Foggy Goggles? Here are 5 Tried and Tested Solutions
If there is one thing that annoys swimmers, it’s when goggles fog up in a middle of a lap. Foggy goggles can be a pain as you lose clear sight of where you are swimming towards, and of surrounding obstructions.
Why do our goggles fog up?
Because our body temperature is higher than the water we are swimming in. This leads to condensation, which causes the fog in our goggles. Most goggles have an anti-fog layer, but it wears off over time, and that’s when trouble starts.
It can be expensive to replace your foggy goggles every time the anti-fog coating becomes ineffective. And the good news is, you don’t have to!
Here are some tricks we have up our swimsuits that will help get rid of that fog in your goggles.
1. Your Saliva
Shocked? It really does work!
The human saliva is surprisingly effective in keeping your goggles fog-free. This is because saliva is a type of surfactant that can break surface tension, and prevents fog molecules from sticking together.
Image Credit: Collective Evolution
All you need to do is simply spit on the inside of your goggle lenses before you swim, and rub it around to make sure the entire lens is coated. Only a small amount of saliva is required. Too much will only cause a huge mess in your goggles!
Saliva is a great cost-free method that you can use any time! However, do note that it is only a short-term solution. Despite that, it is still an effective way to clear up your foggy goggles during your laps!
2. Baby Shampoo
This may seem like an unorthodox method, but it has worked for many! Baby shampoo is also a surfactant and will thus help to prevent fogging in your goggles.
If you are not comfortable with the idea of spitting into your foggy goggles, this is a great substitute for you!
Image Credit: Pixabay
Just by applying a coating on the inside of your lens, a thin film of protection is formed and condensation will be kept at bay. Baby shampoo is preferred over your standard shampoo as it is less irritating to the eyes and unlikely to result in allergic reactions.
However, excess baby shampoo may still irritate the eyes. Therefore, apply the baby shampoo onto your goggles and wash away excess shampoo 15 minutes before you swim.
3. Anti-Fog Spray
If you are willing to spend some cash for your goggles, a 100% effective solution is purchasing an anti-fog spray. These anti-fog chemicals can help recoat your lenses, leaving your goggles fog free!
Image Credit: SWANS
A great brand that we will recommend getting is SWANS. You only need a little amount at a time to coat your lenses. Therefore, one bottle can last you for a long while!
A precaution to take note is to rinse your goggles under water after using the anti-fog spray. This is to avoid the chemicals from getting into your eyes when you use your gear.
This alternative is definitely cheaper than replacing a whole pair of goggles, and it will prolong the lifespan of your anti-fog lenses!
SWANS Singapore
Address: 10 Kaki Bukit Ave 4, #07-60, Premier at Kaki Bukit, Singapore 415874
Tel: +65 6384 3566
Email: enquiry@nostro.com.sg
Facebook: SWANS Singapore
4. Toothpaste
Recommended by scuba divers, another popular method to defog your goggles is to use toothpaste! Like the baby shampoo, a coat of toothpaste can prevent condensation from forming on the lens of your goggles.
Image Credit: Pexels
However, it is not advised to use abrasive toothpaste as that might cause scratches on your goggle lenses; and just using a small amount is enough.
Once again, remember to wash off the toothpaste from your goggles thoroughly, because no one likes a burning sensation in their eyes when swimming!
5. The Ultimate No-No: Touching Those Lenses with your Fingers
One huge mistake that many swimmers make when handling their goggles – constantly wiping the lenses! The anti-fog layer in the lenses wears off eventually, but how fast it happens depends on how you treat your goggles.
Image Credit: Pixabay
The anti-fog coating will not last long if you constantly touch the inside of the lenses with your fingers. This is because the oil on your fingers can rub off the thin layer of anti-fog easily.
Rinsing with cool water and leaving them to dry is the ideal way to clean your goggles and preserve the anti-fog layer in the lenses. So, resist that urge to swipe those lenses when you are swimming and your goggles will go a longer way!
What’s better than treatment is prevention.
If you follow the golden no-touching rule loyally and store away your goggles properly every time, you won’t have goggles that you need to defog. Take good care of your goggles and don’t let them impede you from swimming your best!
We can’t wait to see you at the pool with your fog-free goggles!
Looking to improve your swimming technique? Drop us a call at +65 9100 3182 for a free swim trial.
