How to Clean and Maintain Snorkeling Equipment

Like any other piece of sports equipment, snorkeling gear can get dirty and degraded over time. Proper cleaning and care of your mask, snorkel and fins can keep them like-new and free of the gunky films and bacteria that can grow with poor maintenance, all the better to enjoy the amazing underwater world of Key West snorkeling tours.

General Maintenance

At the bare minimum , rinse off equipment under fresh water after each use, even if you haven’t time to clean it completely. Be particularly sure to clear out clumped sand and shells that can hide in crevices. If you’re having a hard time getting rid of any film or build-up, use the soft side of a sponge to clear off; always be sure to never use coarse surfaces or your fingernails in cleaning as it can permanently scratch surfaces.

Masks

You’ll want to keep your mask clear, taking care to follow manufacturer’s instructions and using special cleaning solutions if recommended. A number of manufacturers, including SeaDive and Atomic, recommend against scrubbing of the mask, as it can damage specialized coating. It’s also important to routinely check mask straps to be sure they are still strong and stretchy. Avoid the damage of permanent scratches to the lens by always placing mask face up and making sure the entire mask, including hard-to-reach crevices, are free of harmful sand and bits of shell. Be sure there is no salt remaining from salt water or dirt from fresh water, and rub off any sun block left around the skirt with dish detergent. After cleaning, dry with a soft towel and put back in the case.

Glass lenses only can be cleaned with a dime-sized drop of a mildly abrasive cleaner such as non-gel toothpaste; repeat two to three times and then rinse thoroughly. Plastic lenses can be scratched using this technique, but they can be cleared using a few drops of watered down baby shampoo instead. If the mask is removed at any time during snorkeling, spit or commercial defogger can keep it clean and clear.

Snorkel

The snorkel is particularly important, as it needs to be kept clear and free of holes for maximum breathing ease. To keep your snorkel clean and bacteria-free, you can use one of two methods. You can wash the snorkel in a bucket of fresh water and dish detergent, rinsing it clean under fresh water, or you can soak it in a bucket of diluted bleach for 30 minutes and then rinse under running water. Let the snorkel air dry and then store in a cool, dry place.

Fins

Fins can be cleaned in a bucket of water, using dish detergent to scrub them inside and out with your hands. Be sure to clear out undersea debris like shell bits and sand, as these can be very sharp.

Keep your gear in tip-top shape after exciting Key West snorkeling tours by cleaning off immediately and storing properly. Taking good care of your snorkeling equipment will keep it looking and functioning like new much longer.