Dive mask preparation
When a SCUBA mask is made, it leaves a lot of film and residue on it. If not cleaned off properly, you will never get your mask to stop fogging. You can search the Internet for lots of different ways to clean your mask. I am going to walk thru one of the easiest and safest methods to do it. With some of the other methods, if not done correctly, you can break your mask glass or damage your frame.
Toothpaste or Soft Scrub (without bleach)
Your first step will be to take some toothpaste (not gel) and with your finger dab some on both sides of the inside of the lenses and the inside of the mask. Rub the toothpaste thoroughly and then let it sit to dry. Try to wait an hour or two before you rinse it out; however, if you don’t have the time, just go ahead and rinse it right away; there’s a good chance it will still work. You should do this every couple of months to make sure your mask is clean. Make sure you clean the interior inside of the mask, skirt and all. There are also commercial cleaners you can use that clean and defog. A mask is like the inside of your car window. It gets a film on it because all the plastic and rubber are off-gassing.
Put your dive mask under running water to rinse out the toothpaste. You can use your fingernail or a toothbrush to get around the skirt that touches the lens. In some cases, some of the toothpaste can seep under there. Make sure you get it all out.
Different ways to defog your mask before every dive
Commercial Defogger
This is the type of defogging you can buy at any dive shop. There are a ton of different types, but they are basically all the same. If you would like to go this route, making sure it is safe for the reef and environmentally friendly. This is a good practice as your face will be in there. If you are diving O2 make sure it will not interact with the O2 and cause a burn or reaction. Usually, divers will put this inside their mask, swish it around with their finger and then rinse and go.
Baby Shampoo and dishwashing soap
This is a very economical choice in the world of defogging your mask. Many dive boats will carry an empty plastic water bottle container with a hole in the top and fill it about a quarter full of baby shampoo and the rest water. Even just a little bit of soapy water will be enough to defog your mask. Always remember to rinse your mask thoroughly; otherwise, the residue soap will sting your eyes underwater, even the baby shampoo will cause some tears if you use too much.
You can also spit into your mask. If you use spit, the mask should be completely dry. If you take off your mask in the water and then spit into it, it is very likely to become foggy during the dive. Remember – dry mask, spit, rub, rinse with water, and put on your mask.
Preventing a foggy mask even if you have defogged it
If your face is sweaty and hot, it is a good idea to splash some cold water on it to give it a quick rinse before you put your mask on.
Before putting your choice of defogging on your mask, ensure that the lens is dry. You can apply to defog to your mask anytime before jumping in the water; however, you should rinse the defog out only moments before jumping in. If you have rinsed it out, but then are delayed jumping in, and you are not ready to put your mask on your face, leave a layer of water in your mask until you are prepared. Once you have defogged and rinsed your mask, put your mask on your face, and don’t take it off. Moving your mask to your forehead, neck, or into the water basically eliminate any defogging you had just put onto your mask. Keep in mind if you are jumping into a dive or have to wait before you get to where you will leave on your dive. For long transits to insertion points, try and keep your inner mask dry, you can store it in a zip-lock bag as it is easily collapsed and store. Lastly, you can always leave a little water in your mask during the dive and swish it around to help keep the fog at bay.
Summary
You should clean your mask every couple of months depending on its use. It should be kept in a clean, dry place. Most masks come in boxes that are designed for you to store it in. Make sure it is dry before you store it away. Clean your mask after every use; make sure to clean around the outside edge of the mask, especially the part close to your mouth. Because it is close to your mouth, it can smell like food, and that can attack bugs. If this happens, they will eat your mask, and it will look like it is dry rotted. Most masks are made of high-quality rubber and can resist dry rot. A good dive mask can last for years if taking care of properly.
Lastly, I am going to say this, and if you have never done this before, ask someone who has… The best way I have found to get a new mask ready to dive is and again DO NOT TRY THIS IF YOU HAVE NEVER DONE IT BEFORE. Do not do this on a tempered mask. I know all masks are tempered. I am putting this out as a warning that mask companies tell you, ”Do not burn the mask” If you do it wrong, it will destroy your mask. So, what I do is, I burn my mask, (I know I said don’t do it) then clean it with soft scrub (without bleach) with a green scrubby pad, not too hard, so you don’t scratch the glass. Clean the total inside of the mask, let it dry, burn it again then soft scrub again. Then I use Jaw spit anti-fog. I use the gel, not the spray, (I have never tried the spray).
I know everyone has a way to do this and just want to share what has been working for me. If you read this and say. “I can burn my mask” never stop moving the flame and only let the very top of the flame touch the glass, lastly never ever touch the rubber sides. AGAIN, DON’T DO THIS IF YOU DON’T KNOW HOW. I know the bold writing will hold up in court if you burn your mask and it breaks, and you can decide to sue me.
