Snorkeling consists of swimming on the surface of the ocean while wearing a dive mask, a breathing tube and swimming fins. Snorkeling is usually done in relatively shallow water over coral reef to observe the local underwater animal population. As time goes on, the equipment can get dirty and degrade in quality. Take special care to clean each individual piece of equipment to ensure not only a quality experience, but a safe one, too.
Step 1
Run the equipment under fresh water. Always rinse your equipment off immediately after a snorkeling session, even if you have no intention of cleaning it off. This will help prevent nasty films and bacteria from growing on the gear.
Step 2
Clear all of the equipment of debris. Look for clumped sand and shells in crevices. Even tiny grains of sand can scratch your mask, damaging it permanently.
Step 3
Rinse each piece of equipment with running freshwater either in a sink or tub. Sometimes the mask skirt will have suntan lotion built up on it. You can remove this by gently rubbing the skirt with dish detergent.
Step 4
Clean the inside of your mask using a small drop of toothpaste the size of a fingertip. Use your fingers to gently smear the toothpaste around the inside of the mask. Be careful not to use your fingernails as they can scratch the surface. Rinse it with fresh water afterward.
Step 5
Fill a bucket with fresh water and clean your snorkel. There are two ways you can clean your snorkel. One involves washing the snorkel in the bucket with dish detergent and rinsing it clean under running fresh water. Another involves soaking the snorkel in a bucket of diluted bleach for 30 minutes, then rinsing it clean under running fresh water.
Step 6
Clean the fins in a bucket of water. Use dish detergent and scrub both the inside and outside using just your hands. Rinse the fins afterward with fresh water.
Tips and Warnings
- Always store your mask in its case to avoid scratches. Whenever you set your mask down, lay it facing up so the mask isn't flat against the ground. If you have problems removing a film or build-up, using the soft side of a sponge. Never use any tools with a coarse surface to clean your gear.
- When rinsing the fins after snorkeling, look for small pieces of coral or shell lodged in the outside of the fins, as these can be very sharp. If you dry the mask off, make sure to use a soft towel. Using a rough towel can scratch the mask.
Things You'll Need
- Dish detergent
- Toothpaste
- Bucket
- Bleach
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