Clarity Beyond Compare: Unveiling the Magic of Anti-Fog Spray for Goggles

Anti Fog Spray For Goggles How to Keep Them from Fogging Up

Nothing spoils a day on the slopes or taking a dip in the pool more than the frustration associated with foggy airborne condensation on your goggles. Just when you've got your snowboarders balanced and steady, or your underwater exploration timed to perfection, up clouds the fog! Fortunately, there are solutions for stopped-up eyewear.

Goggles fog up when there is a temperature differential between the outside and inside temperatures of your goggles. When the outside temperature is cooler than the sweat and breath on your face, the moisture in the air vaporizes and trapped near your eyes is visible as fog.

The easiest and most reliable anti-fog solutions are available commercially, although this route can be more costly compared to DIY home solutions. Generally anti-fog solutions come in a spritz form and are applied to the lenses where they form a thin coating that reduces condensation adhesion. Typically these solutions contain ingredients such as silicone, dimethicone, additives, propylene glycol, isopropyl alcohol and/or distilled water.

The pros of these products are that they are generally easy to use, last and are hassle free while giving good results. The cons include potentially having to buy more often and usually cost more over time than the DIY solutions.

  • Easy to apply
  • Chemically-formulated to provide a long-lasting anti-fog effect
  • Hands-free operation
  • Offers complete weather resistance

ProsCons
Easy to useMore expensive
Long-lastingMust be reapplied often with higher-priced items

An inexpensive and effective alternative to commercial anti-fog products are DIY solutions created from various household ingredients. Using a combination of 2 parts dish soap to 1 part water, spritzed and massaged into the lens with a cloth or paper towel will create a film that works similarly to commercial products.

Another solution is to combine 1 part white vinegar and 1 part water and apply the same way as the soap method. Some snowboarders swear by the toothpaste method, which requires applying a thin-layer of non-gel toothpaste to the goggles. Due to the high acidic content, the toothpaste can be caustic and erode the lenses over time.

  • Cheap and easy
  • No need to purchase more material
  • No harsh chemicals
  • Eco-friendly

ProsCons
Cheap and easy to useInconsistent results
Flexibility of household ingredientsMay not be as long-lasting as commercial products

No matter which solution you use to keep your goggles from fogging up, proper maintenance and care will prolong their effectiveness and life. After each use wipe off residue and clean lenses with a soft cloth. It's important to avoid using any harsh chemicals or cleaners that have the potential to damage the anti-fog properties and also your goggles as a whole.

When shopping for the perfect pair of goggles look for adjustable vents that allow you to open and close based on the conditions. Goggles that have built-in double lenses can also provide anti-fog effects and also impact resistance and crystal clear optics.

Manufacturers are also introducing new anti-fog technologies. For example, Smith Optics offers ICT anti-fog technology and Zeal Optics Lenses feature Optimum lens technology which creates a hydrophobic barrier to reduce lens fogging.

No matter which solution you choose to use its important to remember that goggles are part of an active lifestyle and can take a beating. Be sure to check your goggles regularly for wear and tear and replace when needed. Replace anti-fog solutions frequently to ensure a proper layer of protection on the lenses.

When it comes to anti-fog solutions the market can be overwhelming. Popular choices include SMITH Optics I/OX Low Light Ignitor Plus Snow Goggle, ZEAL Optics Z3 Polarized Optics Goggles with Optimum Lens Technology, Aqua Sphere Swimming Goggles with Anti-Fog Technology, and MOTINE Anti-Fog Spray.

Fogged up goggles have the potential to cause frustration while detracting from any activity. Don't let fogged up lenses become a problem again. With a variety of anti-fog solution and technologies available there's no excuse for steamed up eyewear. Be sure to maintain your goggles and replace when necessary and choose the right solution for your environment.