How to Clean a Snorkel Mask
Snorkel masks allow you to see clearly underwater, enabling you to admire fish, coral reefs and other sea creatures. Snorkel masks require the same cleaning and maintenance as scuba diving masks.
Snorkel masks allow you to see clearly underwater, enabling you to admire fish, coral reefs and other sea creatures. Snorkel masks require the same cleaning and maintenance as scuba diving masks. To ensure that your snorkel mask works well and lasts a long time, you need to clean it after you purchase it and after each time you use it. Cleaning the mask with a defogging solution before entering the water will also help you to see more clearly.
After Purchase
Place several drops of gritty toothpaste on the inside and outside of the mask's lenses after you first purchase it. Most new masks have a thin oily film on the lens to protect it during shipping. Scrub the toothpaste around the inside and outside of the mask with your finger to remove this film.
Rinse the mask thoroughly to remove any traces of the toothpaste.
Dry the mask thoroughly with a soft towel before storing it to prevent any bacteria from growing inside it.
Before Snorkeling
Place several drops of mask defogger on the inside of the mask's lenses.
Rub the defogger solution around the lens with your fingers.
Rinse the mask several times in fresh water, enough to remove large drops of the solution, but not so much that you wash away the substance entirely. A thin film of defogger solution should remain on the lens.
After Snorkeling
Rinse your mask thoroughly in warm soapy water to remove salt water, sand and other particulates that may have gathered in your mask while you were in the water. Even if you were snorkeling in freshwater or in a swimming pool, you must rinse the mask thoroughly when you get out of the water.
Rinse the mask thoroughly with clean water to remove any traces of the soap.
Dry the mask thoroughly with a soft towel. Bacteria can grow more easily on a mask if you leave it damp. Place the mask in a sturdy storage case for protection.
Tip
Avoid placing your mask face down on any surface. Doing so might scratch the mask's lenses. Also avoid leaving your mask out in the sun, as ultraviolet light can damage or warp the silicone of the mask.