How to Keep Your Mask From Fogging Up

There’s not too much more annoying than dealing with a foggy mask right in the middle of a magical day of snorkeling in Key West. Luckily, with proper preparation, you can keep your mask fog-free, allowing crystal clear views of the amazing world beneath the sea. Always be sure your mask fits properly and avoid taking the mask off or exhaling too often through the nose, a practice that introduces moisture into the mask and contributes to fogging.

Treating a New Snorkeling Mask

The manufacturing process leaves a residue on the lens. Prior to using the mask, the coating needs to be removed or the mask will constantly fog up, and the “toothpaste trick” is the most common method used. Simply apply toothpaste to the inside of the lens and rub it in a circular motion with a finger or soft cloth. Be sure to use a non-gel, non-abrasive toothpaste without bleach or confetti that might damage the glass or plastic of the lens. You may need to leave the toothpaste inside overnight or scrub several times to allow the chemicals to work on the coating.

Treating a Used Snorkeling Mask

Once your mask is prepped, you'll need to apply a defogging agent every time you head into the water. Before applying one of the following defogging agents, be sure the mask is dry and your fingers are free of any sunscreen.

Spit

Simple and cheap, using spit is an easy to treat a mask right before a dive. Spit on the inside of the mask, rub it around with your finger and then give the mask a quick dunk in fresh water. The thin layer of saliva should prevent fogging.

Defogging Agents

Designed specifically to prevent fogging, commercial defogging agents can be bought at any dive shop and are applied in the same way as spit. Put a few drops in the mask, rub around with a finger and dip the whole mask in fresh water. Be sure not to rub any out when rinsing, as defoggers work as a thin layer within the mask.

Baby Shampoo

Many snorkelers use watered down baby shampoo in the same way as a defogging agent since it is a lot cheaper than commercial defogging agents. Applied in the same way as spit and defoggers or in a spray bottle, baby shampoo is preferred over regular shampoo because it’s hypoallergenic, biodegradable and won’t irritate the eyes.

Dish Washing Detergents

Along with liquid glycerin soaps, dishwashing detergent is another effective defogging agent. However, these liquid soaps are not biodegradable and can burn the eyes if the mask leaks and the soap combines with water.

Toothpaste

Non-abrasive toothpaste is often used by snorkelers for defogging used masks. Rub the toothpaste on the inside of the mask and then rinse with fresh water. Some people may find their eyes sensitive to toothpaste’s minty smell, so it’s best to test for this by wearing the mask for a few minutes before setting off through the water.