If you are wrapping up water work, remember your end-of-season clean up - life vests, water shoes and wet suits can be washed on gentle cycle with Woolite and hung to dry completely before packing away. Ropes are best washed by putting them in an old pillowcase, and soaking in a sink of warm water and Woolite with gentle agitation. If you want to clean algae stains, it is better to use a bristle brush than any chemicals like bleach that will weaken the rope fibers. Do not put any water gear in a clothes dryer - lay out or hang to dry.
If your gear has gotten a little ripe from damp storage over the summer, you can also use a pet stain and odor enzyme cleaner to remove any lingering funk, especially in water shoes or scuba boots. You can also use a specific wetsuit cleaner like Sink the Stink.
For winter storage of wet suits and life jackets, run an old candle up and down all the zippers, zip up and down a few times and store with the zipper open. Check for any rips or tears - small repairs can be done with a product like Neoprene Queen Wetsuit Repair. Dust the insides with a little talcum powder (not baby powder) to keep latex seals from sticking together and store rolled or hung, never folded.
Gear is best stored in covered totes with a desiccant pack inside to keep mildew at bay. Try to avoid storage where there is direct sunlight or extreme temperature fluctuations, a storage room in the house is better than a barn or garage.
Be sure to check your gear and ropes for wear, frays or tears and repair or replace. Taking advantage of end-of-season clearance sales now will make sure you are ready to hit the beach next spring.
