How to Prevent Your Snorkeling Mask From Fogging

Snorkeling in crystal-clear waters teeming with tropical fish sounds fantastic. However, you'd be surprised what you can miss with a foggy mask.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Defogger
• Toothpaste
• Toothpaste
• Dive Masks
• Snorkels
• Swimming Fins

1. 

   Rinse your mask with salt water or fresh water.

2. Drain the water from inside the mask.

3. Spit into the inside of your mask in the center of each viewing window.

4. 

   Spread the spit vigorously throughout the window using your middle and index fingertips. Rub side to side or in a circular motion and cover the entire window area.

5. Rinse your mask thoroughly.

6. 

   Slick your hair back and put your mask on - immediately after rinsing and just prior to entering the water.

7. Flush out the mask and remove any debris with fresh water after use.

8. Store the mask at room temperature in a dry place, away from direct sunlight.

Tips & Warnings

• Spit like you mean it. The more mucus, the better the result.
• Clear your mask out periodically while snorkeling. A quick flush every 5 to 10 minutes takes only a few seconds and gets rid of the fog instantly.
• Try using toothpaste in lieu of spit, or buy a defogger from any local dive or ski shop.
• Snorkeling is an inherently dangerous activity that can result in serious injury or death. We recommend that you seek proper training and equipment before attempting this activity.

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[mroseman]

on 8/11/2008 First remove factory film with toothpaste, as others have written. For subsequent use it is essential to remove oils and sunscreen from skin and mask. Use dish soap and fresh water to get glass, rubber, and skin SQUEAKY clean. Use squeaky clean fingers for the job. Let mask dry. Apply a lot of spit to lens and rub in with squeaky clean fingers. Rinse GENTLY with VERY LITTLE water. Put mask on immediately--do not let spit on the glass dry out. If scuba or snorkeling, try not to exhale through nose.--mrk

on 8/8/2006 The best thing to do is to clean all masks with toothpaste. This removes a factory film that predisposes masks to fogging.

Simply take some toothpaste (non-gritty), dab it on the mask, spread it evenly, and let it sit for
an hour or so. Then add a little water, and make sure you clean the entire lens (or lenses). Rinse, and store.

Before each use, dab any of the many commercial anti-fog devices, baby shampoo, or your spit on the
mask at least 20 minutes before the dive. Rinse once (just once), put the mask on, and don't take it off. You should have no problems with fogging.

on 6/30/2006 The best thing to do is to clean all masks with toothpaste. This removes a factory film that predisposes masks to fogging. Simply take some toothpaste (non-gritty), dab it on the mask, spread it evenly, and let it sit for an hour or so. Then add a little water, and make sure you clean the entire lens (or lenses). Rinse, and store.

Before each use, dab any of the many commercial anti-fog devices, baby shampoo, or your spit on the mask at least 20 minutes before the dive. Rinse once (just once), put the mask on, and don't take it off. You should have no problems with fogging.

on 11/22/2005 A drop of tearless baby shampoo rubbed around the inside of your mask will keep it fog-free. If you're getting water in your mask, make sure it's not strapped on too tight.