Taking care of your swimming goggles is essential for maintaining their clarity, prolonging their lifespan, and ensuring a comfortable, leak-free swim. Proper maintenance involves a combination of careful handling, regular cleaning, and appropriate storage.
Choosing the Right Goggles: The Foundation of Care
The first step in goggle care begins even before you swim: choosing the right size and fit. Goggles come in a wide variety of shapes and sizes, and finding a pair that perfectly seals to your face without discomfort is crucial. A good fit prevents water leakage and reduces the need to constantly adjust them, which can put unnecessary stress on the straps and lenses.
- Fit Test: To check the fit, gently press the goggle cups to your eyes without using the strap. If they suction to your face for a few seconds, you've likely found a good fit.
- Strap Adjustment: Ensure the strap is snug enough to hold the goggles in place but not so tight that it causes pressure marks or discomfort.
Protecting the Anti-Fog Coating
One of the most common frustrations for swimmers is foggy goggles. This is often due to damage to the anti-fog coating, which is a delicate layer applied to the inside of the lenses. If you ever find yourself a little misty-eyed, it's likely this coating has been compromised.
- Avoid Touching: Never touch, rub, or wipe the inside of your goggle lenses, especially when they are dry. Fingernails, towels, or even fingers can easily scratch and remove the anti-fog layer.
- Rinse Gently: If your goggles fog up during a swim, gently dip them in the water to clear them, rather than rubbing.
- Anti-Fog Solutions: For persistent fogging, consider using an anti-fog spray or solution designed specifically for swim goggles. Apply it carefully according to the product instructions.
Washing Goggles After Your Swim
Regular cleaning is vital for preventing chlorine and saltwater buildup, which can degrade the goggle materials and affect visibility. After every swim, spend a minute cleaning the lenses.
- Rinse Immediately: As soon as you finish swimming, rinse your goggles thoroughly with cool, fresh water. This removes chlorine, salt, dirt, and any other chemicals or debris.
- Avoid Soap and Chemicals: Do not use soap, detergents, or harsh cleaning chemicals, as these can strip away the anti-fog coating and damage the silicone or rubber components.
- Air Dry: Allow your goggles to air dry completely in a shaded, well-ventilated area before storing them. Avoid direct sunlight, which can cause the materials to degrade over time. Patting them dry with a soft, lint-free cloth is acceptable for the outside, but avoid touching the inside.
Storing Them Carefully
Proper storage is key to preventing damage and maintaining the shape and integrity of your goggles.
- Use a Protective Case: Always store your goggles in a dedicated goggle case or pouch. This protects them from scratches, dust, and pressure that could warp their shape or damage the lenses.
- Avoid Extreme Conditions: Keep your goggles away from direct sunlight, high temperatures (like inside a hot car), and extremely cold conditions. These extremes can cause the silicone to crack, the plastic to become brittle, or the lenses to warp.
- Separate from Sharp Objects: Ensure they are not stored with keys, coins, or other sharp objects that could scratch the lenses or puncture the straps.
By following these simple steps, your swimming goggles will stay in excellent condition, providing you with clear vision and comfort for many swims to come.
