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Scuba Mask Maintenance Tips

Scuba Mask Maintenance Tips

Written by Nevin
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Published on November 25, 2009
scuba diver surfacing above water wearing mask

A Scuba Mask may be a relatively cheap piece of Scuba Diving equipment in comparison to rest of the items in your Scuba kit, but it is also the one piece of equipment that is almost always owned by every Scuba diver and rarely rented. A Dive Mask is also a piece of equipment that divers are fondly attached to, and great effort is put into finding and selecting the right kind of mask and the perfect fit, which is even more reason to learn how to properly care for your mask so that once you find that right mask, it serves you for several years.

Cleaning your mask
When you first buy your mask, ensure you rub the inside and outer glass surfaces with a tiny pearl of toothpaste using your index finger. This helps remove the tiny layer of oil that manufacturers coat the silicone surfaces of the mask with to protect the silicone in storage and shipping. Toothpaste can also be used when you need to clean a used mask from dirt, or oils from your head, suntan lotion etc. Gently rub the paste applying minimal pressure to clear both surfaces from any dirt or oils. The micro abrasive particles in toothpaste help clear dirt and oil from the microscopic dents and scratches that are on the surface of the mask.

Keeping your Mask Scratch Free
To ensure that your Scuba Mask remains scratch free, never lay your scuba mask face-down on any surface. Crusty sea salt, sand and dirt found on dive boats or on piers will scratch the lens of your mask and permanently damage the viewing surfaces. Always place your dive mask face upwards when you are not wearing it. Take care where you place your mask in the dive boat. Several divers are exhausted after a dive and simply toss their masks into the boat along with their other equipment and tanks, that can damage, scratch or crush masks easily. Also ensuring your mask is transported in your dive bag inside its protective box will prevent other items of equipment scratching it.

Rinse your mask in freshwater after a dive
Always remember to rinse your scuba mask in clean, freshwater after each dive. Salt and grime attack the soft silicone in your mask causing it to degrade over time. If you have a long wait between dives, ensure you carry a freshwater bucket, or have a source of fresh water nearby where you can rinse out your mask before you next dive. Dry the mask thoroughly using lint free or micro fiber cloth before placing it for storage in a plastic hard case for masks. If you didn’t get one of these with your mask, we’d strongly recommend getting one which is great for protecting your mask while traveling.  If you are between dives, have a mesh bag hanging in the dive boat that is hung out of reach, and will allow the mask to air out and dry. Cleaning and airing out your mask also ensures that the mask is odor free, so you experience the sights and not strange smells on your next dive.

Store your mask away from sunlight.
One of the most important things to ensure your mask stays with you a long time is to keep it out of contact with direct sunlight as much as possible.  Harsh Sunlight and high temperatures attack the rubber and silicone of masks, turning the translucent soft silicone into a yellowing harder mass, that causes mask leaks and degradation over time. Mask bands and straps exposed to sunlight, form cracks and may break easily when stretched. Always store your mask inside its case in a cool dark place but not moist. If you have a silica gel packet or desiccant, place this inside your mask case to keep the moisture at bay. We know it sounds odd to keep moisture at bay from a mask that is meant for use underwater, but prolonged exposure to moisture will harm your mask and eat away at the silicone.  While on a dive, ensure that when you are not using your mask, that you place it in a cool shaded area and away from the harsh sunlight.