How to stop a snorkeling mask from fogging up in the Maldives?

From messages by 3 participants in 1 source · Last activity: 40 days ago

TL;DR

Before snorkeling, apply a few drops of dish soap, shampoo, or liquid soap to the inside of the lens, then rinse lightly. Some new masks made of tempered glass without an inner film can be carefully flame-treated, but this is not suitable for every mask.

What the community said

The easiest pre-snorkel method is to put 2–3 drops of dishwashing liquid, shampoo, or liquid soap on the inside of the lens. Rinse it lightly with water rather than washing the product off completely.

Dish soap or shampoo

For a new mask, try removing the factory residue by gently rubbing the lens several times with toothpaste, baking soda, or polishing paste. This can be a safer alternative to heating it.

Toothpaste or baking soda

Flame treatment should only be considered if the lens is marked “tempered glass” and has no film on the inside. Briefly pass a lighter flame over the lens until a light soot layer appears; avoid heating the silicone skirt or repeating it excessively.

“Tempered glass” marking

Even a properly treated mask can fog if you continually exhale through your nose into it. While snorkeling, breathe through the snorkel with your mouth and rinse the mask with water if condensation develops.

Mouth breathing through the snorkel