New mask fogging badly

[Crocboy]

I'm a newbie, if you couldn't tell by my post title. What is the best way to "break in" new masks so they don't fog so easily? I have a used mask that doesn't fog with anti-fog, but my new one is good for about 20 seconds before vis goes down big time. Thanks!

 

[tddfleming]

Did you clean the inside with some form of abrasive cleaner, ie. toothpaste?? That was my problem with mine. However, I found the stuff in the grocery cleaning section to work better, cannot remember the name. It comes in a gold container for cleaning brass, I think. That worked great for me.

 

[Superlyte27]

a new mask needs to be thoroughly cleaned. Go over it liberally with toothpaste. Rinse good, do it again. Then go dive it with your favorite defog. You should be good to go.

*edit
Be careful with what cleaner you use. There used to be tempered glass in masks that would not accept certain kinds of defog with alcohol in it. Applying defog would cause the glass to break. Weird. Anyway, if defog can do that to a mask, who knows what some cleaners could do to a mask.

 

[Splitlip]

A butane lighter (very carefully) can be used to burn the film from the typical glass) lens.

 

[Scuba.com]

The toothpaste is generally your best answer. Its caused by the material they put on the lense during the grinding process to help prevent chipping. The majority of it is cleaned off, but it's not washed or anything so there will always be a bit of residue left over.

Many things will clean it off (I noticed the brass cleaner post) but keep in mind that toothpaste isn't going to damage your eyes if it's not completely cleaned out of the mask. A commercial grade cleaner of some sort stands every chance to at the very least be extremely irritating if not damaging to your eye if it's not cleaned out thoroughly and any residue is left in the mask when you put it on. Also, the silicone in your skirt can easily be damaged by chemicals.

 

[Crocboy]

I'll try the toothpaste cleaning first. Thanks to all who responded!

 

[Kilili]

Keep doing the cleaning cycle until it quits fogging up. I use toothpaste mixed with Comet cleanser. My Atomic masks take 4 cycles or so to stop the fogging. Once you get it, your problems will be over.

 

[rfins]

I don't like anything too abrasive (comet cleanser).

My favorite is Dawn dish soap.
Clean the whole mask ....lens and skirting.....give it a least two good cleanings to remove all film.

Make sure your mask is dry when you put the defogger on the lens.....then give a little rinse and you should be good to go!

 

[maranda1389]

Something I do before every dive while I am in the water putting my fins on and such, and I know it sounds gross, but I spit in my mask and rubbing all around then rinse it. I would still suggest scrubbing it with toothpast or a cleaner but the spit is a good trick to prevent fogging before the dive. It works great when I do it.

 

[Lee Taylor]

Lemon flavored soft scrub for a new mask