Scuba diving is an exhilarating experience, but maintaining your gear is crucial for both safety and longevity. Whether you're a beginner or an experienced diver, understanding how to clean and service your equipment can significantly extend its life and ensure you're always ready for your next underwater adventure. In this guide, I'll walk you through the essential steps to keep your gear in top condition.
1. Maintaining Your Mask, Fins, and Snorkel
Your mask, fins, and snorkel are fundamental components of your diving kit. Regularly inspect them for potential issues such as cracks, tears, or signs of wear. After each dive, rinse them thoroughly with fresh water to remove salt, chlorine, and other contaminants. Allow them to air dry in a shaded area.
2. Dive Gear Storage: Choosing the Right Hanger
Proper storage can significantly extend the life of your dive gear. Invest in a good-quality hanger designed specifically for dive equipment. These hangers are built to support the weight of wet gear, ensuring they retain their shape and dry effectively.
3. Cleaning Regulators, Gauges, and Computers
Your regulators, gauges, and dive computers are sensitive pieces of equipment. After each dive, soak them in fresh water for about 20 minutes. Ensure that the dust cap is securely in place to prevent water from entering the first stage. Gently shake to remove trapped water and allow them to air dry.
4. Sanitizing Your Regulator
Given that your regulator goes into your mouth, it's essential to sanitize it regularly. A simple solution of Steramine can be used to disinfect your regulator mouthpiece, ensuring it's free from harmful bacteria.
5. Buoyancy Compensator Device (BCD) Maintenance
Your BCD is exposed to saltwater, chlorine, and other contaminants during dives. Rinse it thoroughly inside and out after each use. To clean the inside bladder, use a BCD water hose attachment to fill it with fresh water, swish it around, and then drain.
6. Wetsuit Care
Your wetsuit, booties, hood, and gloves require special attention. After each dive, rinse them with fresh water to remove salt and other residues. For a deeper clean, use a wetsuit shampoo or a dedicated cleaner. Ensure they are completely dry before storing to prevent mold and mildew.
7. General Maintenance Tips
Regularly inspect all your gear for signs of wear and tear. Replace any damaged parts promptly and consider investing in a "Save a Dive Kit" which includes essential replacement parts.
Conclusion
Proper maintenance of your scuba gear is not just about prolonging its life but also ensuring your safety underwater. By following these steps, you can enjoy countless dives without worrying about equipment failure.
Resources
- BCD Cleaner: https://amzn.to/3IpKzgs
- Wetsuit Shampoo (Gear Aid): https://amzn.to/3pOyn2q
- Wetsuit Odor Eliminator (Sink the Stink): https://amzn.to/3MpGsSS
- Steramine: https://amzn.to/41OhMZT
- BCD Water Hose Attachment: https://amzn.to/3q39MHa
- Dive Gear Accessory Hanger: https://amzn.to/45jVXUW
- Wide Shoulder Wetsuit Hanger: https://amzn.to/3oaSQhH
- Rubbermaid Rinse / Wash Tub: https://amzn.to/41NPBKR
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Note: This blog post is a summarized version of the video "The RIGHT Way to Clean Your Scuba Gear" by Circle H Scuba. For a more detailed account and to watch the full video, check out the link here.
Disclaimer: Scuba diving requires proper training and certification. Always dive within your certification limits and seek training from certified instructors. The content provided here is for informational purposes only and should not replace formal training.