Pre-dive, check all hoses, valves and buckles for damage, wear or corrosion. Inflate the BC until the dump valves open, then let it sit inflated for 15 to 20 minutes to make sure there are no leaks.

Post-dive, give your BC a brisk hose-off to knock loose any sand or dirt (if it has a rubber cap for the power-inflator connection, install that first).
Dunk the BC several times in a bucket of fresh water, then completely deflate it and use your weights to hold it underwater for a nice long soak.

Next, fill the bladder about halfway with fresh water by depressing the oral inflator and holding it under a gentle stream of water. Slosh it around to thoroughly rinse the bladder, then drain it by using each of the exhaust valves to make sure they’re all flushed.
(For the nonsqueamish, give it a taste to make sure it’s fresh, not salty.)

Blow up the BC about halfway and hang it to thoroughly dry out of the sun.

Find more Tips for Maintaining Your BC here.

Looking for a BC? Check out our BC Buyer's Guide here.