soften up a wetsuit

Okay, I'm a drysuit diver unless the water is warm enough to wear a 3mil or skin. However, my drysuit is back at the factory getting some work done right now so I've had to reach WAAAYYY back in my closet and pull out my old 7/5 semi-dry. The suit is so stiff and hard to get on (like the thing shrank ). Anyway the nylon fabric over the neoprene is so darn stiff that I would like to soften it up some.

Is this possible? I've read some threads about washing the suit and using fabric softener in the wash. Anyone have experience with this?

Thanks,
J:

Are you sure it's not embedded salt crystals? I'd try a long soak in frequently refreshed warm water. Warm water is much more effective than cold for this.

Personally I would not put any wetsuit in a top loader. A front loader would give it a good safe workout. You can find fans of Listerine, Softener, Simple Green, Woolite and even wetsuit shampoo.

Pete

I would be reluctant in putting a stiff wetsuit in any washer .. As Spectrum said, I also think soaking it is your best bet for a good outcome ... (I use regular hair shampoo)
I also use some silicone spray by Aquaseal on the zippers and skin seals on my suit ... that may rejuvenate the nylon in your case

Thanks for the tips! Don't think it's salt crystals as this suit has only seen freshwater but you never know. I'm going to give it a good soaking in a big tupperwear tub for a day or two.

Thanks,
J:

jeremy,i heard that some fresh lake lanier water was very good at loosening up suit,alittle depth and pressure and some light aro bic exercise.