How to get rid of fogging in our diving masks!

When Fog is Nothing But a Bad Memory ! The Ultimate Guide to Getting Rid of It

Hello, bubble enthusiasts!

We’ve all been in that frustrating situation: you roll into crystal-clear water, ready to admire the most beautiful reef of your life, and then... total fog. Fog settles into your mask and turns your dream dive into a "mask clearing" session every two minutes.

Don’t panic! Diveavenue has scoured the best advice from dive centers and tips from salty sea dogs so you can finally see clearly.

Why does my mask fog up ?

It’s simple physics. The air inside your mask is warm (your face gives off heat) and humid. When you enter the water, the glass cools down abruptly. This temperature difference turns water vapor into micro-droplets that cling to impurities on the glass.

The New Mask Ritual (Essential!)

If your mask is brand new, it almost always has a thin, invisible silicone film on the glass—a residue from the manufacturing process. As long as it's there, fog will be your worst enemy.

Here’s how to eliminate it once and for all:

• The Toothpaste Method: This is the safest way. Use a classic white toothpaste (no gel, it's ineffective). Spread a thick layer inside, scrub vigorously with your fingers or a soft toothbrush, and let it sit overnight if possible. Repeat the process 5 to 7 times for perfect results.
• The Lighter Trick (for the brave): Only for tempered glass! Quickly pass a flame over the inside of the glass to burn off the silicone residue. The glass will turn black—this is normal; just rinse it afterward. Warning: never touch the silicone skirt with the flame, it would melt instantly! (Diveavenue is not responsible for any damage to your mask)
• The Dishwasher: A pro tip involves putting the mask in the dishwasher (short cycle at low temperature) for effective thermal degreasing.

Tips before jumping into the water

Even if well-prepared, a mask requires treatment before every entry:

• Saliva, the Ancestral Method (provided you have fresh breath!): Free and eco-friendly. Spit, rub thoroughly everywhere, and rinse lightly with seawater just before putting it on.
• Homemade "Pschitt-Pschitt": The instructors' favorite mix. 50% water and 50% baby shampoo (which doesn't sting the eyes). One spray, spread it around, a quick rinse, and it’s magic.
• Anti-fog Spray: Used by many dive clubs, it effectively eliminates fog formation on mask lenses. Popular references include: HUBLONET by ABYSSNAUT and TECLINE Anti-fog, available in several formats.
• The Potato: Yes, you read that right! Rubbing half a raw potato on the glass deposits starch, which prevents droplets from forming.

Common underwater mistakes

Sometimes, the problem comes from us, not the mask:

• Exhaling through the nose! This is the #1 cause for beginners. If you breathe out through your nose into your mask, you're sending moisture-saturated air against cold glass. Keep your nose "closed" and only blow into it to equalize pressure!
• A face that's too hot: If you've been exerting yourself in the sun before diving, your face radiates a lot of heat. Dip your bare face in cool water for a few moments before putting the mask on to stabilize the temperature.
• Sunscreen and Makeup: Greasy substances are fog's best friends. Avoid applying them around your eyes just before diving.

Ready for high-tech?

If you’re tired of fighting fog despite everything, remarkable innovations are emerging on the diving market, such as anti-fog glass. This plasma treatment makes the glass porous and hydrophilic. To activate it, simply moisten the glass to create a uniform water film, then gently rub with your fingertips inside. Unlike some anti-fog masks, this treatment is compatible with all environments (saltwater, chlorinated water, etc.).

⚠️ Warning: Never use toothpaste or a flame on this type of glass, as you risk destroying the treatment.

Diveavenue's Selection of Anti-fog Diving Masks:

PURA SEAC Anti-fog Diving Mask: The first mask to integrate plasma anti-fog treatment for diving. Its frameless design with tempered glass and silicone skirt ensures a perfect fit and a wide field of vision. Thanks to its low volume, it makes equalization easier, guaranteeing comfortable exploration.

CLEAR SEAC Anti-fog Diving Mask: In the same range, the Seac CLEAR is a twin-lens mask with innovative plasma anti-fog treatment (100% anti-fog). The anti-fog effect is constant and long-lasting, activated by simply wetting the lenses.

Cressi Fog Stop: Some models like the Calibro feature an internal membrane that isolates the nose from the lenses, preventing moisture from your exhalations from reaching the glass.

Diveavenue's Selection of Anti-fog Freediving Masks:

In the freediving category, we recommend: WILD Seac Anti-fog Freediving Mask, based on the same treatment as other Seac models.

FALCON C4 Black Anti-fog Mask: The end of foggy masks! The C4 FALCON Black integrates new technology with special films applied inside the lenses. They stop fog formation in all circumstances.

One final tip: always rinse your mask with fresh water after diving and never let it dry in direct sunlight; silicone really dislikes UV rays.

There you go, you have all the tools for 4K vision during your next immersion! Happy diving everyone, and feel free to share your personal tips!

Don't hesitate to explore our diving mask category and get equipped at the best price at Diveavenue!