Tips to Prevent a Foggy Mask
Foggy masks are a problem that every diver deals with, and one that has the potential to turn a great dive into a frustrating mess. Fortunately, there are a number of easy steps that you can take to stop a cloudy mask from ruining your dive, both before and during your undersea adventure.
While diving in the Bahamas, you'll definitely want a clear field of view. Beyond the safety concerns about being able to see properly, you'll want to be able to take in the breathtaking underwater landscape. Most of these steps can be completed with a minimum of preparation, but a few need a bit of foresight, so think about defogging your mask before you pack your suitcase.
Of special concern are new masks. If you've decided to spring for some new equipment for diving in the Bahamas, don't expect that your shiny new mask will be fog free. New masks tend to come with an oily residue from the manufacturing process that can really encourage fog formation. New masks should get extra attention before you ever hop in the water!
In the days leading up to your dive trip, take a moment to clean your mask. Be sure not to use anything with harsh detergents or chemical cleaners - you just want something that will gently scrub away oils and residues. Baby shampoo is perfect for the task. Just squirt a bit of shampoo onto every lens surface (inside and out!) and use your fingers to rub the shampoo in. Keep it up for a minute or two, especially if you have a new mask. Thoroughly rinse the shampoo out and allow the mask to air dry. Be sure that the seal remains clean and undamaged!
You can purchase inexpensive anti-fog spray to keep you in your dive bag. This spray can be great to spray inside the mask before every dive - just follow the instructions on the label and you'll be good to go!
If you don't want to spend more money on special sprays, keep some extra baby shampoo in a travel bottle and do a final clean right before you hop in the water. Dip your mask in the water and give it a good rinse before starting the dive.
No baby shampoo? No problem! After you jump in the water, remove your mask and spit a few times in the mask. Rub the spit into the interior surfaces and rinse in the water. It might sound gross, but it's a popular and surefire way to avoid fog!
Finally, despite your best efforts, you may find yourself 100 feet underwater with a mask that's remaining stubbornly foggy. All is not lost! Remember your mask clearing exercises from your SCUBA training? Just flood and clear your mask! This is really a very temporary fix, and it may only last for a few minutes - if that - but it can clear your vision long enough for you to decide if you want to press on with the dive or return to the surface for a more thorough solution.
That's it! With these simple steps you'll find that diving in the Bahamas will be exciting and fog free!