How to clean your ski goggles

How to clean your ski goggles

It's a bright and clear day and you are ready to hit the slopes. You suit up, put on your ski goggles, and realize that they are full of smudges. So instead of carving in the snow, you are stuck having to clean your goggles first. If you've been there before, you know that dirty ski goggles are among the top things that can ruin your day on the slopes.

So how do we clean our ski goggles properly? Are we going to give them a quick wipe with our gloves or t-shirt? We are going to tell you everything there is to know about how to clean your ski goggles.

 Heres a summary of the content ahead:

 

Why do we need specific goggle cleaning?

The cleaning solution for your goggles is not as simple as your sunglasses. For sunglasses you could pull out a wipe and go ahead. For most goggles you have a more delicate procedure. The lens surface is flexible and less scratch resistant and the inside of the lens often has an anti-fog coating applied. Simply cleaning it with wipes would scratch the snowboard goggles forever and remove the anti-fog coating.

Properly cleaned ski goggle

What cleaning material should I use?

If your ski goggle came in a storage bag or with a cleaning cloth, use this to clean your lens. Otherwise you can also use a high-quality microfibre cloth. Don't use the quick wipe solutions like your t-shirt, a towel or paper towels to clean your goggles. These will most likely scratch your lenses. 

Besides the wipe material, there is one other important rule. Only use additive-free water for cleaning your goggle lenses. Chemical additives in household cleaners can result in damage to the anti-fog and reflective coatings.

Cleaning the exterior lens without scratching it

Cleaning the exterior lens is pretty straight forward, just follow the steps below:

  • Never rub your lens when wet! This will rub off reflective mirror coatings and scratch the lens. It's best to shake off excessive snow and water first.
  • When there is ice on the lens, warm it up in your pockets.
  • If shaking the goggle didn't take of all the water. Blot the lens dry, never wipe the lens. This way you won't rub dirt into the lens.
  • Only clean your goggle exterior lens with warm water and microfiber cloth.
  • Allow your goggles to dry.

Cleaning interior lens with anti fog coating

Cleaning the interior of the goggle lens is different from the outer lens. Most ski goggle lenses are provided with an anti-fog coating or layer. This anti-fog coating is easily damaged by any kind of wiping. The best way to keep it clean, is to never touch it and leave it alone.

Anti-fog layer on ski goggle lens 

However, if snow, dust or other filth has clung on there is a possible solution. The anti-fog coating is active when it's wet, but when dry it is much harder to wipe off. Make sure your goggle dries up properly and get your fine microfiber cloth. Gently wipe of the filth on the dry inner lens and remember don't put pressure on the goggle lens. You could still wipe of the anti-fog coating. 

What if you wipe of the anti-fog coating?

Well there is no way back now. The anti-fog coating is gone or ruined. In some cases you can reapply the anti-fog coating by using anti-fog sprays. These will be less efficient and temporary but will do the work. You might have to reapply the anti-fog spray every few days to work properly.

If that's too much of a hassle, your probably better of buying a new lens or ski goggle. 

Store your goggles dry in a goggle bag and hard case

Storing ski goggles properly is one of the most important factors in keeping them flawless. When you're done using them, let them air dry. Do this in room temperature, as extreme cold or heat can damage the goggle. When they are dry, store them in the microfiber bag and hard case. The hard case is convenient when stashing the goggle away for some time. 

Ski goggle EVA hard case

Do you need a hard case and microfiber pouch? Check out our EVA hard case by clicking the button below.

 

Having extra spare interchangeable lenses

The benefit of a replacement lens is that you always have a back-up pair with you. If one of your lenses is dirty and not usefull, just replace it with one of your properly clean replacement lenses. Later when you have the facilities available, you can clean the lens properly again. It is also a cheaper option than having a backup pair of snow goggles.

Spare lenses also come in handy when weather conditions are changing. The convenience of having a spare lens is huge! If you are looking for interchangeable lenses, the magnetic exchangeable system is the best available! Interested? Check out out magnetic ski goggles by hitting the button below.

SHOP MAGNETIC GOGGLES

Quality ski goggles will last longer

This would be no surprise, but quality ski goggles will last longer. Most ski goggles have better and longer lasting coatings. Examples are permanent anti-fog layers and extra hard anti-scratch layers. If you don;t want to experience troubles with lenses, make sure to buy our quality ski and snowboard goggles!

Questions and answers

How do you clear or clean cloudy ski goggles?

 The best option is to use the manufacturers supplied cleaning cloth. Those are commonly made out of high-quality microfiber and are perfect for cleaning the goggle lens. Make sure that your goggle is dry and don't put alot of pressure on the lens surfaces as this might cause light scratches. 

Can I wipe the inside of my ski goggles?

The inside of the lens is treated with fog reducing layers and stays best when not touched. We do not recommend touching the inner lens. A cleaning solution is to let it air dry and wipe of gently with a microfiber cloth. Remember not to put alot of pressure on the lens surface.

How do you clean old ski goggles?

You can clean old ski goggles the same way as new ski goggles. This is described in the article above.

How do you clean smelly ski goggles?

The smell of your ski goggles is in the foam padding of your goggles. The best way to remove the smell is by replacing the foam padding. But not all manufactureres supply kits to replace those. 

An easy way to clean it is to remove the lens from the frame and let it rest in soapy water for a while. Let it soak for some time and then gently wring the smell out. After cleaning, let the goggles air dry.

How do you clean goggles without removing anti-fog?

The anti-fog coating is active when it's wet, but when dry it is much harder to wipe off. Make sure your goggle dries up properly and get your fine microfiber cloth. Gently wipe of the filth on the dry inner lens and remember don't put pressure on the goggle lens. You could still wipe of the anti-fog coating.

Can you use lens wipes on ski goggles?

Yes you can use lens wipes on the outer lens of the goggle. Be careful that there is no dust and preferably use microfiber wipes to prevent scratching the lens.

How do you protect snow goggles?

Ski goggles are best protected in a microfiber pouch and hard case.

Ski goggle case from Vizer

How often should you replace ski goggles?

This depends on the quality you buy and how keen you are on your goggles. A good pair of snow goggles can last for ten years. They will become outdated and might smell. Buying customizable goggles is a great solution. If something breaks or isn't working to your preferances you can simply swap them for a new part. The Slopester ski goggle is one of those customizable goggles. These can last forever! Check them out by hitting the button below.


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