Dive into the world of crystal clear vision and secure fits with your newly acquired swimming goggles. Now that you’ve found the perfect pair that doesn’t fog up, leak, or cause discomfort, it’s time to ensure their longevity and optimal performance. Taking good care of your goggles through simple maintenance practices is essential. With just a few easy tips, you can extend their life, safeguard your eyes, and maintain clear underwater vision. The best part? Keeping your goggles in top shape doesn’t require much time or effort. Discover how regular rinsing, cleaning, and proper storage will preserve your goggles for countless swimming adventures to come. Let’s delve into the art of maintaining your swimming goggles so you can enjoy crystal-clear clarity and durability, every swim.

Storing Your Swimming Goggles the Right Way

Store your goggles in a well-ventilated area away from direct heat or sunlight. The best places are in a swim bag, locker, or drawer. Avoid leaving them in a hot car where the high temperatures can damage the seals and straps.

To prevent scratches, never stack heavy items on top of your goggles. It’s also a good idea to avoid dropping or throwing them, which can crack the lenses or loosen parts.

When possible, keep goggles in an upright position with the straps facing up. This helps the straps retain their shape and prevents the lenses from warping under pressure. Some goggles come with a sturdy case for storage – use it! A case will shield your goggles from impacts and dust while keeping all parts together.

Preventing Fogging in Your Swimming Goggles

To prevent fogging in your swimming goggles, there are a few tips and tricks to keep in mind:

Apply anti-fog solution. An anti-fogging solution, like baby shampoo, toothpaste or commercial anti-fog spray can help prevent condensation build-up inside your goggles. Apply it to the inside of the lenses and buff away any excess with a soft cloth before swimming. The solution works by preventing tiny water droplets from forming, which is what causes the fog.

Warm the goggles. Warm your goggles with your hands or dunk them in warm water before putting them on. This will bring the temperature of the goggles closer to that of your body, reducing condensation from the temperature difference.

Tighten the strap. An improperly fitted strap allows more ambient air and moisture to get in, contributing to fogging. Make sure your strap is snug but still comfortable. The strap should hold the goggles firmly in place with no gaps while still allowing for minimal head movement.

Exhale through your nose. When swimming, try exhaling through your nose instead of your mouth. Your breath contains moisture that can collect on the lenses when exhaled through the mouth. Exhaling nasally helps limit how much breath comes into direct contact with the goggles.

How to Clean Your Swimming Goggles Properly

To keep your goggles in tip-top shape and lasting longer, proper cleaning and care is key. Here are some steps to keep in mind:

Rinse your goggles with fresh water after every swim to remove chlorine, salt, and any other chemicals. Fill the lenses and seals with water and swoosh it around before dumping.

For a deeper clean, use goggle cleaner or a mild soap and lukewarm water. Gently scrub the lenses with a soft cloth to loosen any built-up grime. Rinse well with water to remove all residue.

Dry your goggles with a microfiber lens cleaning cloth to prevent water spots. Make sure the lenses and seals are completely dry before storing. Moisture left inside can lead to fogging and even mold growth.

Wipe down the goggles’ straps and outer casing regularly with a damp cloth to prevent gunk build-up. Rinse them as well if needed. Let all parts air dry completely.

When It’s Time to Replace Your Swimming Goggles

When should you replace your swimming goggles? Even with regular maintenance and care, swimming goggles won’t last forever. There are a few signs it’s time to swap out your trusty goggles for a new pair.

Fogging and Leaking

If your goggles are consistently fogging up every time you get in the pool or leaking water into your eyes, it’s probably time for replacement. Fogging and leaks mean the seal and suction around the lenses and your eyes have broken down, preventing a tight, watertight fit. New goggles will provide an airtight seal to keep water out and your vision fog-free.

Cracked or Scratched Lenses

Check your goggle lenses regularly for any cracks, deep scratches or other damage. Imperfections in the lenses can distort your vision under water and be unsafe. It’s best to replace goggles if there are any cracks in the lenses or scratches that you can feel with your fingernail.

Loose or Broken Strap

The strap or headband on your goggles holds them securely in place. If the strap is loose, torn or broken, it won’t properly keep your goggles on your eyes and in the right position. Replace your goggles as soon as you notice any damage to the strap.

Loss of Shape

High-quality swim goggles are designed to perfectly contour your eyes and face for maximum comfort and visibility. Over time, the shape of goggles will break down, preventing them from sitting properly on your eyes. If your goggles seem misshapen or no longer fit well to your face, it’s time for a new pair.

While it can be tempting to keep using the same goggles for a long time, for safety, comfort and the best swimming experience, it’s important to replace your goggles every 1 to 2 years depending on frequency of use. 

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By following these few simple tips for maintenance and care, you’ll ensure your goggles last longer and continue to provide you with crystal-clear vision each time you hit the pool or open water. Rinsing, drying, proper storage, occasional disinfection, and avoiding harsh chemicals is really all it takes. Your goggles work hard for you, so show them some love after each use and they’ll provide you years of faithful service. Now get out there and swim some laps – your goggles are ready to go the distance with you! Visit the Swans website to uncover a vast collection of swimming goggles and maintenance accessories.