5 Reasons We Love Nikwax’s Wetsuit Cleaner (& You Will Too)

Cash Lambert
Mar 31
3 min read

Updated: Apr 1

I’ll admit it: I had a stinky wetsuit. Not just an occasional trace of funk; that thing straight up stunk.

Join the party wave of those choosing Nikwax for the ultimate wetsuit cleaning experience.

Like, it stunk the car up pre and post surf. It stunk my bathroom up when I put it in the shower to dry. And in stunk up my garage where I stored it.

Look, I did my part to clean it: I tried to hose it out in the backyard. Didn't work.

I let it sun-dry for as long as possible. Didn't matter.

I scrubbed it with soap. Still smelled.

Then I heard about a product that promised to clean it once and for all.

But not only that; this product would help it last longer.

Best of all, costs less than $20.

That's a lot of promises, so I decided to give it a try: Nikwax’s Wetsuit Refresh.

I discovered that what a car wash is to cars, Nikwax's Wetsuit Refresh is to wetsuits.

Here’s 5 things loved about it.

You heard it from us: the best wetsuit cleaner on the market. Photo courtesy Nikwax

#1: Nikwax's Wetsuit Refresh is easy to use.

There’s nothing complex about using it. Just as the directions said, I filled up a few caps of the deodorizer, poured it into a bucket of water — they specifically recommend 3.5 ounces of the cleaner and five gallons of water.

I put on a pair of kitchen gloves — their recommendation — and started scrubbing, seeing grime and unpleasant colors instantly begin trickling out.

Using Nikwax's Wetsuit Refresh is as simple as it can get: pour a few caps into a bucket, add water, and watch the magic happen. Photo courtesy Nikwax

After scrubbing, what Nikwax calls "agitating", I let it sit for another 5 minutes. Then, I hung it up to dry.

#2: Nikwax's WetSuit Refresh works better than you can imagine.

The results?

I instantly noticed no smell — eureka! — and that the suit itself felt softer than before.

It was clear that when nothing else works to clean your wetsuit, Nikwax's Wetsuit Refresh will.

#3: Nikwax's Wetsuit Refresh helps your wetsuit last longer.

My wetsuit was my big purchase last year. I’m not going to tell you how much I paid for it, but it’s enough that I need it to last for a few winter seasons at a minimum.

Sure, I can rinse it and take care of it, but Nikwax can go above and beyond to protect it and make it endure.

How does it do this?

Don't have a bucket handy? You can use the Wetsuit Refresh in your kitchen sink. Photo courtesy Nikwax

The Wetsuit Refresh deodorizes and removes the build-up of “contaminants” — salt, chlorine, body oils, urine (yep, we went there), — which degrade the neoprene faster.

With these contaminants out of the way for good, the neoprene stays soft and durable — and extends the life of the suit.

#4: Nikwax's Wetsuit Refresh is made sustainably.

Sustainability is at the heart of Nikwax — and their dedication to it is not new. They’ve been the leaders in sustainable after since 1977.

Not only does Nikwax's Wetsuit Refresh clean your wetsuit; it works for booties too. Photo courtesy Nikwax

All of their products are water-based. Additionally, they have never used PFAS, meaning its ingredients are not toxic for you or the ocean.

As surfers, this kind of environmentally friendly product is what we're after as we pursue a healthier and cleaner world.

#5: Nikwax's Wetsuit Refresh is very affordable.

You may be thinking, "this is great, but it’s going to cost out my range".

Here's the good news: It's less than $20.

At the price point of $16.95, any and every surfer can afford this — even in today's economy!

A clean and healthy wetsuit is only a Nikwax Wetsuit Refresh away. Photo courtesy Nikwax

The Bottom Line

If Nikwax's Wetsuit Refresh can clean the stink out of my wetsuit, that's saying something. What also says something is that I'm not the only one who has tried every other wetsuit cleaner option with no luck, only have to Nikwax work to perfection; they have loads of testimonials similar to mine.