Prevent your snorkel mask from fogging up so you don't miss a minute of viewing the underwater landscape. Removing your mask every few minutes to remove fog doesn't make the snorkeling experience nearly as enjoyable. The skirt, the rubber-like part that touches your face, often contributes to issues like fogging when it doesn't provide a watertight seal. Address this issue along with other anti-fog techniques to prevent your mask from fogging on your next underwater adventure.
Step 1
Purchase a snorkel mask that fits your face properly. Hawaii Snorkeling Guide recommends buying a snorkel with a wide skirt; the more skirt width that comes in contact with your skin, the more likely it will provide a good seal. Also, hold your breath when trying on a mask without inhaling or exhaling. Let go of the mask; a good fitting mask should stick to your face without your needing to hold it.
Step 2
Purchase a mask with "no fog" lenses. While no mask is completely "no fog," there are some snorkel masks available that are "low fog."
Step 3
Keep your mask on at all times while snorkeling. Every time you remove the mask you introduce moist air that becomes fog.
Step 4
Apply a mask defogger, available at dive shops, to your lenses before snorkeling to prevent fog.
Step 5
Clean your mask after a day of snorkeling with toothpaste and a toothbrush. Never use your fingers to clean the mask, and refrain from touching the lenses with your fingers once it is clean.
Tips and Warnings
- For a homemade version of defogger, mix a solution of half baby shampoo and half water. Pour it in a spray bottle and spray it on the inside of your lenses. Swish it around and dump it out without using your fingers. Don't rinse the lenses; just let them dry. The soapy solution provides a protective coating. For a quick defogger while you are snorkeling, spit into the mask and swish it across the inside surface of the lenses. Make sure no hairs are underneath the mask's skirt to ensure a proper fit.
Things You'll Need
- Mask defogger
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