The first time you may come to know about a scuba mask is when you go on a scuba diving trip. Although the diving experience may have been fantastic, some of your colleagues may have had issues with their diving masks.
Some may have complained of not being able to see clearly, while others were nearly losing track of the overall situation. You may not have had any issues with your scuba mask. But you would still want to ensure that you can increase your knowledge regarding this situation. Therefore, what should you do?
After leaving the ocean, you would go and research this problem and see how to deal with it later. After an in-depth research session, you might discover that it was an issue to do with fogging.
This happens mostly to new ocean divers and more for those using new scuba masks. That doesn’t mean that it cannot occur to used diving masks either! No! According to research, one can discover that it could happen, and you should prevent such scenarios from happening.
This is because it might lead to severe issues while you are in the ocean. How should you defog a scuba mask? Defogging a snorkel mask is the common term used when referring to the processing of cleaning the mask to avoid fogging while you are on a dive.
So, what steps do you take? In this guide, you can through the comprehensive steps of cleaning your scuba mask to avoid fogging.
Let’s go on.
How to Defog a Scuba Mask
What Causes a Mask to Fog?
Condensation is the main factor that leads to fogging in scuba masks. How does that happen? Due to differences in temperature on land and the ocean, condensation occurs. The temperature variation leads to small droplets of water forming on the mask’s lens. Another factor that results in fogging on the diving mask is the lens surface tension.
Therefore, when condensation and surface tension happens, you will experience fogging on your scuba mask. So, how do you prevent this from happening? In the next section, you can find ways to prevent fogging on your dive mask.
How to Prepare a New Mask to Avoid Fogging
Have you bought your new scuba mask, and you are ready to dive to get the pleasant experience of discovering underwater creatures? Then before you start on your journey, you must learn some tips for preventing fogging on your diving mask.
This is a common phenomenon, and if you are new to diving, you might be afraid. But that should not be the case as you can avoid such a situation. Suppose you have a new mask; use the following ways to clean it before diving.
Burning the Mask
Sure, you might be wondering. Why burn a new mask? I don’t mean literary to burn the whole scuba mask. No! Certainly not that! All contain a film on the lens.
It is not visible and not easy to remove. As such, if you want to defog your scuba mask, you should burn the lens or glass’s inner part.
Do this in an area where there is no wind. And do that until it turns black. In the process, you will notice that the film is burning away. But be careful as you perform this procedure.
When done, let the lens cool as any activity can lead to it breaking.
Clean Using Toothpaste
After you are confident that you have removed the film, it is time to clean the lens. See black substance on the lens? Don’t let it scare you! You can merely clean it. So, take an old toothbrush and toothpaste.
Apply the toothpaste to the lens using the toothbrush and rub gently. Repeat this procedure at least twice before rinsing the toothpaste with water.
Rinsing
When you are done, rinse the lens with clean and running water. Preferably tap water. When the lens is clear, you can comfortably let the mask dry before using it. Also, you can use a dry cloth to wipe out the water on the mask.
Different Ways to Defog your Mask
Now that you have learned about the ways of defogging a new scuba mask. It is time to learn other ways to prevent fogging on a used diving mask.
Using Saliva
The use of saliva to defog a scuba mask is the most common and cheapest method. All you need is to spit on the mask’s lens and immerse the mask in freshwater. When you use this method, you should be ready to dive. Don’t use this method if you are not sure of diving immediately.
Baby Shampoo or Dishwasher Soap
Another way is using baby shampoo or dishwasher soap. Yes!
What you need to do is to pour a small amount of either the baby shampoo or dishwasher soap on the lens. When you finish, rinse the mask with clean water.
Experts may encourage you to use this defogging method because baby shampoo or the dishwasher soap is not allergenic, or it can’t cause any eye irritation and have a pleasant scent.
Quick Note: Choose mild dishwashing soaps. This ensures you don’t feel like itching your eyes while diving or get allergic reactions afterward.
Potatoes
The fastest way to prevent fogging is to use a potato. Cut a potato and rub it on the mask’s lens. Do it in thirty seconds and rinse it using clean running water. Then instantly dive.
Glycerin Soap
This is more similar to the use of baby shampoo or dishwashing soap. Pour a few drops of the glycerin soap on the mask and scrub it gently. When you complete this process, rinse the mask. Be careful to use a mild glycerin soap as some of these products can irritate your eyes.
Bottom Line
All these techniques in this guide work properly and help you prevent fogging on scuba masks. As such, it is best to defog your scuba mask if you are a new or an experienced diver. This will help you have a clear view of the ocean.
Also, you won’t suffer from buoyancy issues. When you lose sight of where you are moving underwater, you are at risk of sinking. Use the above tips always to ensure you enjoy your diving time. Thank you for reading this guide, check out more on the homepage.
