Mold on dive gear needs prompt attention to maintain equipment integrity.
Rinse gear with fresh water to clear salt and sediment. Mix mild soap or BC-safe cleaner in water, then clean affected spots with a soft brush, focusing on wetsuit material, buckles, and tight spaces.
For regs and masks, use isopropyl alcohol or gear sanitizer. Air-dry kit in a ventilated spot away from direct sun.
Store equipment in dry spaces under 60% humidity and use gear bags between dives. These steps help maintain your setup’s condition for future bottom time.
Key Takeaways
Mold on dive gear can impact safety and equipment longevity.
- Remove visible growth by flushing kit with tepid fresh water, using a nylon brush on affected spots. Pay extra attention to BCD crevices and wetsuit seams.
- Create a cleaning solution with mild soap or vinegar in warm water. Submerge gear for 15-20 minutes. This works well for fins, masks, and exposure suits.
- Don PPE including nitrile gloves and eye protection when handling contaminated equipment to avoid inhaling spores.
- Apply isopropyl alcohol or gear-specific sanitizer to second stages and octopus regulators. Focus on mouthpieces and demand valves.
- Air dry all kit in ventilated spaces away from UV rays. Store in mesh bags once completely dry to maintain equipment integrity.
Understanding Mold Growth on Equipment
Mold thrives on dive gear through three main factors: moisture, organic materials, and warmth.
When wet BCDs, regs, and exposure suits aren’t properly dried, ambient humidity above 60% creates breeding grounds for mold. The materials in your kit – from wetsuit neoprene to BCD cordura and mask straps – provide nutrients for spore growth. Regular monitoring of humidity using devices like hygrometers can help detect dangerous moisture levels before mold develops.
Storage areas typically maintain temps between 70°F and 80°F – optimal for mold colonies. Without good ventilation and moisture control, spores can take hold within 24 hours. Knowing these factors helps aquanauts protect their investment and prevent equipment deterioration.
Mold Prevention Best Practices
Four basic practices help prevent mold in dive gear: rinse, disinfect, dry, and store properly. Rinsing with lukewarm water after each dive prevents salt buildup and removes deposits from crevices and mechanical components. Using a soft-bristled toothbrush helps thoroughly clean equipment surfaces while preventing damage to delicate parts.
Clean regulators, masks, and other face-contact gear with mild sanitizing solutions. For BCDs, run disinfectant through the power inflator to clean the air cell. Keep gear in ventilated spaces away from UV exposure, with exposure suits on sturdy hangers and fasteners open. Maintain seals with silicone lubricant, apply zipper wax, and check equipment regularly for deterioration.
Essential Cleaning Supplies
Proper cleaning supplies keep dive gear in good shape and protect aquanauts. Biodegradable and eco-friendly products work best, with mild soap solutions as the base cleaner. Vinegar dilutions remove salt buildup from regs and gauges, while baking soda paste cleans neoprene gear. Mild soap solutions should be mixed in a large container for proper equipment soaking.
Essential tools: soft-bristled brushes for second stages and low-pressure hoses, non-abrasive sponges for buoyancy compensators, and equipment hangers. Check manufacturer guidelines for specialized materials and cleaning agents. Use protective gear when handling solutions, and avoid corrosive chemicals. Fresh water rinsing and responsible disposal methods help preserve marine environments.
Step-by-Step Mold Removal Process
Mold removal from dive gear requires proper safety equipment and cleaning supplies. Put on protective gear, including gloves and goggles, before handling contaminated equipment.
Begin with a fresh water rinse to clear debris, then immerse gear in warm water with a cleaning solution. Work the solution into BCD material and regulators while rotating valves and moving parts. Clean second stages and mouthpieces with isopropyl alcohol or specialized sanitizer. Rinse thoroughly under moderate pressure to remove cleaning residue. Store in shade to prevent harmful mold growth when drying. Allow gear to air dry in a ventilated space away from direct sunlight, then store on sturdy hangers to maintain structural integrity.
Long-Term Equipment Care
Long-term equipment care requires more than routine cleaning to ensure safety and durability. Proper upkeep involves regular maintenance, inspections, and correct storage methods.
Store all dive kit in a temperature-controlled, moisture-free environment away from UV exposure to avoid deterioration. Use protective cases for delicate gear components during storage and transport. Keep buoyancy compensators semi-inflated during storage, and protect first-stage ports with protective caps. Schedule yearly maintenance for life-support equipment like regs, wings, and tanks, including five-year hydro testing for cylinders. Before each dive, check webbing, hoses, and fasteners for damage. Use manufacturer-approved cleaning solutions and keep detailed maintenance logs. These practices help maintain equipment reliability and value.
