How Do I Care for My Snow Goggles?

Snow goggles are an essential piece of gear for any snow enthusiast, whether you’re hitting the slopes for skiing, snowboarding, or simply enjoying a winter wonderland. Proper care of your snow goggles ensures they last longer and perform at their best, giving you clear vision in all conditions. Here’s some advice from our Snowscene team for how to take care of your snow goggles and avoid common mistakes that can damage them.

1. Handle Your Goggles with Care

• Store them in a protective case when not in use to prevent scratches or other damage to the lens.
• Avoid placing your goggles on your forehead or helmet, as this can expose the inner lens to moisture, leading to fogging.

2. Keep Them Clean, But Be Cautious

After a day on the slopes, your goggles may accumulate snow, fingerprints, and moisture. It’s important to clean them properly but be cautious not to damage the lenses:

• Do Not Wipe the Inside of the Lens: One of the biggest mistakes people make is wiping the inside of the goggle lens when it fogs up. This might seem like the right thing to do, but it can actually remove the anti-fog coating over time. Once this coating is gone, it cannot be replaced, leaving your goggles more prone to fogging in the future.
• Use a Microfibre Cloth: To clean the outside of the lens, use the soft microfibre cloth that comes with your goggles. Gently blot the lens instead of wiping, especially if there’s moisture present. For the inside of the lens, it’s best to let any moisture air-dry or gently shake the goggles to remove loose particles.
• Cleaning Inside of the Lens – If you need to remove finger prints or marks from the inside of the lens.  It’s essential that you wait until the lens is dry and try to dab the mark off rather than wiping to avoid damaging the anti-fog coating.

3. Proper Storage Matters

• Always store your goggles in a soft pouch or hard protective case when they’re not in use. This protects the lenses from scratches, dust, and accidental damage.
• Make sure your goggles are completely dry before storing them to prevent mold or mildew forming inside the lens. If you have any silica gel packets they are excellent to use to help prevent moisture damage in storage.

4. Avoid Excessive Heat and Humidity

• Never expose them to direct sunlight for extended periods or next to a heater as the heat can damage the lens coatings and warp the frame.
• Store your goggles in a cool, dry place to maintain their shape and effectiveness.

5. Protect the Anti-Fog Coating

• The anti-fog coating on the inside of your goggle lens is a critical feature that helps you maintain clear vision in varying conditions. To preserve this coating, avoid touching the inside of the lens as much as possible.
• If your goggles do fog up, resist the urge to wipe the lens. Instead, lift the goggles away from your face to allow air circulation.

6. Replace Lenses When Necessary

• Over time, even with the best care, lenses may become scratched, lose their anti-fog coating, or simply wear out. Most high-quality goggles offer replacement lenses, so you don’t have to buy a new pair of goggles when this happens.
• Keep an eye on the condition of your lenses and replace them when necessary to ensure you always have clear vision on the slopes.

7. Use Goggles in Their Intended Conditions

• Different goggle lenses are designed for different light conditions. Make sure to use the right lens for the current weather and light conditions to maximize visibility and performance.
• Avoid using your snow goggles for activities they weren’t designed for, as this can lead to quicker wear and tear.

Taking care of your snow goggles is essential for maintaining their performance and extending their lifespan. By following these tips, you’ll be able to enjoy clear, fog-free vision on the slopes for many seasons to come. Remember, the key is to handle your goggles with care, avoid wiping the inside lens, and store them properly when not in use.

For more information on snow gear care or to browse our selection of top-quality snow goggles from iconic brands such as Smith, Giro & Oakley, visit Snowscene today!