New Masks
New scuba masks will have a thin layer of oil on the lens and on the silicone strap. It's important to remove the oil to reduce the chance of your mask slipping during a dive. Gently rubbing the mask with a dab of non-gel toothpaste and water will remove any oil. Rinse the mask thoroughly and take care not to scratch the lens with your nails.
During a Dive
Hold your scuba mask to your face while jumping into the water to keep the lens from absorbing too much impact from the waves. If you take your mask off while in the water, keep it around your neck instead of loose in your hand. This way, you're much less likely to lose it if an unexpected wave hits.
After a Dive
After a dive, rinse off all residue with warm water and then towel the mask dry. Keeping your mask dry will ensure that the silicone doesn't start to smell.
Maintenance
Periodically clean your mask with toothpaste and water to keep it smudge-free. Don't forget to use a defogging solution before every dive to allow the clearest possible vision.
Storage
Keep your scuba mask in a hard protective case. Never place your mask lens-down on a surface--it can easily be scratched by sand or grime. Keep your mask out of sunlight to protect the silicone.
Article Written By Michelle Wishhart
Michelle Wishhart is a writer based out of Astoria, Ore. She has been writing professionally for five years, starting with her position as a staff arts writer for an alternative weekly paper in Santa Cruz. She has a B.A. in fine arts from the University of California in Santa Cruz and a minor in English literature.
