spit vs defog

[sjmueller61990]

ok so i went on my discover scuba day and used my cressi big eyes evolution goggles, i put anti fog on them and let them sit for about 20 mins while i was waiting for the group before us to get done (yes i did put toothpaste on them when i got them to remove the chemical film on them) but after i washed them off the right side of the mask fogged a little bit, i spit in them when we went to the deeper part but from then i couldnt tell because i let a little bit of water in pinching my nose so for the rest of my dive thing i would just look down and swish my head around do they never got that far, so basically what i want to ask if what works better for you, if you spit on your goggles before the dive or if you would rather put defog on your mask?? or heck maybe you do both??

[formula1mb@aol.com]

For me the best thing I've found is spit in the mask BEFORE gearing up----letting it 'soak' on there for a little while seems to make it work much better and almost no problems with fogging. If you only do it right before the dive, doesn't work as well.

Haven't tried any anti-fog sprays, why pay for it if you can do it for free? I've heard mixed reviews on them anyways.

[Walter]

Start with a dry mask. Rub baby shampoo (full strength) on the (inside) lenses. Let the shampoo dry on the mask. Rinse it off in the water in which you'll be diving just before (or as) you descend.

[Bubbletrubble]

Spit works. Commercially available defog also works. Depending on what you buy, it might last slightly longer than spit.

If your mask lenses are fogging up on a dive despite your use of spit/defog...and your mask is new...it just means that you haven't removed the film from the mold-release agents. If you're using toothpaste, make sure that the brand has some grit to it, since the grit is what helps remove the film. In my personal experience, gel toothpaste doesn't work well at all.

Be persistent. Depending on how hard you scrub and what you use to scrub, you may have to repeat the process several times.

If toothpaste doesn't work, try Soft Scrub. Some divers have also used a lighter trick to remove the film.

If you enjoyed the Discover Scuba experience enough, you may want to consider taking a basic Open Water certification course. Your instructor should be able to answer your mask question and many others.

Have fun!

[Dyno Bill]

I vote for spit, it always works and you always have some on hand

[DBailey]

When diving from a boat, I typically use spit. Put the mask on and do my deep water entry. When I come back to the surface to wait for the rest of the group (per boat rules), I will take that time to spit in my mask, smear it around, and dunk it once.

If I have a water source available (other than the rinse tank or camera tank), I will use defog. I smear a small amount on the mask and dunk it a couple of times.

Using either method, I have never had an issue with my mask fogging up. When my students "claim" they used toothpaste on their masks, but it still fogs, I ask them if they put some toothpaste on the mask and smeared it around, or did they really use some elbow grease and seriously clean the mask. The trick is cleaning it forcefully. Even a student that reasserts his/her claim to have used elbow grease, I will clean the mask. Funny how it never fogs up after I clean it.

I recommend giving it another toothpaste cleaning.

[Airhogg]

Spit, has worked for me always. I have tried defog and it does work but the tried and true method of spitting and rubbing it around, let it sit a few then rinse seems to work well for me.

[RhinoGuy]

My wife and I use either defog or baby shampoo. Wal-Mart has the travel size baby shampoos for around a dollar. We just leave the bottle in the box with our mask.

[Onewolf]

My tried and true method is to use a spray bottle with a water/baby shampoo mix. About 10-15 minutes before the dive, spray the mask, do a very very quick rinse, and then let the mask dry. I've never had a fog problem with that process (other than with my new Atomic mask, but that's a story for a different message thread).

[Tresguey]

I have had the same issue with my mask. And I have cleaned then with toothpaste over and over again. I believe it is my over rinsing after I use spit or defog being the number one culprit. I like the sound of the baby shampoo and water in a spray bottle. What is the ratio of water to shampoo when using this method?

[alanski]

I've always suspected that defog is nothing more than bottles of spit made by slave labor in third word countrys

[tregrrr]

...
Using either method, I have never had an issue with my mask fogging up. When my students "claim" they used toothpaste on their masks, but it still fogs, I ask them if they put some toothpaste on the mask and smeared it around, or did they really use some elbow grease and seriously clean the mask. The trick is cleaning it forcefully. Even a student that reasserts his/her claim to have used elbow grease, I will clean the mask. Funny how it never fogs up after I clean it.

I recommend giving it another toothpaste cleaning.I always tell people to scrub hard and long until they think they have done enough. Then do it again. Then switch to the other lense and repeat. Also, have had good results with using an electric toothbrush for extended agitation intervals....


I've always suspected that defog is nothing more than bottles of spit made by slave labor in third word countrys

thanks for the mental image... next time someone is buying or using a bottle I am going to have visions of a t-shirt factory without the fabric or sewing machines...

[scjoe]

I have found that spit, full strength baby shampoo allowed to dry and then rinsed like Walter described, a 50/50 mix of shampoo and water sprayed on, kelp, and commercial defog all work just fine. I tend to use the full strength shampoo approach, unless I forget to bring some, then it's spit.

[11x]

well find your self a friend who stands a good chance of going to jail and ask him to bring you some of thier indigent tooth paste when (if) he gets out. i work at a jail and have tried several types of tooth paste and the stuff from the jail works the best. and free (dont tell the warden).;)

[RoatanMan]

Toothpaste, before every dive. Works like a champ. (prolly better than a ScubaBoard search)

Available at Mallwart as well as the slammer.

[sjmueller61990]

well thanks everyone so much, looks like i have some different ways to try out now lol, i am going to give it a good scrub over with some more gritty tooth paste and apply some antifog and then some spit and maybe even the shampoo trick (new one for me) and see how that works, and sorry i dont remember who said something about signing up for classes, but i definatly didnt leave the shop before i signed up, watched the video already filled out the workbook and now waiting for class to start. im like a little kid just before christmas time :)

[nielsent]

Spit is cheap and always on hand. Remember, the greener the cleaner! :D

[Leejnd]

My spit doesn't work. No lie. I have defective spit. I have a genetic defect - I was born missing the anti-fog-spit gene. If I don't use something other than my spit (anti-fog, baby-shampoo, spit from third-world factory workers), my mask will fog, guaranteed.

Any of the other fog remedies works perfectly fine for me.

I've often wondered if anyone else has the same problem with their spit?

By the way, my husband's spit works great. But, even after 25 years of marriage, I just get creeped out over having his spit in my face. So, it's anti-fog for me.

[tregrrr]

sjmueller61990:

welcome to the wonder club.

cheers

[vladimir]

I am glad my budget isn't so constrained that I have to factor in the $6 annual cost of quality defog. Kudos to those who still manage to dive under those circumstances. Does spit get more or less effective on a steady diet of spam and beans? ;)

I find the Sea Gold (http://www.leisurepro.com/Prod/CategoryID_976/Context_974/Sort_Stock/DescSort_0/Filter_1%3d2400/AQUSG2.html?Hit=1) gel far more effective than my spit, regular Sea Drops, or baby shampoo, and if you neglect to apply it, the previous application will probably still work for you.

[Amphiprion]

I generally use spit with a little mucus from the back of my throat. (mask cleaned with toothpaste beforehand). Rub it good, let it sit a couple of minutes and then splash a little water in it to rinse out the film. I also keep a little water in the bottom of my mask to clear any foggy areas as I dive.

[fnfalman]

I bought a $4 bottle of Defog three years ago. 200-dives later, I'm barely half way through the bottle, and it works a lot better than my spit.

[RAWalker]

I've used commercial anti-fog without complaint but they tend to be pricey.
I've used spit but it doesn't seem to work as well and when diving in saltwater may be difficult to get some good spit worked up.
I'm sticking with full strength baby shampoo but have found they aren't all created equal. Some are thinner consistancy than others and some do irritate the eyes more than others. My choice is Johnson & Johnson Baby shampoo no tears and a good thick consistancy that doesn't wash away to easy.
A travel sized bottle is about the same size as commercial anti-fog. It seems to last just as long and a bottle costs about a buck.

[LeadTurn_SD]

1. New or old, the mask lens needs to be clean. White toothpaste (I like Colgate :D ) works best. New masks typically take several "treatments" with toothpaste before you can even hope to keep them fog-free during the dive. Be patient. Spend at least 10 minutes scrubbing, rinsing, and scrubbing. If you have not used your "old" mask in a few weeks, it should be "toothpasted" again.
2. Commercial defog, spit, or for you really old timers, spit plus tobacco, all work on a correctly "prepared" mask.
3. The key is leaving just the right amount of "film" on the lens to allow the condensed water to run down the lens in a transparent sheet and not fog...

Me: Spit, rub, quick rinse, then (hope this does not gross out those with weaker stomachs) I lick the inside of the mask lens, put on the mask, and dive. Just the right amount of "slime" for a fog-free dive ;) Seriously... it does work, but you do get a lot of weird stares....

Best wishes.

[knowone]

Yes. Sweet sriped colourful bubblegum tasting gel is not toothpaste.

Sometimes your head is hot or cold or your mask is hot or cold and nothing will work and may take a couple of flood clears to equalise all the temps so you can go about your business looking at things and smiling.

[Solly]

New mask needs a lighter then toothpaste
white toothpaste not gel :)
The best way it works for me is to put the toothpaste, leave to dry then scrub it while dry (do not do it with water) finally spit as you are gearing up ...

[ozziworld]

On Brand New Mask - I have found that both the softscrub, toothpaste and lighter all work when properly done. I prefer toothpaste.

On regular use mask during gear up - I have found bottled defog, spit, toothpaste and baby shampoo all work as well.

I want to add that I have observed that a good fitting mask fogs less because whichever defog (film layer) agent one uses is not washed away by repeated clearings and floodings. Also, this inconvenient cycle automatically requires one to exhale into the mask more often to clear which creates more "warm moist" air inside the mask.

I clean my mask after each use with white toothpaste to make sure it is clean before I put it away.

When gearing up - I used to spit which worked fine. I now use baby shampoo or toothpaste because I now dive with my daughter who finds spitting gross. Come to think of it, divers who use spit should do so discreetly. When over done - it can actually be quite disgusting to watch.

The other thing no one has mentioned is inhale and exhale through your mouth. Do not exhale through your nose unless clearing your mask. This exactly what we do when we want to replicate the fogging.

This brings us back to a good fitting mask being the best mask in the world it is comfortable, dry and clear.

[RoatanMan]

I am glad my budget isn't so constrained that I have to factor in the $6 annual cost of quality defog.

I find the Sea Gold gel far more effective ....

That's because you haven't tried the Sea Drops Titanium yet.

It is a mixture of titanium and the sweat scraped from the inner thighs of virgin Swedish divemistresses.

The more you spend the better it works.

[Dr Neil]

My spit doesn't seem to work - never has. Perhaps I am missing the vital enzymes.

I either use Sea Gold (commercial) or baby shampoo.

However the key is a clean lens.

[Togalive]

ok so i went on my discover scuba day and used my cressi big eyes evolution goggles, i put anti fog on them and let them sit for about 20 mins while i was waiting for the group before us to get done (yes i did put toothpaste on them when i got them to remove the chemical film on them) but after i washed them off the right side of the mask fogged a little bit, i spit in them when we went to the deeper part but from then i couldnt tell because i let a little bit of water in pinching my nose so for the rest of my dive thing i would just look down and swish my head around do they never got that far, so basically what i want to ask if what works better for you, if you spit on your goggles before the dive or if you would rather put defog on your mask?? or heck maybe you do both??

Usually I'll just use spit, it works just as well as defog, and you can never forget it at home :) Then I'll let some of the water im going to be diving in sit inside the mask while im getting everything on. Otherwise, if I run into any fogging issues while under, I'll just either clear my mask, or take it off entirely and rub my finger around on the lenses inside, then its usually crystal clear :) But unless they taught you how to clear in your discover scuba class, you probably shouldnt try it while under.

[sjmueller61990]

I am glad my budget isn't so constrained that I have to factor in the $6 annual cost of quality defog. Kudos to those who still manage to dive under those circumstances. Does spit get more or less effective on a steady diet of spam and beans? ;)

I find the Sea Gold (http://www.leisurepro.com/Prod/CategoryID_976/Context_974/Sort_Stock/DescSort_0/Filter_1%3d2400/AQUSG2.html?Hit=1) gel far more effective than my spit, regular Sea Drops, or baby shampoo, and if you neglect to apply it, the previous application will probably still work for you.

its not a problem to be able to afford 10 dollars of antifog, but ive heard some people say it doesnt work well, i want my mask to be clear so if defog doesnt work, why buy it? thats why i started this thread, to see what ideas there are and what works for people.

[LeadTurn_SD]

its not a problem to be able to afford 10 dollars of antifog, but ive heard some people say it doesnt work well, i want my mask to be clear so if defog doesnt work, why buy it? thats why i started this thread, to see what ideas there are and what works for people.

Antifog works fine on a properly "prepared" mask lens. The only reason I prefer spit is that spit is always available if I need to re-treat the mask (if I find it fogging after a surface swim, or simply forgot to treat the mask before leaving the shore/boat).

I think whatever you use, it comes down to finding the "routine" that works for you, and then stick with it.

I think that anti-fogging routines become almost a religous practice, with unwavering ritual and strong beliefs surrounding the way each of us do it.... but the reality is that a number of different routines will work, as long as they leave a thin "film" on the mask lens.

Just wait untill you ask about a snorkel..... :D

Best wishes.

[gyonks02]

Baby Shampoo always does the job for me. I also use defog. my spit does nothing for me!

[Paco]

Here's my opinion and I never have a fogging problem. Clean the mask, using anything mentioned above until the lens is squeaky clean. If your finger really squeaks (and it may take three or four cleanings before it squeaks really well) it is clean and, in my opinion, spit will work as well as any of the other suggestions. The key is to start with a very clean mask.

[seabel]

I always tell people to scrub hard and long until they think they have done enough. Then do it again. Then switch to the other lense and repeat. Also, have had good results with using an electric toothbrush for extended agitation intervals....



thanks for the mental image... next time someone is buying or using a bottle I am going to have visions of a t-shirt factory without the fabric or sewing machines...

yeah good thing all those cotton fibers ah.......

[knowone]

Squeaking is the key.
One example.
Walk along shelf towards ocean fully geared with fins clipped to chest, mask in gloveless or fingerless hand.
Whilst still walking scoop mask through rock pool whilst manufactuing saliva, empty mask and spit in.
Rub finger around lens-s getting that grippy squeaky thing happening.
Whilst still walking scoop mask through another rock pool, empty, place on face looking for obstacles in the water and dive in and move away from damaging under water things whilst applying fins. I mean damage to you.

Spend the next hour blissfully unaware of what is happening behind you.

I am fortunate to have never been held up by or seen anyone ever applying any of that other SCHLEPP.

Whilst walking and bending and scooping and emptying and spitting and rubbing and squeaking amongst rock pools avoid falling in.

The key is all about fluidity.

[TSandM]

I've used 200 foot viz as defog, and it works beautifully. It's not expensive, and it's easy to use. The problem is that you have to have it WITH you and remember to put it on before you get to the water. My spit, I always have with me :)

[carrielsal]

Comet and an old toothbrush works a lot better to clean a mask then toothpaste, IMHO. If you have a prescription lenses, check with the manufacturer. Some cannot be cleaned with any type of cleaner with grit.

[MaxBottomtime]

I spit, spread it around the lens with my glove and rinse the mask just before entering the water. I have found that doing this too early causes fogging. After more than 20 years, I've never had a problem with mask fogging after using spit.

[Leejnd]

Baby Shampoo always does the job for me. I also use defog. my spit does nothing for me!


My spit doesn't seem to work - never has. Perhaps I am missing the vital enzymes.


Can I say I'm a little relieved to learn I'm not the only person who's spit appears to be missing the anti-fog enzyme? ;)

[Scott L]

Baby Shampoo always does the job for me. I also use defog. my spit does nothing for me!

Yes, my spit also has very poor anti-fogging properties. Most defoggers on the market burn my eyes so baby shampoo is in my gear bag...

[bshadbolt]

Spit works for me. I usually jump in the water, come back to the surface, then remove mask, spit, rinse, reapply mask and descend.

I've tried several types of defog but spit works just as well and I never forget to bring it with me.

Cheers,

Brett

[sjmueller61990]

i did find out that spit works phenominally (i dont know if i mentioned it but i use the cressi big eyes evo goggles) the only thing is that after you come up and take you mask off it starts fogging up again and quickly. so in my experience if you use spit and maybe some defog and just dont remove your mask youll be golden. but my experiments and tests are still on going :)

[String]

Spit in mask on boat (dry mask), rub in hard. Do NOT rinse. Place mask on face as normal to enter water. Then when in water THEN rinse the mask and give it a quick rub to remove spit or do it during the descent.
It wont fog up then.

Defog is just very expensive spit.

[Zaixon]

I have found both spit and baby shampoo methods work very well. Just make sure you let them sit for a bit before washing them off. I have tried many different anti-fog solutions and everytime I use them my mask fogs up. They seem to just be a waste of money to me

[Dhboner]

Spit works for me (just don't rinse you mask in a communal rinse bucket or you'll get death stares).

Bob (Toronto)

[sjmueller61990]

haha thanks for the tip bob, ill be sure to avoid that

[Rescue Diver68]

baby shampoo

[JerseyMike]

ok so i went on my discover scuba day and used my cressi big eyes evolution goggles, i put anti fog on them and let them sit for about 20 mins while i was waiting for the group before us to get done (yes i did put toothpaste on them when i got them to remove the chemical film on them) but after i washed them off the right side of the mask fogged a little bit, i spit in them when we went to the deeper part but from then i couldnt tell because i let a little bit of water in pinching my nose so for the rest of my dive thing i would just look down and swish my head around do they never got that far, so basically what i want to ask if what works better for you, if you spit on your goggles before the dive or if you would rather put defog on your mask?? or heck maybe you do both??

Personally I don't like to spit in my mask. LOL. I use defog first. If defog is not available then I resort to good ole reliable spit.

[sassyalice]

I am glad my budget isn't so constrained that I have to factor in the $6 annual cost of quality defog. Kudos to those who still manage to dive under those circumstances. Does spit get more or less effective on a steady diet of spam and beans? ;)

I find the Sea Gold (http://www.leisurepro.com/Prod/CategoryID_976/Context_974/Sort_Stock/DescSort_0/Filter_1%3d2400/AQUSG2.html?Hit=1) gel far more effective than my spit, regular Sea Drops, or baby shampoo, and if you neglect to apply it, the previous application will probably still work for you.

Ummm I do have to say. STFU :D It cost me 7 bucks last time and damned if I didn't leave it in my carry on with my computers, and got the stuff confiscated. :shakehead:

At least she bought the story that the dye marker was actually a powder. :eyebrow:

But when you are an idiot it can get expensive. but what can I say...... It is what I do. :D:D


We were having major issues with fogging last week and I finally got around to using magic eraser to remove the film. Not bad after 3 years. So maybe spit will be sufficent now. as that is one fluid they don't make you get rid of in the airport. :D

[Randynfla]

Ive used baby shampoo "no more tears" for years. Rub it in, let it dry and then just swish some water in your mask, and your good to go. Best thing of all is its cheap and a bottle lasts a long time.

[sjmueller61990]

oh yea they definatly taught us how to clear out masks in class, full mask removal, partial flood and clears, and full flood and clears, and after logging some dives, i use both a little defog before a dive and some spit, i have yet to have my goggles fog up on me once.

[JoeSpirit]

Just after I got certified another diver gave me a formula for defog. Half baby shampoo, and I think the other half alcohol. I used it for a while, but ended up buying a commercial defogger. I keep it in my BCD pocket so it goes diving with me.

Problem is I sometimes forget and leave the pocket open. Those little bottles of defogger tend to float away on you.

And sometimes when I need to I forget to spit.

Those are the times I rely on the good ole water to clear my view.