Let’s talk about something every swimmer deals with, but most people kind of ignore until it’s too late.
Foggy goggles.
Scratched lenses.
That weird smell from the straps after a few months in your swim bag.
Yeah. It’s gross. And kind of unnecessary. Cleaning your goggles doesn’t need to be a big event, but it does make a massive difference. Clearer vision, longer-lasting gear, and less frustration mid-swim when everything goes blurry.
So, whether you’re new to swimming or someone who’s been doing combat side stroke drills for years, this is the lowdown on keeping your goggles clean without wrecking them.
Why Cleaning Your Swimming Goggles Is Important
Swimmers deal with all kinds of goggle drama: fogging up mid-swim, grime building on the lenses, gross straps. Sound familiar?
Here’s what regular cleaning actually helps with:
- Fog control. Some fogging is natural, but dirty lenses make it worse.
- Clarity. A thin film of oils or chlorine buildup = blurry underwater vision.
- Hygiene. Bacteria love damp, warm places (like goggle cases).
- Durability. Clean goggles tend to last longer. Go figure.
Skip cleaning too often? Lenses wear out faster. Anti-fog coating peels off. And the goggle graveyard starts growing.
What You’ll Need
No fancy gadgets required. Just a few basics:
- Mild soap (dish soap or baby shampoo works)
- Soft cloth or microfiber towel
- Clean water (lukewarm is best)
- Optional: anti-fog spray
- A dry towel or surface to rest them on
Pro tip: Avoid any soaps that say “anti-bacterial” or “scrubbing power.” They’ll eat through your goggles like termites through a log.
How to Clean Swimming Goggles: Step-by-Step
1. Rinse Right After Swimming
Seriously. Don’t wait.
The moment you’re done, give your swimming goggles a quick rinse in clean, fresh water. This washes off chlorine, salt, sweat, and whatever your swim tossed onto the lenses.
If you swim daily, that simple rinse helps avoid long-term buildup.
Don’t use hot water, though. That can warp the plastic or mess with the coating. If you’re swimming in the ocean, be sure to check out open water swimming goggles, too!
2. Time for a Gentle Soap Bath
Not every day. Just when things feel gross or look cloudy.
Fill a small bowl or your sink with lukewarm water. Add a drop (literally just one drop) of mild soap. Swirl the goggles around for a bit, maybe 30 seconds.
Then use your fingers to gently rub the frame, the nose bridge, and the straps. Avoid touching the inside of the lenses too much; that’s where the anti-fog coating lives. Messing with it = bad idea.
Rinse again. All the soap has to come off, or it might sting your eyes next swim.
3. Wipe Down the Straps and Frame
That’s where sweat and skin oils build up the most.
Use a clean, soft cloth or even your fingers to wipe those areas down. Be gentle. No point turning cleaning into scratching.
A lot of people skip this step… and that’s how mould or yellowing shows up.
4. Dry Them Right
Don’t toss them wet into your bag. That’s asking for mould and stink.
Instead, pat them gently with a soft towel or just leave them to air dry on a clean surface.
Avoid direct sunlight, yeah, that’ll dry them fast, but it also damages the plastic and rubber. Think of it like sunscreen for your gear… except in reverse.
What Not to Do
Some people go full DIY YouTuber and end up destroying their goggles. Avoid these:
- Don’t use vinegar, toothpaste, or alcohol-based cleaners
- Don’t scrub with your nails or a rough cloth
- Don’t boil your goggles (seriously)
- Don’t touch the inner lens unless absolutely necessary
- Also, dishwashers? Just… no. That’s not how to treat gear you want to last.
Fog-Proofing Tips
Even clean goggles can fog up eventually. It’s just part of swimming life. But you can slow it down.
- Use anti-fog spray or drops if the coating starts to fade
- Rinse with water before each swim
- Try the baby shampoo trick (tiny dab, rinse gently, don’t wipe)
- Store them in a hard case, not floating around in your wet towel
And if nothing helps? Time for new goggles. Everything has a lifespan, no matter how well you care for it.
How Often Should Goggles Be Cleaned?
The short version:
- Rinse after every swim
- Deep clean once a week (or more if you swim daily)
- Reapply anti-fog as needed
- Inspect straps regularly, those break down faster than you think
A quick rinse after a toddler swimming lesson is easy. Waiting until they’re crusty with chlorine residue? Not so much.
Consistency = clarity.
When to Replace Them
No matter how clean you keep them, goggles don’t last forever.
If you’re:
- Still getting fog after cleaning and reapplying spray
- Noticing deep scratches that won’t go away
- Fighting with loose, overstretched straps
- Struggling to see clearly even with good lighting
…then it might be time to upgrade.
For swim instructors or folks looking into how to start a swim school, keeping backup goggles isn’t a bad idea either. Better than scrambling mid-lesson when a strap snaps.
Conclusion On How To Clean Swimming Goggles
Swimming goggles are one of those small things that make a huge difference. When they’re clean, dry, and fog-free, you don’t even think about them.
That’s the goal.
A quick rinse here. A soft wipe there. Store them right, skip the hacks, and you’ll save yourself from blurry vision and mid-swim frustrations. Plus, your goggles will last way longer, without needing replacements every few months.
Ready to take your swim routine seriously? Check out Swimhub for top-quality gear, swimming lessons in Singapore, and everything you need to swim smarter. Whether you’re just getting started or you’re already logging laps like a pro, Swimhub’s got your back.
Get in touch with us today!
Frequently Asked Questions About How To Clean Swimming Goggles
Can You Clean Swimming Goggles With Vinegar?
Not recommended. Vinegar is too acidic and can damage both the lenses and straps. Stick with mild soap and water.
How Do You Stop Goggles From Fogging Up?
Use anti-fog drops, avoid touching the inner lens, and rinse goggles before swimming. Reapply treatments as needed.
Can You Use Baby Shampoo on Goggles?
Yes,just a tiny drop works great as a gentle cleaner and DIY anti-fog. Rinse thoroughly afterward.
Is It Okay to Use Tissues or Paper Towels?
Nope. They can scratch the lenses easily. Use a microfiber cloth or let goggles air dry.
How Long Do Swimming Goggles Usually Last?
With regular use and good care? About 4 to 6 months. Heavy training might shorten that, while occasional swimmers might get a year or more.
