirHow Good Is Your Emergency Plan
2015
January
March