Taking proper care of your Speedo goggles is essential to maintain their clarity, extend their lifespan, and preserve their crucial anti-fog coating. The key involves gentle handling and mindful post-swim routines.
Essential Goggle Care Practices
To ensure your Speedo goggles remain in top condition, follow these simple yet effective care steps:
1. Immediate Post-Swim Rinse
This is the most critical step to prevent damage from harsh pool chemicals.
- Rinse gently after use with lukewarm water. This helps remove chlorine, salt, and other chemicals that can degrade the goggle materials and coatings over time.
- Avoid soap or detergent: DO NOT use soap or detergent to clean your goggles. These products can severely damage the goggle materials and, most importantly, strip away the delicate anti-fog coating on the inside of the lenses, making your goggles foggy and unusable.
- Do not touch or rub the goggle lenses: Especially the inner surface. The anti-fog coating is very fragile, and touching or rubbing it with fingers or cloths can scratch it or rub it off entirely, compromising visibility.
2. Air Dry Thoroughly
After rinsing, allow your goggles to air dry completely before storing them.
- Gently shake off excess water.
- Place them in a clean, dry, and well-ventilated area away from direct sunlight.
- Ensure they are completely dry to prevent mildew or bacterial growth, especially on the straps.
3. Proper Storage
How you store your goggles significantly impacts their longevity.
- Use a protective case: Always store your goggles in a dedicated goggle case or pouch. This protects the lenses from scratches, dust, and pressure that could warp the frame or straps. Many Speedo goggles come with a protective case, or you can purchase one separately.
- Avoid extreme temperatures: Do not leave your goggles in direct sunlight, hot cars, or extremely cold environments. Extreme temperatures can degrade the silicone, plastic, and coatings over time.
- Keep them separate: Avoid storing goggles with other sharp objects or items that could scratch the lenses, such as keys, coins, or swim caps with sharp edges.
4. Handling with Care
Gentle handling during use is just as important as post-swim care.
- Adjust carefully: When putting on or taking off your goggles, use the straps and frame, not the lenses.
- Avoid dropping: Dropping goggles on hard surfaces can cause scratches, cracks, or misalignment.
Goggle Care Do's and Don'ts
Here's a quick summary to help you remember the essentials:
| Do's | Don'ts |
|---|---|
| ✔ Rinse with lukewarm water after use | ✖ Use soap or detergent |
| ✔ Air dry completely | ✖ Touch or rub inner lenses |
| ✔ Store in a protective case | ✖ Leave in direct sunlight or hot places |
| ✔ Handle by the frame and straps | ✖ Drop them or store with sharp objects |
| ✔ Allow anti-fog to dry naturally | ✖ Wipe with towels or rough materials |
By following these simple guidelines, you can significantly extend the life of your Speedo goggles and ensure clear vision for many swims to come.
