To effectively clean your Aquasphere goggles and maintain their clarity and longevity, the recommended method is simple: rinse them thoroughly with fresh water and allow them to air dry. This gentle approach is crucial for preserving the integrity of the lenses and seals.
Step-by-Step Guide to Cleaning Your Aquasphere Goggles
Proper cleaning is essential for clear vision and extending the life of your swimming goggles. Follow these straightforward steps after each use:
- Immediate Rinse: As soon as you're done swimming, rinse your goggles under cool, fresh water. This helps to wash away chlorine, salt, dirt, and any other residues that can build up and damage the lenses or strap over time.
- Use Filtered Water (Optional but Recommended): For an even better result, consider using filtered water for rinsing. This extra step helps significantly in avoiding unsightly water spots on your lenses, ensuring pristine clarity for your next swim.
- Gentle Shake: After rinsing, give the goggles a gentle shake to remove excess water.
- Air Dry Completely: Lay your goggles flat on a clean, dry surface or hang them in a well-ventilated area away from direct sunlight. Allow them to air dry completely before storing them. Avoid wiping the inside of the lenses, as this can damage the anti-fog coating.
Why Proper Goggle Care is Essential
Maintaining your Aquasphere goggles correctly not only keeps them looking good but also ensures their optimal performance and extends their lifespan. Regular, gentle cleaning helps to:
- Preserve Anti-Fog Coatings: Many goggles come with an anti-fog coating on the inside. Harsh cleaning agents or aggressive wiping can strip this delicate layer, leading to foggy vision during your swims.
- Prevent Lens Scratches: Dirt, sand, and other debris can scratch lenses if not rinsed away properly before drying or storing.
- Maintain Strap Elasticity: Chlorine and saltwater can degrade the elasticity of silicone straps over time. Rinsing helps to remove these corrosive elements.
- Reduce Bacterial Growth: Rinsing helps to remove sweat and other organic materials that can foster bacterial growth, especially if goggles are stored damp.
Tips for Maintaining Your Aquasphere Goggles
Beyond basic rinsing, incorporating these practices into your routine will further enhance the durability and performance of your goggles:
- Avoid Touching Inner Lenses: Resist the urge to wipe the inside of your goggle lenses with your fingers, towels, or cloths. This is where the anti-fog coating resides, and even a gentle wipe can degrade its effectiveness.
- Store Properly: Once completely dry, store your goggles in a protective case or pouch. This prevents scratches from other items in your swim bag and protects them from dust.
- Keep Away from Extreme Temperatures: High heat (e.g., leaving them in a hot car) can warp the goggle frame and seals, while extreme cold can make materials brittle.
- Do Not Use Chemicals: Never use soaps, detergents, abrasive cleaners, or household chemicals to clean your goggles. These can damage the lens coatings, tint, and frame materials.
Goggle Care: Do's and Don'ts
| Do's | Don'ts |
|---|---|
| Rinse with fresh, cool water | Wipe the inside of the lenses |
| Use filtered water to prevent spots | Use harsh chemicals or detergents |
| Air dry completely | Leave goggles in direct sunlight |
| Store in a protective case | Store while damp or in extreme temperatures |
| Handle gently | Over-stretch the strap |
By following these simple yet effective cleaning and care recommendations, your Aquasphere goggles will remain clear, comfortable, and reliable for many swims to come.
