How to Clean and Care for a White Scuba Regulator

To keep a white scuba regulator clean, rinse it with fresh water after every dive, use mild soap when needed, avoid harsh cleaners and direct sunlight, let it dry fully, and store it separately to prevent stains and color transfer.

The color black is always a classic and stylish choice, but we've noticed a trend we love in the last few years. When it comes to scuba gear, white is making a big-time play for divers' hearts. Hop on any dive boat and you'll see white fins, white masks and snorkels, white computers-and now, white regulators like our MK25 EVO/S620 Ti combo and new all-white MK11 EVO/C370 combo with diver-changeable color frames.

While it stands out, white gear does require a few extra steps to maintain that bright, unmistakable look. Keeping a white regulator looking clean and new is simple and you won't need a bunch of products or a complicated routine. Here are a few smart habits to establish after every dive to help protect your new regulator's finish, prevent stains, and keep it looking as good as it breathes.

Step 1: Rinse Your White Regulator After Every Dive

Just as with any regulator, the first step toward keeping your white regulator's bright look is a good freshwater rinse after every dive. Salt and sand can corrode your gear over time, so don't wait until the end of a trip to thoroughly rinse it.

As always, follow standard regulator-rinsing practices. Secure the dust cap on the first stage and don't press the purge button while the regulator is in the rinse tank. Let your regulator sit in the water for enough time to loosen sand and debris before removing it from the tub. 

Step 2: Use Mild Soad to Remove Dirt, Sunscreen, and Grime

Although that freshwater rinse is key, it might not be enough for a white regulator. Sunscreen, algae, deck grime, and smudges can cling to white surfaces, especially around textured areas, edges, and hose connections. Grab some mild soap to gently wash any white surfaces when your reg needs a little bit more love than just a rinse.

Keep your cleaning routine simple and gentle. A soft, microfiber cloth is usually all you need for light marks and dirt removal. Avoid bleach, harsh chemicals, abrasive pads, and aggressive cleaners, which can damage materials and dull the finish.

Step 3: Prevent Color Transfer and Surface Marks

Part of the reason white gear stands out so much is that it's surrounded almost exclusively by black gear. That does mean, however, that it can pick up marks from black or colored equipment, especially if you pack wet pieces of kit together.

Ideally, it's best to let all your gear dry fully before packing it, but if you must pack damp gear, avoid color transfer by keeping dark hoses, black neoprene, and other colored items from resting against the regulator's white finish.

Topside, keep your regulator off dirty boat decks, gritty benches or docks, and mixed gear piles at the dive resort or shop. When traveling, it's best to pack your white regulator into its own small bag entirely or wrap it in a soft cloth to fully prevent the possibility of color transfer.

Step 4: Dry Your White Regulator Fully in the Shade

After rinsing and cleaning, dry your regulator fully in the shade. Though it will take longer than leaving it in a sunny spot to dry, direct sunlight can contribute to yellowing of the regulator's white face over time.

We know we already said this, but it bears repeating-let your regulator dry fully before packing it up if possible. Trapped moisture encourages mildew, odors, and corrosion, especially if you only dive a few times a year and your regulator won't be used for a while.

Step 5: Store Your White Regulator Properly and Keep Up with Service

Once your shiny white regulator is fully dry, it's time to pop it into that dedicated regulator bag for storage. This will protect the white surface from dirt and dust, and it's one of the easiest ways to keep it looking clean, trip after trip.

Finally, a sharp-looking regulator is no good if it's not working properly. Keep up with annual servicing according to SCUBAPRO recommendations and your local authorized dealer's guidance. If you properly wash and clean it after each dive, store it smartly, and maintain a good service record, your white regulator will stay bright, clean, and ready for many dives to come.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

How do you clean a white scuba regulator?

Rinse your white scuba regulator with fresh water after every dive to remove salt, sand, and debris. If dirt, sunscreen, algae, or grime remains, gently clean the white surfaces with mild soap and a soft microfiber cloth. Avoid pressing the purge button while rinsing, make sure the dust cap is secure, and let the regulator dry fully in the shade before storing it.

Can a white regulator turn yellow?

Yes, over time a white regulator can yellow if it is repeatedly exposed to direct sunlight, stored improperly, or left with dirt and residue on the surface. To help prevent yellowing, rinse and clean it after each dive, dry it in the shade, and store it in a clean, protective bag away from prolonged sun exposure.

Can you use bleach on a white scuba regulator?

No, bleach should not be used on a white scuba regulator. Harsh cleaners, abrasive pads, and aggressive chemicals can damage regulator materials and dull or discolor the finish. Mild soap, fresh water, and a soft cloth are the safest options for routine cleaning.

How should you store a white regulator?

Store a white regulator only after it is fully dry. Keep it in a dedicated regulator bag or wrapped in a soft cloth to protect it from dust, grime, and color transfer from darker gear. If possible, avoid packing it tightly against black neoprene, hoses, or other colored equipment, especially when gear is still damp.

Does a white regulator need special maintenance?

A white regulator does not require different mechanical maintenance than any other regulator, but it may need more routine surface cleaning to keep it looking bright. Regular rinsing, gentle cleaning, proper drying, careful storage, and annual servicing according to manufacturer guidance will help maintain both its appearance and performance.