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How to Properly Care for Your Dive Mask

How to Properly Care for Your Dive Mask

Written by Leisure Pro Staff
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Published on April 17, 2020

A dive mask is a scuba diver’s window to the underwater world. Since it is one of the most vital accessories that a diver uses whenever he or she dives, dive masks should be kept in good condition at all times. Scuba masks that are treated well can last for years before needing to be replaced. And, unlike other types of scuba diving equipment (which are constantly being improved), dive masks don’t change that much with technology. 

Caring for a mask is rather simple for anyone who takes the time to do so. Listed below are some actionable tips that will help you keep your dive mask clean, scratch-free, and in good working condition:

How to Care for Your Diving Mask

close-up of a diver wearing a dive mask
  1. Store your dive mask in a cool, dry place.
  2. Clean your dive mask regularly and thoroughly.
  3. Keep your lens clear with an anti-fog solution.
  4. Don’t discard your mask immediately after diving.

Store Your Dive Mask in a Cool, Dry Place

Innovative Dive Flag Mask Bag dive gear bag

Correctly storing your scuba diving mask can extend its usability. Always store it in a cool and dry place that isn’t exposed to direct sunlight. Sunlight can degrade the plastic on the mask, making it brittle and rendering it useless and fragile.

It’s best to keep a dive mask in a mesh bag or other gear bag that facilitates airflow. Though it may appear that the mask is dry, small amounts of water are all it takes to cause mold to grow once it’s stored. Proper ventilation can go a long way in keeping a mask from needing to be bleached clean later on. Don’t forget to keep the mask in a position where it is not being crushed, so that the soft areas around the tempered glass don’t warp and cause leakage later on. 

Storing masks in air-tight containers once fully dried will protect them from bugs and insects. Masks that are not thoroughly cleaned may contain dirt, residue, and other deposits that attract insects, causing them to chew through the mask and destroy it. Always store your diving mask face up or use a cover for the lens to avoid unnecessary scratches on the lens.

For clear skirted masks, store them in a separate bag and away from your other diving gear. Keeping it close to other diving accessories that have different colors can discolor the clear skirts. Also, remember to remove neoprene straps from the masks, as keeping them on in storage can cause your mask to yellow and deteriorate faster.

Recommended Mask Bags  

Clean Your Dive Mask Regularly and Thoroughly

JAWS Scrub Mask and Slate Cleaner scuba mask cleaner

Dive masks are easy to clean, and dish soap and water will do just fine. Cleaning them this way is enough to get any deposits off of them, while also keeping them looking and smelling fresh and clean. 

Alternatively, you can soak your mask in fresh, warm water (usually less than 120°F) after dives to dissolve any salt crystals left in its crevices. Remember to rinse and towel dry it thoroughly before storing it again.

Doing a periodic deep cleaning of your mask is also advisable to remove any leftover residue or particle build-up that you weren’t able to take care of during your regular after-dive cleaning. Rub a little bit of dish soap into the lens and skirt of the mask. Remember to get into the nose area and small slits for a deeper clean. Rinse the mask repeatedly until no soap is left and leave it to dry completely before putting it back in storage. 

Choosing a phosphate-free soap has the added benefit of keeping small traces of phosphates out of waterways. This chemical is excellent for cleaning but can cause algal overgrowth and the death of fish in waterways. Even little bits of residue from the soap will end up in the water the next time the mask is used. 

You may also use a variety of mask cleaners to get rid of dirt and residue. 

Recommended Mask Cleaning Products 

Keep Your Lens Clear with an Anti-fog Solution

TUSA Anti Fog Film scuba diving essential

Fogged visors are one of the most common issues divers encounter underwater. Though many people use a defogging agent, there are a number of seasoned divers who rely on nothing but their saliva to keep a mask fog-free while diving. Whatever method is preferred, dive masks are more likely to stay clear when the defogging agent is applied right before diving.

One other remedy that divers can use to defog their dive masks is to apply baby shampoo into the lens right before diving. Baby shampoo can be used like typical commercial defogging solutions. A few drops of 50/50 watered-down baby solution should do the trick and keep the lenses from fogging. Also, baby shampoo is preferred over regular shampoo since it’s usually hypo-allergenic, biodegradable, and less irritating to one’s eyes. Remember to give the mask a quick rinse after applying the baby shampoo, and you’re good to go! 

Recommended Anti-fog Products 

Don’t Discard Your Mask Immediately After Diving

Aqua Deluxe Mask Case scuba diving essential

If you’re going to hang out on the beach or in other open areas right after diving or snorkeling, make sure to store your mask and other diving equipment properly first instead of leaving them unattended. That way, your mask and other scuba gear won’t suffer easily preventable damage.

Recommended Diving Mask Cases 

Leisure Pro Staff

Leisure Pro Staff

Marketing Director for LeisurePro