| A scuba diving mask is an essential part of your scuba | | | | help keep it from fogging (see below). Rinse well after |
| gear. Without it, we wouldn't be diving. It's simple to | | | | using the toothpaste and you are good to go. |
| take care of with some basic maintenance tips. And | | | | - Place you mask face-up. Don't put your mask face |
| once you are underwater, there's not much more | | | | down when you are not wearing it. The lens could get |
| annoying than a mask that constantly fogs up. Follow | | | | scratched - which could drive you nuts on every dive! |
| these simple steps for mask care and defogging so | | | | Mask Defogging Tips |
| your mask will last you for many more dives. | | | | There are basically 3 different ways to keep your |
| Scuba Dive Mask Maintenance | | | | scuba dive mask from fogging while you are diving. I |
| Many times, new dive masks have an oily film over | | | | have used all 3 while diving and all 3 are effective. I |
| the surface. What works best to remove this? Good | | | | probably use the mask defogger solution the most. |
| 'ol toothpaste! Put a small drop on the lens and rub it | | | | |
| over the areas that have this residue on them. This | | | | 1. Saliva - Yup, good ol' spit. It really does work. I usually |
| would also include the strap. Thoroughly rinse the mask | | | | dry and put in on my mask when it is dry. Rinse out |
| in fresh water and reinspect to make sure it is clean. | | | | after rubbing it around your mask. Some people get |
| Repeat if necessary. | | | | queasy, bacteria, etc. But we've done it and no harm |
| Just make sure it is not a gel toothpaste. I have | | | | has come to us! GOOD in a pinch. |
| always used plain Crest for this (and to clean my dive | | | | 2. Prepared Solution - You can buy a commercial |
| slate) with no ill effects. Removing this film will stop the | | | | mask defogger solution at any dive shop for a few |
| mask from fogging. | | | | dollars. They last a long time and do work. Just put a |
| Maintenance of your scuba dive mask is | | | | couple drops on your lenses and rub it around. Rinse it |
| straightforward. No rocket science here. Here are | | | | out thoroughly, you don't want to get solution in your |
| some simple steps to follow: | | | | eyes. Be prepared to share with lots of other divers |
| - Rinse your mask in freshwater after diving. You | | | | on the boat. There is always someone that ran out, |
| need to clean out any sand or grit that may have | | | | forgot, etc. You'll be the hero. |
| gotten into the mask and get rid of any salty residue. | | | | 3. Toothpaste - If the above 2 don't work, it may need |
| - Never dry your mask in direct sunlight. Direct sunlight | | | | a more thorough cleaning with toothpaste as |
| can start to degrade the silicone so keep the mask | | | | described above (non-gel). This should solve any |
| out of the sun. | | | | problem with fogging that you have. |
| - Thoroughly dry mask before storing. You don't want | | | | If you follow these simple scuba mask care and |
| anything to start growing on your mask. Not to mention | | | | maintenance tips, you should have a nice clear dive. |
| possible odors. | | | | With proper care, your scuba diving mask should last |
| - Periodically clean your scuba dive mask. You should | | | | for years and many, many dives. |
| clean your mask with a little bit of toothpaste every | | | | Have fun! |
| now and then. It will help clean the lens and will also | | | | |