6 Best Dive Gear Cleaning Solutions For Salt Removal

The salt left behind after a dive is more than just a nuisance; it acts as a silent abrasive, slowly compromising the integrity of zippers, seals, and fabric integrity. Investing in specialized cleaning solutions transforms a tedious chore into a vital ritual that ensures gear remains reliable for years to come. By treating the equipment with the right chemistry, the lifespan of expensive scuba setups is extended significantly, allowing for more time underwater and less time troubleshooting equipment failure.

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Salt-Away Concentrate: Best Overall Choice

Salt-Away is the industry standard for a reason: it chemically dissolves salt crystals rather than just washing them away. This concentrate is perfect for divers who need a versatile solution that works on everything from BCDs and regulators to boat trailers and outboard motors.

Its non-toxic, biodegradable formula makes it safe for most surfaces, including rubber, plastic, and metal components. Because it leaves a protective film behind, it helps prevent future salt build-up if the equipment is subjected to multiple days of diving.

This product is the top recommendation for those who want one bottle to handle every piece of gear in the garage. If reliability and wide-spectrum cleaning power are the priorities, Salt-Away is the definitive choice.

Gear Aid Revivex Shampoo: Best for Wetsuits

Wetsuits endure significant stress, absorbing organic matter and salt that can degrade the neoprene over time. Gear Aid Revivex Wetsuit and Drysuit Shampoo is specifically formulated to remove these contaminants while conditioning the fabric to keep it supple and odor-free.

Using harsh detergents can strip the elasticity out of neoprene, leading to premature cracking or loss of thermal protection. This cleaner avoids those pitfalls, ensuring the suit remains comfortable and flexible dive after dive.

This is the essential choice for divers who prioritize the longevity and comfort of their exposure protection. For those looking to protect a significant investment in a high-end suit, there is no better liquid armor.

500 PSI BCD Cleaner: Best Deep Cleaning Pick

Buoyancy Compensator Devices (BCDs) are notoriously difficult to clean because salt, bacteria, and grit accumulate inside the bladder. 500 PSI BCD Cleaner is designed to penetrate these internal chambers, breaking down mineral deposits that can cause inflator valves to stick.

The deep-cleaning enzymes work efficiently to neutralize odors and prevent the buildup of mold inside the bladder. Regular use of this product prevents the “crunchy” feeling inside the BCD and ensures that the air dump valves continue to operate smoothly.

This cleaner is non-negotiable for divers who frequent saltwater environments and want to avoid the headache of a malfunctioning BCD. It is the gold standard for internal maintenance, making it a must-have for any serious equipment kit.

Slosh Wetsuit Shampoo: Best Eco-Friendly Pick

For the environmentally conscious diver, Slosh Wetsuit Shampoo provides a powerful clean without relying on phosphates or harsh chemicals. It effectively removes chlorine, salt, and organic debris, leaving gear fresh and prolonging the life of expensive neoprene suits.

The formula is designed to be gentle on both the environment and the user’s skin, reducing the risk of irritation after a long day in the water. It works rapidly, making it a great option for cleaning gear on the go after a beach dive or a boat excursion.

Slosh is the ideal pick for the diver who balances a passion for the ocean with a commitment to preserving it. If sustainable, biodegradable cleaning is the goal, this is the product to reach for.

Sink the Stink Deodorizer: Best for Smells

Persistent odors in dive gear are usually the result of bacteria thriving in damp, dark environments. Sink the Stink uses a potent biological enzyme cleaner to consume these odor-causing microbes, effectively eliminating the source rather than just masking it with fragrance.

This solution is perfect for high-traffic items like booties, gloves, and hoods that are prone to smelling after heavy use. Because it attacks the bacteria directly, it is far more effective than standard soaps for sanitizing gear that has been neglected.

For the diver who struggles with gear that smells less than fresh, this is the ultimate solution. It is highly recommended as a targeted cleaner for those “problem” pieces of equipment that seem to trap scents.

Simple Green Marine: Best Budget Bulk Option

Simple Green Marine is a cost-effective, high-volume solution that performs surprisingly well in a marine environment. It is formulated to cut through grease, salt, and grime, making it a smart choice for divers who need to clean large quantities of gear or have multiple sets of equipment.

Since the concentrate can be diluted, one bottle lasts significantly longer than specialized dive shampoos. It provides a reliable, all-purpose clean that is safe for most dive gear materials, including aluminum and stainless steel.

This is the best value option for dive clubs, frequent travelers, or families who go through cleaning supplies rapidly. It may not have the niche conditioning properties of dedicated shampoos, but for sheer salt removal, it is an unbeatable budget-friendly workhorse.

How Salt Water Damages Your Expensive Scuba Gear

Salt water is a highly corrosive electrolyte that accelerates the oxidation process on metal parts like regulator first stages and tank valves. When salt dries inside delicate mechanisms, it forms crystalline structures that can jam springs and create friction.

Beyond the metal components, salt acts as a desiccant on soft goods. It pulls moisture out of neoprene, causing the material to lose its flexibility and eventually develop micro-cracks.

Over time, this combined damage leads to stiff zippers, leaking valves, and reduced buoyancy performance. Treating salt as an immediate enemy of equipment longevity is the primary way to avoid costly professional repairs or total gear replacement.

Choosing the Right Cleaner for Your Scuba Gear

Selecting a cleaner should depend on whether the goal is maintenance or repair. General shampoos are excellent for routine washing, while enzymatic cleaners are necessary for odor control or internal bladder maintenance.

Consider the material of the gear when choosing a solution. Neoprene requires conditioners to maintain elasticity, whereas regulators and metal housings benefit from products that leave behind an anti-corrosion barrier.

• For Wetsuits: Prioritize conditioners and mild shampoos.
• For Regulators/BCDs: Prioritize salt-dissolving concentrates and anti-corrosive agents.
• For High-Use/Group Gear: Prioritize bulk, multi-purpose concentrates.

Always check the manufacturer’s manual for the equipment, as some specific high-end regulators may have proprietary maintenance requirements. Using the correct tool for the specific job ensures that the chemical properties of the cleaner match the material being treated.

Best Practices for Rinsing and Soaking Dive Gear

Immediate rinsing is the most important step, regardless of which product is used. If fresh water is limited, prioritize the rinse of the regulator, BCD inflator, and any moving parts like dive computer buttons or zippers.

A proper soak is far superior to a quick rinse, especially for internal chambers. Allow the gear to submerge in a basin of diluted cleaning solution for at least 15 to 20 minutes to allow the chemicals to penetrate the salt buildup.

• Regulators: Ensure the dust cap is secured before rinsing.
• BCDs: Fill the internal bladder with the cleaning solution, manipulate the BCD, and drain through the dump valves.
• Wetsuits: Fully submerge and knead the material to ensure the shampoo reaches the interior seams.

Never leave gear soaking in direct, intense sunlight, as heat can accelerate the degradation of rubber seals during the cleaning process. Aim for a shaded, temperate area for the duration of the soak.

Proper Drying and Storage Tips for Gear Longevity

Proper drying is the final step in preventing equipment degradation. Never store gear in a hot car, as high temperatures can warp plastic components and cause neoprene to lose its shape.

Hang wetsuits on wide, non-metallic hangers to prevent “shoulder-dent” and ensure air circulates both inside and outside the suit. Regulators should be dried in a well-ventilated, shaded spot, with the dust cap left off until the threads are completely moisture-free to prevent corrosion.

Finally, ensure all gear is 100% dry before placing it in a gear bag for long-term storage. Storing gear while slightly damp is a recipe for mold, mildew, and foul odors that will require a complete, labor-intensive cleaning cycle to undo.

Consistent cleaning and proper storage are the foundation of a long-lasting gear kit that is always ready for the next adventure. By incorporating these maintenance rituals into a post-dive routine, the focus remains where it belongs: on the wonders beneath the surface.