Saltwater can corrode expensive scuba gear. That\u2019s why divers need to know the basics of keeping their scuba equipment in tip-top shape.<\/p>\n
More importantly, regular cleaning and maintenance of scuba gear are one of the best ways to ensure your safety underwater. The good news is that you probably already own the main cleaning ingredient: vinegar.<\/p>\n
Cleaning scuba equipment with vinegar<\/a> may be the old-school method, but it\u2019s still considered the most efficient to this day.<\/p>\n So, stick around if you want to know more about scuba gear cleaning and maintenance<\/a>.<\/p>\n For scuba gear cleaning and maintenance<\/a>, we choose white vinegar over commercial cleaning agents any day. Here\u2019s why.<\/p>\n Vinegar is non-toxic<\/a>, eco-friendly, and even edible.\u00a0 You can use it freely without worrying about inhaling fumes or irritating your skin.<\/p>\n Another critical factor is that it\u2019s not harmful to marine life. So, if any vinegar residue finds its way into the water, it won\u2019t harm any creatures or underwater plants.<\/p>\n Vinegar is probably the best all-natural cleaning agent. Not only because it\u2019s affordable but also because of its antimicrobial properties<\/a>.<\/p>\n It can clean up salt residue right after your dive, preventing mold<\/a> and bacteria growth during storage. Vinegar can also help clean up existing mold on your scuba gear that may appear<\/a> for any reason.<\/p>\n This can also be especially useful if you store your diving equipment for long periods.<\/p>\n You only need a 5% maximum of acetic acid solution to clean your scuba gear. Commercial white vinegar is already diluted at five to ten%, so it\u2019s safe and quick to saturate it by adding a bit more water for a milder solution.<\/p>\n That way, it\u2019s strong enough to thoroughly clean your kit but not too strong to corrode<\/a> the surface of your equipment.<\/p>\n It can also remove oil and other grimy layers staining your equipment. So, if you\u2019ve used scented cleaning solvents or soap to clean your gear before, you can trust vinegar to get rid of that as well.<\/p>\n Have you tried rinsing your scuba gear with just freshwater but still find salt stains when it dries up? That\u2019s because water by itself isn\u2019t enough. You need to add a bit of white vinegar to break down the salt.<\/p>\n The science behind this isn\u2019t as complicated as you might think. Vinegar is diluted acetic acid<\/a>, while salt is sodium chloride.<\/p>\n On contact, these compounds form sodium acetate<\/a>, which is carbon dioxide in gaseous form, and water. Once you put your used gear in vinegar solution, the salt disintegrates and becomes less corrosive, allowing you to quickly rinse off your gear with plain water.<\/p>\n Also, you wouldn\u2019t have to worry about the smell of vinegar. It doesn\u2019t linger and evaporates as soon as your gear is completely dry.<\/p>\n Here are some ways to help prolong the life of your prized scuba diving gear. Take a look.<\/p>\n Any kind of vinegar should do the trick, but white vinegar is the most recommended. This is because it has the right amount of acetic acid that can dissolve mineral deposits, as well as remove grease and bacteria.<\/p>\n This method is ideal immediately after your scuba diving activity.<\/p>\n This method is recommended if vinegar isn\u2019t available immediately after the dive and your gear has already dried up.<\/p>\n Observe proper precautions and give your scuba gear some TLC by doing the following:<\/p>\n Don\u2019t use scouring pads or anything that may scratch your equipment. The goal is to keep surfaces smooth to prevent salt deposits from settling in the dents.<\/p>\n As for the existing recesses and inward corners, make sure that you don\u2019t overlook these areas during cleaning.<\/p>\n Water of any kind is considered corrosive in varying degrees, including freshwater. So, it\u2019s vital that you clean your equipment after each dive because you never know the type of minerals that make their way onto your gear.<\/p>\n When soaking your equipment, the duration depends on how long your gear has been left dry without rinsing. Yet, it shouldn\u2019t be more than an hour. Another factor would be whether you\u2019ve previously rinsed off your gear with fresh water or not.<\/p>\n After rinsing thoroughly with fresh water, pat your gear with a clean towel and remove as much moisture as possible. Then, leave it out to air dry, away from direct sunlight.<\/p>\n Make sure it\u2019s completely dry before storage to prevent mold and bacteria.<\/p>\n In the absence of vinegar, the only safe alternative to rinse your gear with is freshwater. Meanwhile, avoid these other substances at all costs, even if people tell you otherwise.<\/p>\n Avoid bleach, even when diluted, because its fumes and residue may be harmful when inhaled. It\u2019s also highly corrosive, so it\u2019s not good for your skin or your scuba gear.<\/p>\n The same goes for rubbing alcohol. Although it may have impressive disinfecting properties, it\u2019s also more corrosive than vinegar.<\/p>\n In fact, scuba diving equipment manufacturers warn against the use of rubbing alcohol for cleaning scuba gear<\/a>.<\/p>\n Antibacterial dishwashing detergents are no good, either. They may be non-toxic in small amounts, but they contain artificial fragrances and leave behind a greasy residue.<\/p>\n So, they may seem harmless during the first few uses. Yet, in the long run, they\u2019ll prove difficult to remove.<\/p>\n As we\u2019ve established, vinegar is the most effective in breaking down salt residue. It also does a wonderful job of removing bacteria that may develop into mold.<\/p>\n Salt buildup tends to stain scuba masks and camera lenses, leaving them blurry. It can also leave annoying stains on your suit and regulators.<\/p>\n The longer they stay unrinsed, the more they accumulate and damage your gear. So, rinse with vinegar as soon as possible, and don\u2019t forget to rinse with clean water afterward.<\/p>\n Corrosion is the most common issue among diving equipment. Unfortunately, metal parts are highly susceptible to rust and corrosion if exposed too long to water.<\/p>\n Plus, scuba gears<\/a> and accessories aren\u2019t cheap. So, you want to keep them in good working condition for as long as possible.<\/p>\n Remember, though, to avoid using undiluted vinegar when washing scuba equipment<\/a>. Otherwise, you could be doing more harm than good.<\/p>\nThe Benefits of Cleaning Scuba Gear With Vinegar<\/h2>\n
Non-Toxic<\/h3>\n
Anti-Bacterial Properties<\/h3>\n
Thorough Cleaning<\/h3>\n
The Science Behind Cleaning With Vinegar<\/h2>\n
How to Properly Clean Scuba Gear With Vinegar<\/h2>\n
Step-By-Step Procedure<\/h3>\n
For Rinsing<\/h4>\n
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For Soaking<\/h4>\n
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Tips on Scuba Diving Gear Cleaning and Maintenance<\/h3>\n
Keep Your Equipment Scratch-Free<\/h4>\n
Rinse Thoroughly<\/h4>\n
Dry Completely<\/h4>\n
Vinegar Substitutes to Avoid<\/h2>\n
Bleach<\/h4>\n
Rubbing Alcohol<\/h4>\n
Dishwashing Soap<\/h4>\n
The Risks of Not Using Vinegar to Clean Scuba Equipment<\/h2>\n
Mineral Buildup<\/h3>\n
Equipment Damage<\/h3>\n
Conclusion<\/h2>\n