Is there anything more frustrating than jumping into the water feeling like Jacques Cousteau, only to end up seeing less than a mole in fogged-up goggles? You suit up, adjust your mask, do the backroll like a pro… and two minutes later—bam! You’re watching your own breath floating around as mist. Everything’s blurry, the fish vanish, and you’re down there playing hide and seek with the reef.
Don’t worry, you’re not alone. Even seasoned divers deal with this. But the good news is: there are some very simple (and some pro-level) ways to stop that annoying fogging. Here are the best tricks—from home remedies to high-tech solutions. Let’s get you seeing the ocean floor the way it’s meant to be!
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Home remedies to prevent dive mask fogging
Sometimes you don’t need to spend a fortune. With what you’ve got at home (or in your mouth 😅), you can work wonders to keep your mask crystal clear.
1. Saliva: The timeless classic
Yeah, we know… it doesn’t sound great. But if you’ve ever gone diving, you’ve seen someone do it. Spitting in your mask is a classic for a reason. Just a small amount of saliva (no need to go overboard), rub it on the inside of the lens, then rinse it with seawater. Done. The saliva creates a thin film that prevents moisture from condensing.
👉 Tip: Do it right before getting in the water, not 15 minutes before.
2. Toothpaste (the white kind, not gel)
When a mask is new, it often has factory residues that make fogging worse. A common solution is to rub white toothpaste (the most basic one you have) on the inside of the glass, let it sit for a few minutes, then rinse thoroughly. This cleans the surface and helps reduce fogging.
🚫 Avoid toothpastes with granules or harsh whitening agents.
3. Fire: The brave diver’s trick
This is only for tempered glass masks, not plastic ones. The idea is to carefully pass a lighter flame over the inside of the glass to burn off a microscopic silicone layer left from manufacturing. Then follow with toothpaste and rinse.
⚠️ Do this carefully—or better yet, have someone experienced do it for you.
4. Potato (yes, you read that right)
One of those tricks that sounds like an urban myth, but actually works. Cut a raw potato and rub the inside of your mask with it. The starch creates a natural anti-fog layer. Who knew a potato could help you dive?
Anti-Fog Products
If spitting and burning aren’t your thing, there are purpose-made products to prevent mask fogging. And many of them are super effective and easy to use.
1. Anti-fog sprays
They come in many brands and usually in small bottles. Just spray the inside of your mask, let it sit for a few seconds, and rinse lightly (if the instructions say so). They’re practical, portable, and pretty effective. Be sure to read the instructions—some need rinsing, others don’t.
2. Gels or concentrated solutions
These work like sprays but come in thicker form. Apply a drop, rub it in, and rinse. Great for frequent divers since one application lasts longer.
3. Anti-fog wipes
Like the ones used for eyeglasses, but made for diving. Pre-moistened and ready to use. Convenient, though not as long-lasting as spray or gel. A good emergency option to keep in your mask box.
4. Masks with anti-fog coating
Some brands sell masks with built-in anti-fog treatments. They’re not magic, but they help a lot. Just note that the coating can wear off over time, so you may still need to use other methods.
Tips to avoid a foggy mask
Beyond remedies and products, your habits can either help—or hurt—your underwater visibility. Here are a few simple but effective tips:
1. Don’t breathe through your nose (if you can avoid it)
Breathing through your nose creates more humidity inside the mask, which leads to fogging. Use your regulator and breathe through your mouth—it makes a difference.
2. Make sure the mask is dry before putting it on
Putting it on wet or with leftover water from the day before is a sure way to fog it up. Clean and dry it well before each use.
3. Proper fit
If water keeps getting in, it causes humidity and fogging. Make sure your mask fits snugly—not too tight.
A good technique is to gently inhale through your nose to create a vacuum seal when putting it on.
4. Don’t use facial creams or sunscreen just before diving
Believe it or not, oils and creams can transfer to the glass and increase fogging. If you need sunscreen, apply it in advance and clean your face well before putting the mask on.
5. Rinse your mask just before entering the water
A good rinse with seawater before getting in helps equalize the temperature and reduces fogging from the get-go.
Dive fog-free!
There you have it: grandma’s tricks, DIY hacks, modern products, and good ol’ common sense. Keeping your dive mask from fogging up isn’t magic—it’s just a matter of prep and habit. So next time you strap on your mask, remember one of these tips and enjoy your dive without constantly taking your mask off.
Because the underwater world is meant to be admired—not guessed at.
Nick is a Scuba Diving Instructor, and former Fire Fighter. He is a very experienced diver (he’s been diving since he was 12) and a great Instructor. He has issued more than 600 scuba diving certifications to students from every corner of the world.
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