Guide to Clean, Repair and Store Snow/Ski Goggles:
Bright day, cool weather, you are uphill with your skiing gear, ready to ski. You have been dreaming of this moment for a very long time. You wear your goggles. You notice that you have smudges in your lens. You don’t have a clear lens. Instead of making your curves on the slope, you are still cleaning the lens. We all have been there. Even the highest quality goggles still have to be cleaned and maintained properly, so that the lens stay smudge and fog free.
Why Should I Clean My Goggles?
Your goggles (snowboard goggles / ski goggles) must be cleaned regularly. The reason doesn’t stop with you having a clear vision during ski. The goggle lenses damage with ease if not maintained properly. This directly affects the goggle’s longevity. The last thing you want is wasting your hard earned money into buying ski goggles every season.
So, Can I Clean My Ski Goggles Like My Sunglasses?
The short answer is No. High quality ski goggles such as Magnus and Ottho are delicate in nature since their lenses are more flexible. Their patented double lens has anti fog coating applied which prevents your goggles from fogging up. Improper cleaning can damage this coating and might need to buy a new goggle.
What Do I Need To Clean My Goggles?
You might be wondering if you might need a goggle clean kit for your snow goggle. That’s a good place to start with. But even if you don’t have a goggle kit, it is advisable to use the cleaning cloth that comes with your goggle. Alternatively you can use any microfibre cloth. Using a goggle cleaning solution is the best way to clean your ski goggle.
How Do I Clean My Goggles?
Cleaning your goggles should be done with delicacy. Follow the steps below to not damage your precious goggle lens,
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Preparing the goggle
The first and foremost step is to make sure you get rid off the snow on the goggles. You can do this by using the microfiber cloth. Then make sure you let the goggle air dry by itself. Lastly, make sure that the lens is not wet.
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Cleaning the exterior lens
Shake off the goggles if you still see some water spots. You can use your microfiber cloth by blotting it on the spots. Never wipe it, so that you wouldn’t accidentally rub dirt into lens. Then gently wipe the outer surface with water and the cloth.
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Cleaning The Interior Lens
Do this only if its ever needed, the inside lens is super-delicate and be damaged. Also, the lens has anti-fog coating on the inside. Use your microfiber cloth to remove the dust. Always make sure that the lens is dry. If there is moisture, you would end up wiping the anti-fog layer. That will make your goggles fog up all the time.
How To Repair Anti-fog Coating?
It happens to the best of us. You could have accidentally damaged your anti-fog coating. Don’t worry you can always buy a anti-fog spray or anti-fog wipes for a temporary fix. If your goggles fogs up often, use a replacement lens or a new anti-fog goggles.
How To Prevent Ski Goggles From Fogging?
Fogging happens if you forego the precautions. The only thing you need to be wary off is cleaning the inside of your goggle while its wet. You are damaging the anti-fog coating. Dry your goggle after you bump or at the end of the day. Let the moisture evaporate by itself. Read the detailed explanation on why fog occurs and how to keep your goggles fog free.
How To Repair Lens Scratches?
If the exterior / outer lens of your goggle is scratched, you can try using the microfiber cloth along with lens cleaning solution. Wipe over the scratched spots delicately. If the amount of scratch, obstructs your vision, get a replacement lens.
How To Store Your Ski Goggle?
Don’t use your ski goggle as a fashion accessory but as a delicate winter sports accessory. Avoid hanging them on top of your helmet, sides of your bag or anywhere else. Your goggles always need good air ventilation to prevent fogging up of lenses. In the same note avoid placing them at higher temperatures or directly under sunlight. Because the extreme temperature differences would deteriorate the foam. Follow the steps below for optimal storage,
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Always dry your goggle before storing
Moisture is the main enemy of your goggles; it will accumulate in the foam and lens. It is always advised to dry your goggles to remove the accumulated moisture. Let them air dry, never a dryer or a air heater.
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Use the goggle bag / pouch
To reduce the risk of scratches always store your goggles after drying. The bag is usually compact and light weight protecting your goggle from accidental drops. They are also the best way to carry your Rx goggles. Always remember to carry your goggle pouch.
What Are The Common Ski Goggle Cleaning Mistakes?
- Not taking care or maintaining your snow goggles
- Resting the goggle on top of helmet
- Cleaning your goggles while its wet or has moisture
- Using T-shirt, towel or paper towels instead of a microfibre cloth for cleaning
- Using a cleaning solution that is too hard on the lens
- Smudging the lens by rubbing it with hands
- Not using a goggle bag to store the goggle.
- Storing your goggles in extreme hot or cold environment, this also includes your car.