One time in the washer wont ruin the suit but repeatedly washing a wetsuit in the washing machine will eventually damage the suit.
Can you wash a wetsuit in the washing machine. You can do this by finding the lowest temperature possible. Once this is done take it out before it is squeezed dry by the washing machine. Heat is the enemy of neoprene.
In Case You Were Wondering The washing machine. Or dry it in the dryer. How do you clean a SmellyStinky Wetsuit.
Make sure that your washing machine does not enter a. The chemicals and washing motions of a washing machine arent conducive to the neoprene in your wetsuit. Rinse the wetsuit in fresh cold water its important you do NOT wash the wetsuit in hot water to dry it in direct sunlight or to leave it in the boot of your car for long periods of time because excessive heat damages the neoprene and glues and reduces the fabrics stretch flex and durability.
Or use bleach clothes washing detergent stain remover fabric softener olive oil jet fuel etc. While you may enjoy a hot shower after an open water swim your wetsuit wont. A wetsuit can also be getting put in the washing machine.
You should wash your wetsuit only with cold water. Soaps are often far too harsh for neoprene and can cause it to dry out. Stay clear of sharp objects as best you can.
2 Use a special wetsuit cleaner. Then rinse your wetsuit thoroughly in clean water. Detergents can quickly get stuck in neoprene.