By Dianne Rein
It's simple to take care of your dive mask with some basic
maintenance tips. And once you are underwater, there's not much
more annoying than a mask that constantly fogs up. Follow these
simple steps for mask care and defogging so your mask will last
you for many more dives.
Scuba Dive Mask Maintenance
Many times, new dive masks have an oily film over the surface.
What works best to remove this? Good 'ol toothpaste! Put a small
drop on the lens and rub it over the areas that have this
residue on them. This would also include the strap. Thoroughly
rinse the mask in fresh water and reinspect to make sure it is
clean. Repeat if necessary.
Just make sure it is not a gel toothpaste. I have always used
plain Crest for this (and to clean my dive slate) with no ill
effects. Removing this film will stop the mask from fogging.
Maintenance of your scuba dive mask is straightforward. No
rocket science here. Here are some simple steps to follow:
Rinse your mask in freshwater after diving. You need to clean
out any sand or grit that may have gotten into the mask and get
rid of any salty residue.
Never dry your mask in direct sunlight. Direct sunlight can
start to degrade the silicone so keep the mask out of the sun.
Thoroughly dry mask before storing. You don't want anything to
start growing on your mask. Not to mention possible odors.
Periodically clean your scuba dive mask. You should clean your
mask with a little bit of toothpaste every now and then. It will
help clean the lens and will also help keep it from fogging (see
below). Rinse well after using the toothpaste and you are good
to go.
Place you mask face-up. Don't put your mask face down when you
are not wearing it. The lens could get scratched - which could
drive you nuts on every dive!
Mask Defogging Tips
There are basically 3 different ways to keep your scuba dive
mask from fogging while you are diving. I have used all 3 while
diving and all 3 are effective. I probably use the mask defogger
solution the most.
Saliva - Yup, good ol' spit. It really does work. I usually dry
and put in on my mask when it is dry. Rinse out after rubbing it
around your mask. Some people get queasy, bacteria, etc. But
we've done it and no harm has come to us! GOOD in a pinch.
Prepared Solution - You can buy a commercial mask defogger
solution at any dive shop for a few dollars. They last a long
time and do work. Just put a couple drops on your lenses and rub
it around. Rinse it out thoroughly, you don't want to get
solution in your eyes. Be prepared to share with lots of other
divers on the boat. There is always someone that ran out,
forgot, etc. You'll be the hero.
Toothpaste - If the above 2 don't work, it may need a more
thorough cleaning with toothpaste as described above (non-gel).
This should solve any problem with fogging that you have.
If you follow these simple scuba mask care and maintenance
tips, you should have a nice clear dive. With proper care, your
scuba diving mask should last for years and many, many dives.
Have fun!
About the Author: Dianne Rein is an avid scuba diver and runs
http://www.scuba-diving-smiles.com. You can read her complete
guide to scuba diving masks at her website along with
information on other scuba equipment, basic dive info and much
more.
Source: http://www.isnare.com
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