Whether you have a full-face mask or a standard snorkel, you should follow a few simple steps for cleaning your gear. Using a mild soap and warm water will remove most of the dirt, and you should then dry your snorkel fins completely. This will ensure that you can continue using them for longer. Using bleach is not recommended because it can cause mold. However, if you feel that bleach is necessary, you should use it only in a small amount.
One of the first things you need to do after you use a diving mask is clean it. This means rinsing it off with clean water, then drying it thoroughly. Then, you should use a sponge to remove any remaining water and debris. If necessary, you can also clean it with mild dish detergent. Ensure that you use a silicone-based cleaning solution - one that doesn't contain petroleum or alcohol. Avoid using hot water or soap - as these will soften the skirt, which could make the mask fit worse. Also, remember not to use water that contains chlorine derivatives, as they can damage the plastic.
After cleaning your snorkel mask, you should apply anti-fogging agent to remove any accumulated dirt. You can use a mild dish detergent, baby shampoo, or toothpaste. Apply this solution to the lens and wipe it dry with a microfiber cloth. Do not use your finger as it contains natural oil and can scratch the lens. If you are using a soft towel, you can simply rub the mask with the microfiber cloth to make sure the mask is completely dry.
To maintain the performance of the gear, you should clean your diving equipment regularly, using a special solution. The cleaning solution should be alcohol free, biodegradable, and non-toxic. The mask body must also be cleaned to ensure that the lens remains streak-free and clear. Cleaning the mask body is simple and requires a few steps. First, mix warm water with detergent or soap. After adding the detergent or soap, rub the mask with your fingers. You may want to rinse it off to remove any traces of dirty water. Next, dry the mask with a clean towel.
You can also clean your mask using a toothpaste solution. If your mask lens is very dirty, you can scrub it with toothpaste, but avoid scratching the lens as this can cause the visor to fog up. When finished, rinse the snorkel with tap water to remove any residue. Use a soft towel to dry the mask. Avoid leaving it in the sun or a damp place, since sunlight can damage the plastic. To maintain its performance, you should clean it at least once a year.
The most basic snorkel maintenance is washing with dish detergent and water. After washing, rinse the snorkel thoroughly. Next, soak the snorkel in diluted bleach for 30 minutes. You can also scrub the snorkel with a soft toothbrush. You should leave the snorkel in this solution for 30 minutes before using it again. After this procedure, you should use a soft wash cloth to remove any residue that remains. Once the snorkel is clean, you can put it back into your snorkel bag or storage case.
To clean a dirty snorkel, you can use a mild bleach solution mixed with warm water. Rinse the snorkel again. Then, dry it thoroughly and store it away. You can also use a defogging solution to prevent fogging. After soaking the snorkel, you should also dry it thoroughly. If this does not work, repeat the process. If you're unsure of what to do next, you can also ask other snorkelers on snorkel forums for help.
If you're interested in avoiding the risks of mold and other bacteria, you might want to try cleaning your snorkel with bleach. This solution is very strong, so you need to dilute it with water. You can also use antibacterial dishwashing detergent. This solution won't be as effective as bleach, but it should do the trick. After soaking your snorkel in the bleach solution, you can scrub the mold away using an old toothbrush or a gloved hand.
Vinegar is another organic solution that is very effective in cleaning snorkel gear. This solution is non-toxic and will kill most kinds of mold and mildew. While using this solution, you need to make sure that you wash the snorkel thoroughly and don't let any of the bleach or water seep out. You should also wear protective gloves and a face mask if you plan to use the solution. Nevertheless, you should still be careful when using bleach because of the potential dangers of the product.