A Scuba Mask may be considered as a cheap piece of Scuba Diving equipment in comparison to the rest of the other pieces in the Scuba kit, but it is also the only item that is always owned by every Scuba diver, you can rarely find a diver with a rented scuba mask.

Scuba divers are fondly attached to their scuba mask, as they put great effort into selecting the right type of mask that has the perfect fit. That’s why every scuba diver must learn how to properly care for their scuba mask so that once you purchase that right one, it serves you for many years.

Go along with us in this article to know 4 important tips on how to maintain your scuba mask.

How To Maintain Your Scuba Mask 

Follow the next tips to know how to properly maintain your scuba mask in order to make it serves you for several years:

• Clean your scuba mask.
• Keep your mask free from any scratches.
• Rinse your scuba mask in freshwater after your dive.
• Store your scuba mask in a dry place away from sunlight.

Clean Your Scuba Mask

As a scuba diver, when you first buy yours, the first step to maintain your scuba mask is to rub the surface of both the inside and outer glass with a tiny amount of toothpaste with your index finger. 

This step will help you to remove the thin layer of oil that is coated above the silicone surface of the mask by manufacturers in order to protect the silicone in the storage and shipping processes. 

You can also use the toothpaste to clean your used mask from any dirt or oils from your head, suntan lotion etc… Do that by gently rubbing the paste while applying minimal pressure to clear both the internal and outer surfaces from any dirt or oils. 

The toothpaste has micro abrasive particles that will clear dirt and oil from the mask lenses and its microscopic dents and scratches that are on it. 

Keep Your Mask Free From Any Scratches

To ensure that your Scuba Mask remains scratch free, Never lay your mask face-down on any of both surfaces to make sure it is free from any scratches, as if you do that the lenses may be scratched and the viewing surfaces will be permanently damaged by the crusty sea salt, sand and dirt that are on the dive boat or piers. 

When you aren’t wearing your scuba mask, ensure to always put it face upwards. Take care about the place in which you place your mask in the dive boat. Many scuba divers are exhausted after diving and simply toss their masks into the boat with their other scuba diving equipment and scuba tanks. Unfortunately, that can damage, scratch or even crush their masks easily. 

To ensure that your mask won’t be scratched by any of the items of scuba equipment, put it into a mask protective box in your dive bag.

Rinse Your Scuba Mask in Freshwater After Your Dive

Don’t forget to  rinse your mask in clean, freshwater after each scuba diving trip, as Salt and grime can attack the soft silicone in the mask causing its degradation over time. 

If you have a long wait between two dives, make sure you have a source of freshwater near you or at least carry a freshwater bucket with you to be able to rinse your mask before the next underwater adventure.  

Dry yout mask thoroughly with microfiber cloth or lint free before you store it in a mask plastic hard case. If you didn’t get one with your mask, it is highly recommended to have one to protect your mask while traveling.  

In your surface intervals, ensure to have a mesh bag hanging in the dive boat that can’t be reached, and the air will allow the mask to be dried. The step of cleaning and airing out your scuba mask also guarantees that it is odor free, so your next experience will be free from strange smells.

Store Your Scuba Mask in a Dry Place Away From Sunlight

The most important tip to maintain your scuba mask is to make sure your mask stays away from direct sunlight as much as possible in the storing step.

The direct Sunlight and high temperatures attack the rubber and silicone of your mask, causing the translucent soft silicone to turn into a yellow hard mass, that causes the mask to leak and degrade over time. Mask bands and straps that were exposed to sunlight for long periods are supposed to form cracks and break easily when you stretch them. 

Ensure storing your mask inside its protective case in a cool dark place away from moist. Put a silica gel packet or desiccant inside your mask protective case to absorb any moisture. 

You may find it odd to keep your scuba mask _that you are using underwater- away from moisture, but prolonged exposure to moisture will damage your mask and the silicone material will degrade over time. While on a dive trip, make sure that when not using your scuba mask, that you place it in a cool area, away from direct sunlight.