Regular cleaning and lubrication of your wetsuit or dry suit zipper will help a zipper last the lifetime of the suit. Without proper care, expensive zippers degrade and need costly replacement.

How to Avoid a Stuck Zipper

A stuck zipper can be caused by corrosion, rust, sand, salt deposits, or other particulates getting stuck in the zipper mechanism. The friction in a degraded or dirty wetsuit or drysuit zipper can make it hard to use, and in some cases the zipper will get stuck. Broken zipper teeth can also result from an improperly maintained zipper. The best way to avoid a stuck zipper is to keep the zipper clean and lubricated.

Maintaining a Zipper

There are several GEAR AID products available to help maintain a zipper.

Zip Cleaner and Lubricant

Keep your zipper free of harmful dirt, sand and salt deposits with GEAR AID's Zipper Cleaner and Lubricant. To clean and lubricate your zipper follow these steps:

Step 1: Unzip item and use Zipper Cleaner and Lubricant's brush top to remove grit and dust.

Step 2: Brush it generously onto zipper teeth to clean and lightly lubricate. Wipe off excess.

Step 3: Carefully open and close zipper to thoroughly distribute Zipper Cleaner and Lubricant.

Zipper Lubricant Stick

Zipper Lubricant Stick is a paraffin-free, silicone-free, solid zipper lubricant. Use it to lubricate and protect watertight and airtight zippers on dry suits from corrosion and harmful salt, chlorine and other pollutants.

To use: Open zipper and apply Zipper Stick sparingly only to the outer teeth of the zipper.

Which zipper care product is right for me?

Zipper Cleaner and Lubricant is typically used as a cleaner and light lubricant for wet and dry suits. Use it before applying Zipper Lubricant Stick, which is recommended for use on zippers that are subject to submersion in water and for cold water dives. Zipper Stick is an extremely durable and long-lasting lubricant. For dry land applications, we recommend Zipper Cleaner and Lubricant for tents, backpacks, and more.