Goggles are essential when it comes to swimming. Without goggles, water can get into your eyes and disrupt your vision underwater. With being so useful, goggles can also add some tension while swimming by fogging up. Apparently, this is something every swimmer struggles with. That’s why we need to know how to defog swim goggles easily.
Why Do Swimming Goggles Get Fogged?
In simple words, swimming goggles get fogged because of condensation. The moisture between your skin and the goggles ends up as fog and makes your vision blurry. While your skin or body temperature is quite high, the goggle cools down when in contact with the water.
The sudden drastic difference in temperatures creates droplets inside the goggles and fogs up the goggles.
How to Defog Swim Goggles Effectively
There are some ways of how to defog swim goggles effectively, more likely preventing fogging. Although there are quite a number of tricks and tips that can be found for defogging, most of them do not work. So, here we have compiled some defogging techniques that actually work.
1. Invest in an Anti-Fog Goggles
Ideally, the best option is to purchase a good quality anti-fogging goggle. Anti-fog goggles have a protective coating that prevents the goggles from fogging up. However, anti-fog goggles can be pretty expensive.
Also, the coating that prevents fog buildup wears out with time and use. Maintaining them properly is important if you want to extend the longevity of the anti-fog layer.
2. Using Anti-Fogging Spray or Wipes
A cheaper alternative for anti-fog goggles can be anti-fogging sprays or wipes. Both work fairly well for preventing fog in goggles. You can either spray with anti-fog spray or wipe the goggles with anti-fog wipes.
Let them rest a few seconds. After that rinse them in water. However, they are required to reapply after almost every use. So, in the long run, they can turn out to be costly as well.
3. Cleaning with Baby Shampoo
This is probably the most suggested one that does not break the bank. Residues, sweat, or other elements stuck on the goggles can increase the possibility of fog creation. Hence, the general idea is to keep your goggles clean. As a result, the idea of using soap or shampoo comes.
However, common soaps or shampoos will irritate your eyes if not cleaned properly and can be too harsh for the goggles. Therefore, baby shampoo is suggested. The baby shampoo does not irritate your eyes, is not too harsh, yet cleans the goggles gently.
You need to apply a very small amount of baby shampoo, about a pea-size amount, to both glasses and gently run it using your fingers. Then rinse them off and wear them before swimming. Keep in mind to clean them with fresh water, not pool water, if possible.
4. Using Toothpaste
The same as the baby shampoo, keeping the goggles clean from fog formation. Toothpaste works similarly and cleans up any dirt or residues from the goggles. Cleaner goggle ensures less fogging. This surely works but for a while. However, toothpaste can be harsh to goggles, especially the ones with bid-like elements.
Also, other chemicals in the toothpaste can damage the goggles too. Moreover, using toothpaste on anti-fog goggles is a strict no. Toothpaste damages the protective layer or makes them wear out in no time.
So, you can use gentle toothpaste only on non-anti-fog goggles. Use a tiny amount of gentle toothpaste on your goggles and rinse them with clean water thoroughly.
5. Applying Shaving Cream
Similar to shampoo or toothpaste, shaving cream is also assumed to clean the goggles’ surface. However, they are more gentle to the goggles than toothpaste with such a soft and foamy texture. You need the smallest amount just to create a thin protective layer for your goggles.
After applying the shaving cream, you can either wipe it away or rinse it in clean water. If you decide to wipe it, be sure to use a soft material that won’t scratch the goggles.
However, be sure to clean them properly as they can be irritating to the eyes. Using non-fragrant shaving cream is ideal as they are more suitable for sensitive skin.
6. Spitting on the Goggles
The idea of spitting on your goggles can be disgusting at first. However, many swimmers and divers use this method. You need to spit a little on each side of your goggles and rinse them afterward. Some believe it works, and some think that it doesn’t.
This method is free of cost, so there is no problem giving it a try. Some prefer slightly licking instead of spitting. Nonetheless, do not try this if you share goggles with other swimmers. Also, it is better not to use this method if you are sick or have a cold.
7. Using Cold Water on the Face
The formation of fog is caused due to the different temperatures of the skin and the water. Hence, many believe keeping your skin cool can help in defogging. In order to keep your skin cool, you can splash cold water on your face before putting on your goggles.
Also, you can have a cold shower and drink cold drinks or water to lower your body’s temperature.
8. No: Touching Those Lenses with your Fingers
The biggest mistake every swimmer makes is when wearing or touching goggles. Repeatedly touching the lens causes the lens foggy. So care should be taken not to touch the lens in any way.
In The End
Apart from using anti-fog goggles, most of the methods are temporary and inconsistent. However, there is no loss in trying. So, give it a try and see which one works best for you.