How to Clean and Store Your Swimming Goggles for Longevity
Swimming is a rewarding and refreshing activity, and a good pair of swimming goggles is an essential part of your gear. Whether you swim for fitness, recreation, or competition, goggles protect your eyes from chlorine, saltwater, and debris, while also providing you with clear vision in the water. However, like any piece of equipment, swimming goggles require proper care and maintenance to ensure their longevity and effectiveness.
It’s easy to overlook the maintenance of your goggles, but keeping them clean and storing them correctly is crucial to preserving their functionality. By taking just a few minutes after each swim, you can ensure that your goggles remain in top condition for as long as possible, preventing issues such as fogging, lens scratching, and seal deterioration.
We will cover everything you need to know about how to clean and store your swimming goggles to maximize their lifespan and performance. With the right care, your goggles will continue to protect your eyes and provide clear vision for many swims to come.
Why Proper Care and Maintenance of Swimming Goggles is Important
Swimming goggles are exposed to harsh conditions in the pool or open water. The combination of chlorine or saltwater, UV rays, sweat, and moisture can degrade the materials over time if not properly maintained. Without proper cleaning and storage, your goggles may become uncomfortable, less effective, or even unusable.
Here’s why maintaining your goggles is important:
- Prevents Fogging: Regular cleaning helps maintain the anti-fog coating, which prevents condensation from building up inside the lenses.
- Protects Against Scratches: Storing your goggles properly and cleaning them gently helps avoid scratching the lenses, which can impair your vision.
- Preserves the Seal: The silicone or rubber seals around your goggles prevent leaks. Proper care keeps these seals in good condition so they maintain a tight, comfortable fit.
- Extends Lifespan: Just like any equipment, consistent maintenance helps prolong the life of your goggles, saving you money and ensuring you have reliable gear for each swim.
Now that you know why care and maintenance matter, let’s dive into the specifics of how to clean and store your swimming goggles.
How to Clean Your Swimming Goggles
Cleaning your swimming goggles after each use is an essential part of their upkeep. Proper cleaning helps maintain the lenses’ anti-fog properties, protects the seals, and ensures that your goggles stay in good shape for longer. Here are the steps you need to follow to properly clean your goggles:
1. Rinse Your Goggles with Fresh Water Immediately After Swimming
The first step in cleaning your swimming goggles is to rinse them with fresh water as soon as possible after you finish swimming. This removes chlorine, saltwater, and any dirt or debris that may have accumulated during your swim. Rinsing your goggles helps prevent the buildup of chemicals that can degrade the lenses or seals over time.
- How to Do It: Turn your goggles inside out and gently rinse both the inside and outside with cool or lukewarm fresh water. Avoid using hot water, as it can damage the lenses and the frame.
2. Gently Clean the Lenses
After rinsing your goggles, the next step is to clean the lenses. Over time, oils from your skin, sweat, and the environment can accumulate on the lenses and impair your vision. Cleaning the lenses properly will help remove this buildup and prevent fogging.
- How to Do It: Use a soft cloth or microfiber towel to gently wipe the lenses. Avoid using any rough materials that could scratch the surface. Do not use your fingers to clean the lenses, as oils from your fingers can leave streaks or residue.
- Pro Tip: If you notice any persistent dirt or oils on the lenses, you can use a mild soap or baby shampoo mixed with water to gently clean the lenses. Rinse them thoroughly afterward.
Read More: 5 Common Swimming Goggles Problems and How to Fix Them
3. Clean the Straps and Frame
The straps and frame of your goggles are also exposed to chlorine, saltwater, and oils from your skin, so it’s important to clean them as well. Failing to do so can lead to the deterioration of the materials, such as the rubber or silicone components.
- How to Do It: Use a soft cloth or sponge to gently wipe down the straps and frame. If necessary, use mild soap or baby shampoo diluted with water to clean the straps. Make sure to rinse everything thoroughly.
4. Check for Any Dirt or Debris in the Seals
The seals of your swimming goggles are vital for ensuring a snug, leak-proof fit. Dirt, debris, or chlorine buildup can cause the seals to lose their elasticity, leading to leaks or discomfort. After cleaning the lenses and straps, check the seals to make sure they are free from debris.
- How to Do It: Gently inspect the seals and wipe them with a soft cloth if needed. Be careful not to damage the silicone or rubber material.
5. Avoid Harsh Cleaning Products
It may be tempting to use harsh chemicals like bleach or strong cleaning solutions to clean your goggles, but this is not recommended. These chemicals can damage the lenses, strips the anti-fog coating, and weaken the silicone or rubber components. Stick to gentle products like baby shampoo, mild soap, or purpose-made goggle cleaners.
- What to Avoid: Avoid using any cleaning products that contain alcohol, acetone, or ammonia, as these can cause irreparable damage to the goggles.
How to Store Your Swimming Goggles for Longevity
Proper storage is equally as important as cleaning when it comes to extending the life of your swimming goggles. Storing them incorrectly can lead to warping, lens scratching, or deterioration of the seals. Here are some tips on how to store your goggles correctly to maintain their longevity:
1. Store in a Protective Case
When you’re not using your goggles, always store them in a protective case. This prevents the lenses from getting scratched or damaged when not in use. Many goggle manufacturers offer compact, hard-shell cases designed specifically for their goggles. These cases provide a secure, cushioned environment that helps keep your goggles safe from external pressure or rough handling.
- Why It’s Important: Storing your goggles in a case helps prevent accidental drops or damage from other items in your gym bag, like keys or water bottles.
2. Avoid Storing Goggles in Hot, Humid Environments
Exposing your goggles to excessive heat or humidity can cause the silicone seals to lose their elasticity and warp the frame. Additionally, the lenses and anti-fog coating may degrade faster when exposed to high temperatures or direct sunlight.
- Where to Store: Store your goggles in a cool, dry place. Avoid leaving them in hot car interiors or near windows where they may be exposed to direct sunlight for extended periods.
3. Allow Your Goggles to Dry Thoroughly Before Storing
After cleaning and rinsing your goggles, it’s important to let them dry completely before putting them away. Trapping moisture inside the goggles can lead to mold or mildew growth, which can damage the materials over time.
- How to Dry: Simply leave the goggles out to air dry, away from direct sunlight. Hang them upside down to allow any remaining water to drain out.
4. Avoid Wrapping the Straps Around the Frame
Wrapping the straps around the frame when storing your goggles can cause unnecessary stress on the silicone, potentially leading to stretching or deforming. To avoid this, simply lay the straps flat or place them gently inside the case.
- Pro Tip: Some goggle cases have designated areas to store the straps neatly without causing any damage.
5. Store Your Goggles Away from Sharp Objects
When placing your goggles in your gym bag or pool bag, make sure they are not in contact with sharp objects such as keys, scissors, or pens. These can easily scratch or puncture the lenses, leaving permanent damage that will impair your vision.
- How to Protect: Keep your goggles in a separate compartment in your bag or inside a small case within your larger bag to ensure they stay protected.
6. Don’t Leave Goggles in the Pool or Shower for Extended Periods
While it may be tempting to leave your goggles in the pool or the shower after a swim, doing so can accelerate the breakdown of the materials. Chlorine, saltwater, and moisture can quickly damage the lenses and seals if left unattended for too long.
- What to Do Instead: As soon as you finish swimming, rinse your goggles with fresh water, clean them, and store them properly. This will help preserve their functionality and longevity.
7 Frequently Asked Questions
1. How often should I clean my swimming goggles?
You should clean your swimming goggles after every use to remove chlorine, saltwater, and any dirt or oils that may have accumulated. Regular cleaning helps maintain the anti-fog coating and ensures that your goggles remain in good condition.
2. Can I use regular soap to clean my goggles?
Yes, you can use mild soap or baby shampoo to clean your goggles, but avoid harsh chemicals or products that contain alcohol, ammonia, or bleach. These can damage the lens coating and weaken the materials.
3. How can I prevent my goggles from fogging up?
To prevent fogging, make sure your goggles are clean and free from oils or dirt. Using an anti-fog spray or gel can also help. Additionally, storing your goggles in a dry place and allowing them to air out after each swim can maintain the anti-fog properties.
4. How should I dry my goggles?
After cleaning, allow your goggles to air dry in a cool, dry place. Don’t store them when they’re still wet, as moisture can cause mold or mildew to form inside the goggles.
5. Can I leave my goggles in the sun to dry?
It’s best to avoid direct sunlight when drying your goggles. Prolonged exposure to sunlight can degrade the materials, especially the silicone seals. Air-drying your goggles away from direct sunlight is the safest option.
6. How can I protect my goggles when traveling?
When traveling, store your goggles in a protective case to prevent damage. You can also keep them in a separate compartment of your bag to minimize the risk of scratches or other damage from other items.
7. How often should I replace my swimming goggles?
The lifespan of swimming goggles depends on how often you use them and how well they are cared for. On average, goggles can last anywhere from six months to a year with proper care. If you notice signs of wear such as cracks, broken seals, or a loss of clarity in the lenses, it’s time to replace them.
Conclusion
Taking the time to clean and store your swimming goggles properly will extend their lifespan and ensure they remain effective for all your swimming sessions. By following the cleaning steps outlined in this guide and storing your goggles correctly, you’ll protect your investment and enjoy crystal-clear vision every time you hit the water.
Remember, goggles are an essential part of your swimming gear, and maintaining them will help you get the most out of your swim while keeping your eyes safe from harsh chemicals, saltwater, and debris. With proper care, your goggles will serve you well for many swims to come. Happy swimming!
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