Fogging would ruin an extraordinary snorkeling trip. Snorkel mask gets fogging because of the temperature difference between the inside mask and the outside water. So in this way, it occurs naturally. But the fogging problem is distracting and potentially dangerous if it limits visibility. Fogging also could be caused by the leak problem. The leaking may be caused by not knowing how to wear a snorkel mask correctly or a non-qualified snorkel mask. Overall, how to defog the snorkel mask is critical to every snorkelers.
When you have a highly qualified snorkel mask and know how to wear it correctly, you need effective methods to prevent fogging. Here are some widely used defogging methods.
Toothpaste
The method is used for removing the residue on the new snorkeling mask and preventing fogging on a used snorkeling mask. It is commonly used by swimmers. If you are a fan of swimming, you must be familiar with the trick.
Rub the toothpaste on the inside of the lens with your fingers or soft cloth evenly. Leave the mask overnight and redo the process several times to ensure the defog effect. And the simpler the toothpaste, the better the defogging effect. Please avoid using an abrasive toothpaste or rough cloth, it will scratch the mask. The minty smell can be a little sensitive to some people’s eyes.
Saliva
If you purchase the snorkel mask just before snorkeling or the snorkeling idea is a temporary decision, there is no time for rubbing toothpaste, and you have no other preparation. Saliva will help. Spit on the inside of the mask, and rub it evenly with your finger. Then dunk the mask in fresh water (no sea water). The method won’t work without dunking. So you can use the trick just before snorkeling. But sometimes, the split doesn’t work well or stable. Some people could be worried about the bacteria problem and blurring the mask. If you are one of them, you can try baby shampoo.
Baby Shampoo
It’s a more temperate defogging way. Baby shampoo is hypoallergenic and biodegradable. It’s safer than regular shampoo, which won’t irritate the eyes. Compared with commercial defogger, it’s much more economic and multifunctional, and it’s environmental-friendly. Then you get to know some commercial defogging agents.
Commercial defogging agents
They are designed to defog the mask, forming a coat on the mask lens. They work better than toothpaste and spit. When you select a qualified commercial defoggers, you should read its ingredients to make sure it’s environmentally-friendly, hypoallergenic and biodegradable. If you are sensitive to chemical ingredients, you should pay special attention.
The Top 5 Commercial Defogger at Amazon

Just Add Water Jaws Quick Spit Antifog Spray | Check on Amazon |
CLARITY DEFOG IT Anti-Fog 3 Dry Reusable Wipes | Check on Amazon |
Gear Aid Sea Drops Anti-Fog and Cleaner | Check on Amazon |
Happy Snorkel Mask Anti Fog | Check on Amazon |
Z Clear Anti Fog Spray | Check on Amazon |
Soap & Dishwashing Detergents
It’s a traditional method. It can be used the same way as baby shampoo. But there is a small problem when the mask leaks. The water will dissolve the defogger and may irritate snorkelers’ eyes. Most of the glycerin soap and dishwashing detergents contain non-biodegradable chemicals, which is not environmental-friendly. So this method is not very recommended.
Whichever you prefer to apply, it’s suggested that the mask is dry when you apply the defogging solutions to it. And then give it a little rinse. You’d better not to touch the lens after rinsing. There should be an anti-fogging coating on the surface of the lens. You should be careful not to rub out the coating when rinsing the mask. You need to pay special attention before you wear the mask to enter the water just in case the defogging coating is rubbed out.
Is there any more easy and convenient way to have a defog snorkeling mask? Get an anti-fogging snorkel mask!
Anti-fog snorkel mask
Finally, one of the most convenient and easiest ways is to purchase an anti-fogging snorkel mask. You have no need to apply any other defogging methods. Even a freshly-new AF90 full face snorkel mask doesn’t need to rub toothpaste to remove the residue. You don’t need to worry about forgetting to spray defogger, to rub the toothpaste or others. Everything goes well naturally. Know more about why Seabeast AF90 100% anti-fog full face snorkel mask is much more outstanding at its anti-fogging performance.
Related Reading: THE BEST FULL FACE SNORKEL MASK – SEABEAST AF90 REVIEW
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Additional Information
How to care for snorkel mask after snorkeling?
A proper maintain process after each time usage is important and necessary. It can prolong the mask service time. And it’s more convenient for you to use it next time.
- Rinse mask and snorkel thoroughly in fresh water;
- Clean salt and sand from mask buckles and skirt creases;
- Run water through the snorkel;
- Make surge purge and dry top valves are clean;
- Inspect mask and snorkel for damage;
- Dry completely out of the sun before storing.
How to wear a suitable snorkel mask?
The way of wearing a snorkel mask also plays an important role in anti-fogging. It’s better to wear the snorkel mask on a dry face. And once you have put it on, do not adjust the mask too much, which could leave some little tiny space causing leaking problem. If you feel the mask not fitting your face properly, it may
Related Reading: HOW TO WEAR A FULL FACE SNORKEL MASK?
As for choosing the right size of the snorkel mask, it’s more significant than it looks. No matter you use a traditional snorkel mask or a full face snorkel mask, the method you measure and choose it almost deciding how comfortable you feel. Take Seabeast AF90 full face snorkel mask as an example, here is the very specific size specification.

Related Reading: HOW DO I MEASURE MY FACE FOR A SEABEAST MASK?
You can read more articles about snorkeling and snorkeling gear on Seabeast. If you have any questions, welcome to leave a comment to me. Thank you for your reading.