How to Stop Swimming Goggles from Fogging Up

clean swimming goggles

Whether you're a seasoned swimmer or just starting out, foggy goggles can be a frustrating obstacle in the pool. No one wants to constantly stop to clear their vision during a swim workout or a race. Luckily, there are several effective strategies to keep your goggles crystal clear and free from fog. Here’s how to keep goggles from fogging up and enjoy a hassle-free swimming experience.

How to Clean Swim Goggles: The First Line of Defense

Cleaning your goggles isn’t just about hygiene—it’s a critical step in preventing fog. Over time, residue from sunscreen, sweat, and pool chemicals can build up on the lenses, reducing their anti-fog coating’s effectiveness. Here’s how to keep them pristine:

  1. Rinse Immediately After Use: After every swim, rinse your goggles under cool, fresh water. This removes chlorine or saltwater that can degrade the lens coating.

  2. Use a Gentle Cleaner: Avoid harsh chemicals or abrasive cloths. Instead, wash lenses with a drop of mild dish soap or baby shampoo, then rinse thoroughly.

  3. Air Dry: Let them dry naturally, upside down, to avoid trapping moisture inside.

  4. Never Touch the Inside: Oils from your fingers can damage the anti-fog layer. Handle goggles by the edges.

Pro Tip: If your goggles lose their anti-fog coating, apply a tiny amount of saliva or a commercial defogging spray before swimming. Rinse lightly to spread the solution evenly.

Can You Get Prescription Swimming Goggles? Yes, Here’s How!

For swimmers who need vision correction, blurry underwater sights are a thing of the past. Prescription swim goggles are widely available and come in three main styles:

  1. Custom-Made Lenses: Brands like Speedo and Aqua Sphere offer goggles with lenses tailored to your prescription. Ideal for regular swimmers.

  2. Adjustable Inserts: Some models allow you to snap in prescription lenses, offering flexibility if your vision changes.

  3. Stick-On Adapters: Affordable temporary solutions that attach to existing goggles.

Pro Tip: Consult your optician to ensure your prescription matches your swimming needs. For open-water swimmers, consider polarized or tinted lenses to reduce glare.

Best Rated Swimming Goggles: Top Picks for Every Swimmer

Investing in high-quality goggles can make all the difference. Here are five crowd favorites:

  1. Speedo Fastskin Elite 3 Mirrored Goggles: Designed for competitive swimmers, these offer a hydrodynamic fit and UV protection.

  2. Aqua Sphere Kayenne: Known for a wide field of vision and comfortable silicone seals, perfect for long sessions.

  3. TYR Special Ops 2.0 Polarized: Polarized lenses cut glare in open water, while adjustable straps ensure a snug fit.

  4. Sumarpo Free 2.0: The ultra-wide lens design offers a 180-degree field of view, critical for sighting buoys in open water or navigating crowded race starts.
  5. Zoggs Predator Flex: Budget-friendly with anti-fog coating and UV protection.

  6. Swedish Goggles Myrtha: Minimalist design favored by purists; customizable fit for racing.

Pro Tip: Always try goggles before buying. A good seal around the eyes (without suction!) is key to comfort and leak prevention.

Understanding the Fog

Fog forms on goggles when the temperature inside the lens is different from the temperature outside. When warm, moist air from your face hits the cooler surface of the lenses, it condenses and creates that annoying fog. To combat this, it's essential to choose the right gear and follow a few preventative measures.

 

Choose the Best Anti-Fog Swimming Goggles

The first step in ensuring clear vision while swimming is to invest in the best anti-fog swimming goggles. Look for goggles specifically designed with anti-fog technology, such as Sumarpo's swimming goggles. They incorporate advanced anti-fog technology and anti-UV coating to keep your vision clear and your eyes protected from harmful rays.

Prepping Your Goggles

  1. Rinse with Fresh Water: Before putting on your goggles, rinse them with fresh water to remove any dust or debris. This helps create a smoother surface, reducing the likelihood of fog formation.

  2. Anti-Fog Solutions: Consider using an anti-fog spray or solution designed for swimming goggles. Apply a small amount to the inside of the lenses and let it dry before putting them on. This extra layer of protection can significantly reduce fogging.

  3. Baby Shampoo Trick: An old swimmer's trick is to use a small drop of baby shampoo on the inside of the goggles. Rinse gently, and the thin film it leaves behind can help prevent fog. Just make sure to use a mild, tear-free formula!

Proper Usage Tips

  • Don’t Touch the Inside of the Lenses: Avoid touching the inside of your goggles, as oils from your fingers can contribute to fogging. This is especially important for clear swimming goggles, which can be more susceptible to smudges.

  • Wear a Swim Cap: Wearing a swim cap can help reduce the amount of warm air that escapes from your head and hits the goggles, minimizing fogging.

 

Maintenance Matters

  1. Clean After Use: Always rinse your goggles with fresh water after swimming. This helps remove chlorine, salt, and other chemicals that can degrade the anti-fog coating over time.

  2. Avoid Sunlight: Store your goggles in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight. UV rays can damage the lenses and anti-fog coatings, leading to reduced effectiveness.

  3. Check for Scratches: Regularly inspect your goggles for scratches or damage. Scratched lenses can trap moisture and exacerbate fogging issues. If your goggles are damaged, it’s time to invest in a new pair.


Keeping your goggles fog-free doesn’t have to be a challenge. By investing in the best anti-fog swimming goggles and following these simple tips, you can enjoy clear vision and a more comfortable swimming experience. With Sumarpo swimming goggles featuring anti-fog technology and anti-UV coating, you’ll be well-equipped to tackle your next swim without the hassle of foggy lenses.