subject: Snorkel Gear Maintenance - Maintain your Snorkel Mask [print this page] Snorkel Gear Maintenance - Maintain your Snorkel Mask
In order to keep your snorkel gear in optimum shape, you need to give it a little TLC. Don't worry, it's not complicated and it will ensure that your snorkel gear will last for years of enjoyment. For now we will discuss the maintenance of the Snorkel Mask.
Now a days, the skirt (the part that seals to your face) of the majority of the Snorkel or Diving masks are made of silicone. Silicone is much easier to maintain than the rubber ones that were made in the old days. After you use your mask in salt water or a chlorine pool, a simple rinse in tap water will suffice. When first purchased and occasionally you may want to rinse it in a dish washing detergent solution, especially if the mask has come in contact with any oily substance. With time, the silicone skirt may start to discolor or start turning yellowish, but this is normal. The characteristics and flexibility of the silicone should remain the same.
When you do the first rinsing, you will want to prime the lenses of your snorkel mask. There are products out there that are made for that, but if you don't have any on hand, simply rub the lens lightly with toothpaste with your fingers and that should remove any residue left behind from the manufacturing. This will help in the prevention of the mask to become fogged while you are in the water.
Speaking of which, one of the most frustrating situations while snorkeling is having your mask fog while underwater. There are many products out there that help prevent this, I prefer the one with the orange cap (I'm not reviewing brands here). Or if you don't have any at hand and how we used to do it in the old days and although it may sound a little nasty to some, use your saliva. Yes you read it right, spit into your lens and rub with your fingers, of course rinse it after with water.
The strap, although normally made of silicone also may not last as long. Since you will be pulling on it to place your mask on and off there is a possibility that it may wear and eventually break after some use. You may consider the idea of having a spare one after a while, just in case.
After you pull maintenance on your Snorkel Mask and it is completely dry, you should store it in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight when not in use. There are protective boxes or cases that you may want to consider buying if you're going to store it for a long time. If you follow these tips, you should have years of enjoyment with your snorkeling equipment.
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