Snorkels and masks are an essential investment for those engaged in water activities. However, before we get a new mask to use, we may need to do a few clear with the new snorkel and mask to make the equipment last and be used optimally.
At this time, maybe you're wondering why a brand-new mask needs to be cleaned. This is one of the little secrets manufacturers and divers won't tell you. During the manufacturing process, a silicone film builds up on the mask lens. This silicone will resist almost any traditional defogging measure. If you don't clean it out, it can create some frustrating fogging during use.
In this article, we will introduce you to how to make your mask last longer on four levels, before and after buying the mask, before and after diving respectively.
Before you buy
When we buy anything new, we want it to be in good condition to support us for a long time to use it.
So, when buying a mask, the first thing we need to do is to try it on before buying it to make sure the cover fits. If you are buying online, remember to make sure to ask the merchant how to choose the size of the mask.
When trying on the mask, the mask should fit snugly around the face and eyes and have moderate tightness or comfort. The reason for the tight fit around the eyes is that the seal between the skirt of the mask and the face will not break. If the mask is too loose in that area, water can seep into the mask and block vision or irritate the eyes. In addition, if the mask is too loose, then any force may cause the mask to fall off the head, possibly scratching the neck, face, or eyes. If there is hair on the face, it must be properly taken care of before and after the dive. Leakage, discomfort, burning sensation on the skin and interference with facial hair growth may occur if the necessary measures are not taken.
The breathing tube is also an important item that must have a good fit. The suction nozzle of the breathing tube should fit your mouth without having to adjust the breathing tube on the mask strap all the time. While adjusting the breathing tube is not a big deal, finding a mask and breathing tube combination that requires as little adjustment as possible is a good choice.
After purchase
One of the problems people may encounter with new snorkeling masks is hardness. The best thing to do is to keep trying.
Use the straps to find the best fit on the mask so that it fits snugly and comfortably on the face, then wear the mask for 15-20 minutes. Doing this for a few days after purchase will make the mask feel less hard when in use.
Before Diving
Before diving, we recommend removing the silicone film from the mask lenses instead of the saliva or shampoo treatment that most divers use before getting wet. These treatments fall into two main categories, commercial and DIY.
- Commercial mask cleaner
There are many commercial scrubs and cleaners on the market specifically for cleaning scuba masks, you can compare them yourself or ask your friends who love to dive around you, they may have more experience to help you pick a cost-effective product.
- toothpaste
Use a small piece of regular toothpaste and rub it in well around the mask lens. Take a short break and then rub again. Just rinse off with water afterward.
- burn your mask
Silicone can be burned off quickly and efficiently with a lighter. Here's how it's done.
- Stand in the protected area and take shelter from the wind.
- Place the flame of the lighter close to the inside of the lens, but not directly on the lens.
- The heat will fog up the mask and you will be able to see the silicone burn off, leaving a clean area.
- Carefully move the flame around the lens to remove the remaining silicone. Be careful around the skirt.
- The lens will be very hot. Set the mask aside and let it cool, then wipe off the silicone residue.
- Make sure the mask is completely cooled and rinse with water to remove any excess residue.
Warning
- Try this operation only on tempered glass lenses.
- Do not use it for masks with glued bifocal lenses, prescription lenses, or other special coatings.
- It's easier and safer to use a long-necked lighter.
- Cigarette ash can discolor clear or light-colored mask skirts - when you wipe it off, be careful to wipe it away from the skirt.
Remember, burning your mask does not mean it will never fog up and you will still need to use a defogger before each dive.
- More tips and tricks
There are some other cold suggestions, so they don't seem to be as widely used as the ones above. If you're interested, try them out for yourself too!
①Make a thick paste with a large amount of salt and a small amount of water, and rub it with your fingers for a while. The salt will slowly dissolve, and then rinse it off.
②Rub with honey.
③Rub with raw potatoes.
④Wipe the lens with a little ash and a little water for a moment.
⑤In Mexico, they put borax on the boat and put a little scrubbing in it to take off the silicone, and since then there has been no problem.
⑥Eraser.
⑦Kitchen/bathroom household cleaners. If you decide to try one of these, be careful to rinse your mask carefully, as many of them contain bleach.
After the dive
Keeping the rest of the mask, skirt, adjustment straps, and ventilation tubes clean and clear of any buildup or debris after a dive is a good way to prevent your cover from deteriorating. A thorough inspection and regular cleaning before each use will keep your mask in use longer.
- Maintenance skirt
For the skirt of the mask, a simple cleaning product sprayed on a towel will suffice. Keeping the skirt clean will keep your face clean, as it is the middleman between the mask and your face. If not cleaned regularly, sunscreen will build up on the skirt of the mask over time.
- Clean the buckle belt
The adjustment strap is also another area that can be easily cleaned with just a simple cleaning product. The key is to either loosen the mask until it is as large as possible or even remove the adjustment straps altogether. When removing the straps from the mask, be sure not to tear and damage the straps in any way (and make sure you know how to put them back on). Again, a thorough wipe-down with mild soap and water will prevent any debris from accumulating on the straps.
- breathing tube care
For your breathing tube, there are several issues to be aware of: the laryngeal tongue and the tube. For the laryngeal tongue, always be alert for excessive tearing. You are biting on this part of the breathing tube, which can cause some deterioration. Use your chin to gently hold the mouthpiece in your mouth to prevent jaw pain and damage to the device.
The tubes of breathing tubes are difficult to clean. Because they are small in diameter, they are difficult to clean inside. An easy trick is to use a pencil or stick and stick a towel or paper towel on the end. A quick up-and-down motion will allow you to remove any debris from the tube. Make sure the towel is long enough so that part of it can hang out, as you won't want to drop the towel inside the tube. If this happens, blow hard into the mouthpiece or flush water into the mouthpiece.
- Proper storage of masks
Now that you have cleaned and properly maintained your mask, it is equally important to store it in the proper location to keep it in good condition for as long as possible.
First, when storing your snorkeling or scuba diving mask, make sure the mask is completely dry from previous use. If not, a wet mask can become moldy and ruin the mask. Who would want to wear a mask when they see mold on it?
However, a large part of the water that accumulates and therefore causes mold in the mask is the trim around the outside of the panel or lens. To prevent this from happening, be sure to shake all water out of the mask. You can also use a dry hand towel or paper towel to soak up any excess water that may not come out when shaking.
The mask and breathing tube can be stored together or separately - either way is the easiest solution for you. If separate, the breathing tube portion can be hung upside down on a hook, and the mask stored in a cool, dry place. Most breathing tubes come in plastic containers or bags, and they are both perfect for storage. Both should be kept out of direct sunlight when not in use, as this can cause gradual degradation of the plastic.
All of the above tips will help you extend the life of your mask.
Finally, remember! Pre-treating your mask does not prevent it from fogging up on every dive. You still need to defog your mask before each dive properly.