Having a clear vision while swimming is essential. Many people have problems with foggy goggles and since you are reading this article, chances are, you are one of them.
Foggy swim goggles affect your underwater vision but also your swimming rhythm and overall swimming experience.
If you are wondering how to keep goggles from fogging, here are some of the ways for keeping your goggles clean and enjoy a fog-free swim session.
Keep reading this article and learn ways to stop goggles from fog buildup (including some DIY tricks for swimmers).
Table of Contents
Key Takeaways
- Using anti-fog googles is one of the best ways to solve the fogging problem.
- Taking care of your goggles by cleaning them correctly, air-drying them, storing them in a protective case will protect the anti-fog coating.
- Some DIY solutions such as spitting saliva, using baby shampoo, toothpaste, or shaving cream can improve your vision underwater.
5 Ways To Prevent Goggles From Fogging
Below are some practical solutions to stop your pair of goggles from fog buildup. You may need to implement two or more of those to keep your goggles fog-free.
Go for Anti-Fog Goggles
Technological advancements have brought improvements in many fields, including swimming goggles. Today, there are anti-fogging swimming goggles designed to help you underwater.
These come with a protective layer inside (usually a silicone film that is fitted during production) [1]. The inside film clears any fog produced during swimming. However, it is very delicate and may not last long.
To keep your goggles functional for a long time, avoid wiping the inside of the lens. Constantly wiping the inside of your goggles will fade the film away and remove the anti-fog layer.
There are many options of anti-fogging goggles for swimmers on the market, but not all come with long-lasting anti-fog features. The key is to go for renowned brands and check customer reviews to ensure you get the best value for your money.
Use an Anti-Fog Spray
After a while, your anti-fog swim goggles may not function the way they did in the beginning. While this is expected, you do not have to buy a new pair instantly. A quick way to restore their anti-fog quality is to use an anti-fog spray [2].
The market has specific anti-fog sprays made for swim goggles. These are easy to apply. You only need to spray the inside of your swim goggles and leave it on for a few minutes (say 15 minutes).
Make sure the lenses are clean before you spray them to avoid mixing the coating with dirt.
Another way to do it is by spraying the goggles the day before. After that, just leave them overnight to sell the coating. Spray the swim goggles, rinse and leave them to air dry. The next day, they will be ready to use and stay fog-free for a while.
Have in mind that the duration of the coating depends on the quality of the spray.
A helpful tip for keeping the anti-fog coating on for longer periods is rinsing the goggles under running water. This will help seal the layer and prevent it from getting to your eyes once you are underwater.
Whatever anti-fog spray you go for, ensure you follow the manufacturer’s recommendation to prevent damaging the goggle lens in the process. Also, ensure you do not use chlorinated water from the pool for rinsing as it can damage the lenses.
Splash Water On Your Face
Your goggles fog up as a result of the heat, warm air, and moisture buildup on your face. All of these processes are causing condensation. A quick method to get rid of the fog and prevent additional build-up is by splashing cold water on your face.
The difference in temperature will slow down the condensation and decrease the amount of fog that forms on the inside. Splash water a few times on your face to cool down the temperature before you wear your goggles.
This tip can work temporarily (mostly during swimming when fog builds up). This method can help you stay longer in the swimming pool. For a more permanent solution, consider shopping for high-quality anti-fog goggles.
Take Care of Your Swimming Goggles Properly
Before you try all the remedies for stopping your swimming goggles from fogging, proper care should be the first thing on your list. Taking care of your swim goggles will keep the anti-fog coating on for longer periods, giving your goggles the proper functionality.
Avoid using your fingers to wipe off the inside of the lenses. If you need to clean the goggles before swimming, run them under clean and cold water before heading out to the pool. After leaving the pool, run them under clean running water and let them air dry.
Also, ensure you store them once they are completely dry to prevent mildew growth around the goggle lens. Consider using a protective case or swim bag to protect the lenses from scratching.
DIY Solutions To Prevent Fogging
One of the fastest ways to stop your swim goggles from fog buildup is to spit saliva on the inside of your goggles (I know how it sounds, but bear with me).
Spit on the lenses and use a finger to rub the saliva (we are almost done with this advice). Finally, clean your goggles using water (don’t use saliva again, are you crazy?)
This will build a thin layer and stop your goggles from building up the fog.
Another method is to use baby shampoo to clean your goggles before using them.
Take a drop of shampoo, hair conditioner, or mild liquid soap and use a finger to spread lightly, rubbing it on the surface of the lenses. Next, dip the goggles in clean water to rinse off the soap.
You could also cut a potato and use the sap to coat the inside of the goggles. Like the saliva, the potato juice will form a layer to repel water and prevent swim goggles from fogging.
You could also use a toothbrush and toothpaste to clean the inside of your goggles. Use a clean, damp toothbrush and a small amount of toothpaste. Spread the toothpaste to cover the lenses. Rinse with clean water to remove excess toothpaste.
The Bottom Line
Like other swimming gear pieces, your goggles have a certain lifespan. After a while, they are producing fog. The tips and tricks in this article can help you if you are wondering how to keep your swimming goggles from fogging.
References
- https://cdn2.hubspot.net/hub/15969/file-13307495-pdf/docs/whitepaper-science_of_safety.pdf
- https://www.mcgill.ca/oss/article/you-asked/how-do-anti-fog-sprays-glasses-work
