How To Care For Your Swimming Goggles

You might be surprised to know that your swimming goggles actually need just as much care as your training swimsuit.

Once you’ve gone through the process of assembling your goggles (if it is Malmstem like what we use) and found that perfect pair for yourself or your swim kid, just a little routine care helps keep them in great shape.

Proper care helps ensure that the lenses are reliably clear next time you’re in the water, that there are no cracks in the lenses or problems with fitting that let water in, and that the goggles enjoy a long life expectancy.

Use the following care tips for any pair of swim goggles:

RULE 1 – Don’t Touch Your Goggle Lenses With Anything

Most swimmers will use their fingers, a towel or even lick the inside of the eye cup lens with their tongue to clean the lens or wipe away fog. Rubbing the inside of the goggle lens will cause damage, scratches and may even remove the anti-fog coating. This rule is really important for those of you who wear your goggles in the surf.

If your goggles are foggy simply dip them under the water and tip the lens up so the water runs out. This should clear the fog.

RULE 2 – Rinse after use

After you have worn your goggles in training or in your race make sure you rinse them in cold fresh water and lay flat to dry. Goggles are not made to withstand heat, so do not use warm or hot water to rinse them as this will cause damage to the strap, clips and lens.

Don’t use detergents or other chemical products to wash your goggles as these will also cause damage. Cold fresh water is your best option.

RULE 3 – Dry after rinsing

After you have rinsed your goggles, the best thing to do is lay them flat to dry. Don’t throw your goggles into your wet gear bag or wrap them up in a towel. This will cause bacteria and can cause damage to the goggles. Never leave your goggles out in the sun as the straps, clips and eye cups will dry out and break.

Special products?

There are many commercial antifog sprays, liquids and towelettes available to keep your goggles clear. If you go this route, read the fine print; avoid using antifog treatments that are not made specifically for swimming goggles.

Some antifog chemicals, such as those made for clearing up a SCUBA mask, may not work properly. Sure, your goggles won’t get foggy, but the chemicals may damage your eyes. This is because antifog products made for clearing SCUBA masks are designed specifically for use with such masks — not for goggles that you’re likely to wear in a swimming pool.

Don’t take the risk. If you buy a commercial antifog product, ensure that it is designed for clearing up swimming goggles specifically.

Ask us if you have doubts!