Product Care & Maintenance
Keep Every Adventure Ready.
Proper cleaning, drying, inspection, and storage can help preserve the performance and appearance of your AquaNest gear. Use this guide for paddleboards, kayaks, inflatable boats, surf and swim equipment, life jackets, beach essentials, camping gear, coolers, dry bags, and outdoor accessories.
Four-Step Routine
Reset Gear After Every Trip.
A consistent post-use routine is the easiest way to reduce odor, trapped moisture, corrosion, mildew, staining, and avoidable wear. Product-specific instructions supplied with your item should always take priority.
01
Empty and Inspect.
Remove personal items, drain standing water, shake out sand and debris, and check for visible damage before cleaning.
02
Rinse Gently.
Use clean fresh water after exposure to saltwater, pool chemicals, mud, sunscreen, food, or heavy dust.
03
Air-Dry Fully.
Open compartments, loosen straps, and allow all surfaces and seams to dry in a shaded, ventilated location.
04
Store Without Stress.
Keep gear clean, cool, dry, and protected from direct sun, sharp edges, heavy stacking, and excessive compression.
Care by Gear Type
Category Guidance
Use the Right Routine.
Materials, construction, and intended use vary across watercraft, swim equipment, and outdoor essentials. Follow the category guidance below, then confirm any special instructions included with your product.
01 Watercraft
Inflatables, SUPs & Kayaks.
Inflatable paddleboards, boats, rafts, kayaks, seats, carts, paddles, pumps, and repair kits perform best when pressure, surfaces, fittings, and storage conditions are managed carefully.
- Rinse the hull, deck pad, fins, paddle, seat, valves, and accessories with fresh water after saltwater use.
- Remove fins and detachable parts when recommended, then clean sand from tracks, locks, and connection points.
- Let the product dry completely before rolling or folding to reduce odor, mildew, and material sticking.
- Do not drag the hull across pavement, shells, rocks, or rough ground, and never use sharp tools near inflatable chambers.
- Inflate only within the pressure range stated by the manufacturer and avoid leaving fully inflated gear in intense heat.
Small surface marks are not always structural damage. Stop using
the product if you find an active leak, separated seam, damaged
valve, deep cut, or loss of shape under normal pressure.
02 Surf & Swim
Wetsuits, PFDs & Swim Gear.
Wetsuits, rash guards, life jackets, personal flotation devices, goggles, training equipment, snorkeling gear, water shoes, surfboards, and bodyboards need gentle cleaning and careful drying.
- Rinse salt, chlorine, sunscreen, and sand with cool fresh water as soon as practical after use.
- Hand-wash delicate items with mild soap only when needed, and avoid bleach, fabric softener, harsh solvents, or abrasive brushes.
- Dry away from direct heat and prolonged sunlight; turn wetsuits and similar garments inside out partway through drying.
- Check PFD straps, buckles, foam, stitching, reflective details, and labels before every use.
- Keep goggles, masks, snorkels, and lenses away from sharp objects; do not wipe grit across coated surfaces.
Safety gear must fit correctly and remain fully functional.
Replace any life jacket or PFD with torn fabric, damaged closures,
compressed foam, missing labels, or uncertain buoyancy.
03 Beach & Camp
Shelter, Storage & Coolers.
Beach tents, umbrellas, chairs, tables, coolers, insulated bags, dry bags, picnic gear, camping accessories, outdoor games, and water toys should be cleaned based on material and kept dry between trips.
- Brush or shake off loose sand, grass, and soil before using water, especially around hinges, poles, tracks, and fasteners.
- Wipe frames and hard surfaces with a damp cloth and mild soap, then dry metal parts to help reduce corrosion.
- Empty coolers and insulated bags promptly, wash food-contact interiors with mild soap, rinse, and leave open until fully dry.
- Clean dry-bag seals and roll-top areas carefully; trapped grit can reduce closure performance and damage coatings.
- Never store tents, fabric chairs, umbrellas, games, or picnic textiles while damp or tightly packed with sand.
Water-resistant and waterproof are not interchangeable terms.
Always close bags, caps, drains, and seals exactly as instructed,
and test critical storage before relying on it around water.
Cleaning Matrix
Gentle Care First
Match the Method to the Material.
Start with the gentlest effective method. Test cleaners on a small hidden area when appropriate, and avoid soaking components that contain electronics, sealed mechanisms, foam cores, or adhesive assemblies.
| Material or Part | Recommended Care | Avoid | Drying and Storage |
|---|---|---|---|
| PVC and Inflatable Shells | Fresh water, soft cloth, and mild soap for stubborn residue. | Solvents, stiff brushes, pressure washers, dragging, and sharp edges. | Dry fully, release pressure as directed, and store loosely in a cool area. |
| Neoprene and Stretch Fabrics | Cool fresh-water rinse and occasional gentle hand-wash. | Hot water, dryers, bleach, fabric softener, ironing, and direct heat. | Dry in shade with airflow; store flat or on a wide hanger when suitable. |
| Coated Waterproof Fabrics | Wipe clean with fresh water and a non-abrasive cloth. | Harsh detergents, machine drying, aggressive scrubbing, and folding on grit. | Open all compartments and seals until completely dry before packing. |
| Metal Frames and Hardware | Remove sand and salt, wipe with fresh water, and dry promptly. | Leaving wet, forcing jammed hinges, or storing with corrosive residue. | Store dry and partially open when the design allows ventilation. |
| Lenses and Coated Surfaces | Rinse particles away first, then use a clean soft lens-safe cloth. | Paper towels, gritty cloths, fingernails, solvents, and dry rubbing. | Air-dry or blot gently, then store in a protective case. |
| Cooler and Food Interiors | Empty promptly, wash with mild soap, rinse, and wipe all corners. | Closing while damp, strong odors left untreated, and abrasive pads. | Leave open until dry, then store with the lid or zipper slightly vented. |
Storage System
Store Clean, Cool & Dry.
Long-term storage can create more damage than normal use when gear is packed wet, overheated, sharply folded, heavily compressed, or exposed to pests and chemicals.
Before Short-Term Storage
Rinse or wipe the item, dry all surfaces, empty pockets and drains, loosen wet straps, and remove food, batteries, or personal items. Keep frequently used gear accessible without placing heavy objects on top.
Before Seasonal Storage
Complete a deeper clean, inspect seams and hardware, repair minor issues, remove detachable accessories, and store the product in a breathable protective area away from direct sunlight and temperature extremes.
Folding and Rolling
Follow the original fold lines where possible, avoid sharp creases over valves or welded seams, and do not force bulky gear into a container that is too small. Looser storage generally reduces material stress.
Inflated Product Storage
Never leave inflatable products fully pressurized in a hot vehicle or direct sun. If stored inflated, reduce pressure according to the product instructions and support the item evenly without hard contact points.
Moisture and Ventilation
Allow airflow around coolers, dry bags, tents, fabric seats, and garments. Do not seal damp textiles in plastic or leave closed compartments wet, as trapped moisture can encourage odor and mildew.
Pre-Use Safety Check
Before Every Outing
Inspect Before You Launch.
Care is not only cosmetic. A brief inspection before each outing can reveal damage that affects comfort, function, waterproofing, inflation, fit, or safety.
Seams & Surfaces
Look for deep cuts, separation, bubbling, worn coating, soft spots, distortion, or active leaks.
Valves & Closures
Confirm valves, caps, zippers, drain plugs, roll tops, and seals close correctly and remain clean.
Straps & Hardware
Check buckles, handles, leashes, D-rings, hinges, screws, wheels, and attachment points for wear.
Fit & Function
Test inflation, movement, fit, buoyancy-related components, and any safety feature before entering the water.
Repair or Replace
Know When to Stop Using Gear.
Minor cosmetic wear may be manageable, but structural, closure, inflation, and safety-related damage should be treated seriously. Do not continue using an item when its function is uncertain.
Active Leaks or Seam Separation.
Stop using inflatable watercraft when pressure drops unexpectedly, a valve will not seal, or a seam is lifting, opening, or changing shape.
Damaged Foam, Straps or Buckles.
Replace life jackets, PFDs, leashes, and safety accessories when critical parts are torn, compressed, cracked, missing, or unreliable.
Unclear Damage or Product Behavior.
Document the issue with clear photos, stop using the item, and review the product instructions before requesting support.
Quick Care Answers.
These general answers cover common care questions. Always follow product-specific instructions when they differ from this guide.
Should I rinse gear after every use?
Rinsing is strongly recommended after exposure to saltwater, chlorine, sand, mud, sunscreen, food, or heavy dust. A light fresh-water rinse helps remove residue before it dries into seams, coatings, hardware, and closures.
Can I store gear while it is still damp?
No. Trapped moisture can encourage odor, mildew, corrosion, staining, coating damage, and material sticking. Open compartments and allow the item to dry fully in a shaded, ventilated space first.
Can I use household cleaners?
Use only mild soap when needed unless the product instructions approve another cleaner. Avoid bleach, strong solvents, abrasive powders, stiff brushes, and products that may damage coatings, adhesives, lenses, foam, or waterproof layers.
Should inflatable gear stay fully inflated?
Follow the product instructions. Do not leave inflatable gear fully pressurized in hot vehicles, direct sun, or high temperatures because internal pressure can rise. For storage, clean and dry the product before reducing pressure or folding as directed.
How do I prevent sand from damaging closures?
Shake or brush off loose sand before opening and closing zippers, roll tops, valves, hinges, tracks, and locking parts. Rinse stubborn grit with fresh water and let the area dry before storage.
What should I do if a product is damaged?
Stop using the item when the damage may affect structure, inflation, closure, fit, waterproofing, buoyancy, or safe operation. Take clear photos, keep all parts, and use the contact link below for guidance.
Does normal wear mean the product is defective?
Scuffs, fading, compression marks, surface scratches, and gradual wear can occur through normal outdoor use. Defect concerns depend on the product, condition, use, maintenance, and the nature of the issue.
How often should I inspect outdoor gear?
Perform a quick check before every outing and a more detailed inspection after heavy use, travel, impact, long storage, or exposure to harsh environments. Safety equipment should be checked especially carefully.
Need Product Guidance?
Share the Product and the Issue.
Include your order number, product name, a clear description of the concern, when it occurred, and photos of the full item and affected area. AquaNest provides 24/7 customer support, free shipping on all products, 3-5 business day delivery, and free returns and exchanges within 30 days for eligible items.