How to Make DIY Anti-Fog for Your Goggles

For those of us who swim or partake in any water or snow related sports, fogging in our goggles can be a huge annoyance. If left unchecked, fogging in the lenses of your goggles can not only be inconvenient, but also hazardous, due to the impact it can have on our visibility. As a result, it's important to understand how to prevent and treat our goggles fogging up. In this article, we will be discussing different ways to prevent and treat goggles fogging up, from using commercial anti-fog solutions, to DIY alternatives, proper maintenance and care, and design features and anti-fog technologies.

Understanding the Problem

When we are in the water or the cold, our goggles tend to fog because the warm air from our breath meets the cooler lenses, causing the air to condense on its surface. If left untreated, fogging on the lenses of your goggles can lead to a loss of visibility and, by extension, a worsening of your experience. As a result, it's important to understand the problem and how to properly treat it.

Commercial Anti-fog Solutions

One modern commercial solution to preventing fogging is using a propriety anti-fog spray. This liquid generally works by creating a thin polymer film over the surface of your goggles' lens, preventing condensation from collecting on the surface. There are several brands that offer liquid solutions, but the most popular is probably the Cressi Anti-fog Spray.

Pros/Cons

• Pros: Easy to apply, provides good coverage and doesn't require frequent reapplication.
• Cons: Potentially expensive and can leave a film on the lens.

FAQs

• Q: How do you apply the liquid? A: Most anti-fog solutions come with a bottle and an applicator sponge. Further instructions can usually be found on the bottle.
• Q: Should you clean the lens before applying the solution? A: Yes, it's recommended that you clean the lens with a microfiber cloth before applying the solution. This will help ensure an even coverage.
• Q: How often should you reapply the solution? A: Generally, you should re-apply the solution every few weeks.

DIY Anti-fog Solutions

The other, less expensive option is to make a DIY anti-fog solution. This can be done using a variety of products, including detergents, baby shampoo, soapy water, and even saliva. These DIY solutions generally work by coating the surface of the lens with a thin layer of water, which prevents condensation from forming.

Case Studies

For those of us who prefer a DIY solution, there are a few effective case studies that we can look at. For example, many people swear by using baby shampoo as a deterrent for fogging. You simply need to mix a few drops of baby shampoo into a cup of water, apply the mixture to the lenses of your goggles using a cloth, and then rinse it off with clean water. Another popular case study is coating your lenses with a thin layer of saliva by spitting on them before entering the water. This method tends to offer immediate anti-fog protection that can last for up to an hour.

Proper Maintenance and Care

In addition to using commercial or DIY solutions, proper maintenance and care of your goggles is also key in preventing fogging. This includes cleaning the lenses of your goggles regularly with a microfiber cloth, preventing the lenses from being exposed directly to sunlight, and making sure that the lenses aren't scratched or damaged, as scratches and other damage can also contribute to fogging.

Design Features and Anti-Fog Technologies

For those of us who don't want to have to regularly upkeep our goggles, there are numerous design features and anti-fog technologies available on the market that can provide us with a more permanent solution. These design features include ones like anti-fog coating, vents, and double-layer lenses. Anti-fog coating works by creating an invisible polymer layer on the lenses of your goggles that prevents condensation from forming. Vents are small openings in the lenses of your goggles that allow warm air to escape, reducing the chance of fogging. Lastly, double-layer lenses have an inner and outer layer, which decreases air temperatures on the lens itself, reducing the chance of fog.

Reviews and Recommendations

When it comes to reviews and recommendations, we can look towards various forums and enthusiast websites. Some of the top-recommended goggle designs include the Aqua Sphere Eagle goggles, the Speedo FastSkin EliteMirror goggles, and the Arena Cobra Ultra goggles. All of these goggles have been praised for their comfort, performance, and anti-fog capabilities.

Safety Considerations

When using anti-fog solutions, it's important to keep a few safety considerations in mind. Make sure to always follow the instructions provided on the bottle. If using a DIY solution, watch out for expired ingredients, as they can be hazardous. It's also important to test a small patch of the solution before coating the lenses of your goggles, to make sure that it won't cause any allergic reactions.

Summary Review

At the end of the day, it's important to take the necessary steps to prevent our goggles from fogging up. This can be accomplished through the use of commercial or DIY solutions, proper maintenance and care, and design features and anti-fog technologies. By taking these steps, we can ensure our safety and enjoyment when taking part in water and snow activities.