So the other day when I was swimming, I noticed some black spots on my goggles around the silicone parts (I wear vanquishers). At first I thought that it was just mascara that had rubbed off *waterproof mascara is not really waterproof*. I cleaned them with soap and water, put them in their case in my bag, and went on my way.
Well they are back, and I haven't worn mascara for several days. EWWW!
I soaked them in a solution of bleach and water, used a q-tip to get the nasties out of the silicone (which was a pain in the butt!). I washed them really well after that in soap and water again. I hung them up to dry in my bathroom.
Any tips on how to keep them clean and keep this from happening? I'm sure this was asked before but I couldn't find it. The case I use is mesh and I keep them in my mesh side pocket of my bag.
I find soaking goggles in a solution of water + Johnson's baby shampoo is the best for keeping them clean. As far as putting them in a case, though, I never do and my goggles last forever. Between swims, my goggles are either drying on a hook in the garage or in a vat of the water/shampoo solution.
Since I haven't worn mascara since some clubbing in the 80s, I can't help you on that front.:bolt:
Some people rinse their goggles in vinegar for multiple reasons. The weak acid solution will clean off any deposits and, I presume, also kill mildew before it has a chance to spread.
I learned it right here on this forum, and have tested it at home: Goggles with a silicone gasket are dishwasher-safe. A pair fits nicely in one of the compartments of the flatware basket. In my experience, however, the vanquishers eventually get cruddy no matter how I store or maintain them. Fortunately, even the corrective ones are not too expensive.
i ditto PWB on the baby shampoo dilution for keeping goggles clean and fog free! In fact I learned this trick from him here on this forum.
Sometimes I just wash my goggles while I'm in the shower with the liquid soap in the dispenser on the wall; it works almost as well as the baby shampoo.
I have never had goggles turn cruddy on the silicone. I do not store mine in a container, I just lay them on top of whatever is in my bag. I also alternate goggles meaning I use them every other swim. I'm trying to avoid permanent eye-socket gr0oves in my head.
To PWB: Do you have any pics of yourself back in your clubbing days with your mascara eyes? :applaud:
Thanks for all of the helpful tips! I had beautiful clean goggles for my swim today and hopefully for the next few days!
Former Member
TYR makes a Anti-Fog spray that I use before each and every swim works like a charm!!! My workout is one hour and fifteen minutes six days a week and I never have fog issues or have to stop my workout do to fogging issues. The spray cleans them as well:applaud:
I wear Speedo Baja Active or Performance Goggles.
I've heard from some of the folks I have in the pool that a vigorous rub w/ Johnson's baby shampoo will keep the clarity in your goggles for ... well a long time. I believe this has to do with the cleanliness of the inner surface and the surface tension of the goggle's plastic after using the shampoo.
Former Member
A quick soapy water rinse (then rinse off with clear water) before putting them on works 100% for me. It's easy, no-fail, and keeps them clean, too, much preferred to wasting your DNA by spitting, which is so gross :)
(shampoo should be similar to liquid soap)
