Join DiveBuddy.com

Meet new scuba divers, maintain a virtual dive log, participate in our forum, share underwater photos, research dive sites and more. Members login here.

#547
Defog: To spit or not to spit.
ScoobahJim - 6/24/2017 6:35 PM
Category: General
Replies: 11

So the other day I went snorkeling with my brother. I have always had problems with my mask fogging up. Even if I use my spit, or even a product meant for defogging, My mask would always fog up. I’d use the product like everyone says to. I also scrubbed my mask with toothpaste a half dozen times.

I mentioned this to my brother and he decided to do research on whether anyone had another alternative to try.

He found a guy that recommended Johnson and Johnson’s baby shampoo and a little rubbing alcohol.
I figured.. why not? Nothing else works.

I used the Johnson and Johnson’s baby shampoo but I omitted the rubbing alcohol, because I have no idea how the alcohol would react in my mask, and the last thing I want to do is ruin a perfectly good mask.

I was instantly amazed at the clarity. No Fog whatsoever!!!. I even purposely breathed through my nose, trying to fog it up, and it stayed perfectly clear. I kept my face in the water for over an hour.

Give it a try! Johnson and Johnson’s no tears baby shampoo (No alcohol)... Trust me, it’s unbelievable.
#20387
LatitudeAdjustment - 6/24/2017 7:34 PM
First step is to scrub glass with toothpaste before each trip.

Then a 50/50 mix of baby shampoo and water.

I’ve never heard of using alcohol in the mask and it sounds like a really bad idea. If you don’t rinse it all out it’s going to sting and probably not good for the skirt either.

I’ve been using Loreal baby shampoo for about 20 years "because I’m worth it!"
#3123
DiverfromBaskingRidge - 6/25/2017 8:19 AM
So if you are willing - one more time with the spit but this time rub the spit into the mask with your thumb or fingers - around the entire glass. Dont just spit and let it rinse around the glass...

I think you will be surprised how well spit really works.
#2461
Subscribed
Resqdivemedic - 6/25/2017 8:50 AM
I have always had good luck with the 50/50 baby shampoo mix. Keep it in a small spray bottle in mask case. But, when needed, spit has bailed me out a few times.
#547
Subscribed
ScoobahJim - 6/25/2017 12:54 PM
I havent tried using toothpaste before each dive. Maybe thats my problem. Maybe theres residual residue from the previous dive that needs to be cleaned off. I’ll try that and spit again.

Unfortunately the doctor has not cleared me to scuba dive yet, but he said as long as I’m not diving down, snorkeling is ok. Hopefully I can get a good test when the weather clears up.
#6400
BillParker - 6/25/2017 3:22 PM
Spit . If you fog up you didn’t spit enough.
#267
Subscribed
Starky - 6/26/2017 9:52 AM
Yep, the J & J baby shampoo is what I use as well. Got the tip from a dive charter in Hawaii. Carry a small travel bottle in my BCD. I put one drop in full strength and rub it around and one swish with water. Even if you flood your mask it stays clear.
#30
daduls - 6/26/2017 10:09 PM
Just about any brand of baby shampoo works. I keep a small bottle in my mask case at all times. Rub, rinse, dive, repeat.
#1343
Curtis - 6/30/2017 11:13 AM
Would only make me worry if I had to do a later underwater defog. (Remove mask and lick inside of glass.....note, FW diver) :-)