After the amazing dive you have done and the great pictures you have taken, it’s time now to go ahead to the hotel and relax, but before you toss your equipment in a pile, take a few minutes and clean your snorkeling here and care for it properly.

Some things like debris, saltwater, fragments, sand, seaweeds and shells can wreak havoc on it and create bacteria in your scuba diving equipment, so, you need to care for it properly.

Our article can be your simple post-swim cleaning guide that will help you to maintain both the quality and durability of your diving equipment for years to come.

7 Steps to Clean Your Snorkeling Gear 

After each dive follow this simple steps to clean your snorkeling your properly and maintain its quality and durability for years to come: 

• Rinse your equipment with fresh water.
• Soak your mask in warm water
• Clean your snorkel.
• Rinse and soak your fins in warm water.
• Wipe all the equipment with a sponge.
• Dry the equipment.
• Store the equipment.

Rinse Your Equipment with Fresh Water 

Rinse all your snorkeling gear with fresh water, then ensure to remove any debris if found including sand.

Soak Your Mask in Warm Water 

Soak your mask -with its face up- with mild dish soap or a silicone-based cleaning solution. Ensure to use a cleaner that is free from alcohol or petroleum.

Use water that is lukewarm in temperature as hot water can soften the skirt of the mask and leave your mask with a poor fit. 

Clean Your Snorkel 

Clean your snorkel with warm water containing dish detergent in order to remove any debris. Never use bleach or solution containing one of the chlorine derivatives because the chlorine attacks plastic leaving it brittle causing the mask to crack.

Rinse and Soak Your Fins in Warm Water 

Rinse your scuba fins and soak them in warm water containing soap. Both baby shampoo and dish detergent. It is preferable to use a soft-bristled toothbrush to make sure cleaning all the debris. 

Wipe All the Equipment with a Sponge 

Use a soft sponge or nonabrasive cloth to wipe all the snorkeling gear to prevent any scratches on your equipment. 

Unfortunately, a small scratch on your mask can obstruct your view and also create a breeding ground in which bacteria can hide and grow.

Dry the Equipment 

Let the equipment dry before you store it in order to ensure there is no standing water remaining, causing bacteria and mold later.

Store the Equipment

Store your snorkeling gear in a dry place away from direct sunlight and keep your mask in a protective case.

For a deep cleaner of older snorkel equipment, use 2 equal parts from water and vinegar. Don’t forget to rinse and dry your snorkeling gear in between each use.

Even if your gear seems to be pretty clean after getting out of the water, there are a ton of various contaminants and bacteria in the ocean that you can’t see on its surface. 

Ensure to clean snorkeling gear thoroughly after each use to make them last in good conditions for years and keep them functioning as good as the day you bought them. When you keep your equipment in a better way, you will need less overall cleaning to perform each season.