Trails » Water Sports & Recreation » Swimming & Snorkeling » Cleaning Snorkels » How to Clean Snorkel Gear

How to Clean Snorkel Gear

How to Clean Snorkel Gear
Snorkel gear needs to be cleaned regularly to avoid grit, grime and damage from saltwater build-up. Rinse your gear in fresh water after every use. For a more thorough cleaning, use mild dish detergent, toothpaste or Listerine for various gear. Dry and store your gear in a dry, cool and dark place to keep it well preserved and ready to go.

Instructions

Difficulty: Easy

Things You’ll Need:
  • Water Bucket Cotton swabs Toothpaste Listerine Dish detergent Cloth
  • Water
  • Bucket
  • Cotton swabs
  • Toothpaste
  • Listerine
  • Dish detergent
  • Cloth
Step 1
Shake out any salt and sand deposits in your snorkel gear and remove anything left behind with your fingers. More stubborn spots can be removed with a cotton swab and a little dish detergent and water.
Step 2
Wipe out the mask with a damp cloth and squirt of mild dish detergent. Look for any sand and salt deposits wedged in any crevices or folds in your gear.
Step 3
Rinse out the snorkel with warm water and dish detergent and rinse until the water runs clean.
Step 4
Fill a bucket with warm water and dish detergent and submerge your fins. Rinse clean with cold water and reach inside to feel around for any leftover debris.
Step 5
Smear some toothpaste, not gel, over both sides of your mask and the strap. Let sit for a half an hour before rinsing clean and drying. The toothpaste helps remove any oily film or residue on the mask. Use it every few weeks, or whenever you notice a film starting to grow.
Step 6
Submerge your wetsuit and gloves in a bucket with water and a shot of Listerine. Rinse and hang to dry.
Step 7
Rinse off any underwater cameras or equipment in fresh water and dry completely. Avoid high water pressure and remove any salt or sand grit with a cotton swab.

Tips & Warnings

 
Hang your snorkel gear in a dry, cool place and do not leave in the sun or in the heat.

Resources

Article Written By Contributing Writer

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