How to Clean Ski Goggles

Ski goggles protect you from the cold wind and snow while you slide down the slope. They represent one of the important ski equipment that you should take good care of.
No matter what kind of ski goggles you have, and no matter their features, you need to maintain and clean them so that you can continue to see through them properly and they won't get blurry.

To clean your ski goggles without damaging the lenses, frame, or destroying their features, you have to use a cleaning solution with eyeglass cloth or a microfiber cleaning cloth and make sure you apply gentle pressure while cleaning. It is best that you use the manufacturer's recommended cleaning materials to avoid damages.

Ski goggles are flexible and more delicate to clean, and despite how easy it appears to clean your goggles, there are many things that you can get wrong. Thus, to avoid making an expensive mistake, take a look at our cleaning tips below.

Easy steps to clean ski goggles

Step 1

Prepare the recommended cleaning materials. Typically, it consists of a microfiber cleaning cloth and a cleaning solution. Make sure that the cloth is not rough to prevent abrasion or even cracking the lenses. You also have to check that your cleaning solution is compatible with the lens' material, which is typically plastic, to avoid damaging it. It is better to use a cleaning solution or an authentic cleaning spray for ski goggles that you can find at a local ski shop, sporting store, or online.

Step 2

When you have all your cleaning materials ready, make sure to use only a few drops of cleaning solution on only half of the microfiber cleaning cloth, and start by wiping off the inside of the lens until the dust and grime come off.

Step 3

Always remember to apply a gentle pressure and wipe the ski goggles' lens in a circular motion. Being forceful or applying too much pressure might scrub off the anti-fog coating and might push the lens out of the frame. Keep an essentially light stroke for patting away dirt and residue that is clinging to the lens.

Step 4

When you have completely removed the unwanted residue, use the other half of the cloth to wipe the goggles' lens and make it as dry and polished as possible. Continue applying light, gentle strokes while wiping the lens in a circular motion. Check the whole surface if it is already moisture-free.

Step 5

After cleaning the interior of the lens, follow the same procedure for the outer part of the lens to remove all the dirt and residue.

Cleaning the frame foam

Most goggles' frames are moisture-wicking, but they can still end up soaked due to sweat and the fact that we sometimes forget to dry the goggles after use, which can also cause bad smell.

To clean the frame foam, combine warm water with a few drops of dish soap and work a nice lather on the foam. Then, rinse it out with warm water and blot it dry with a towel. Note not to touch the interior lens, or you can simply remove it altogether, if possible.

Defog your ski goggles

To prevent fogging, make sure that the vents are not blocked.
Vents are designed to allow for good airflow, and if they are blocked, the goggles will not release warm air out, which will cause fogging.
On warmer days, you can remove your goggles from your face and allow air to circulate around the lens. You can also wave your goggles around to speed this up. This is done to avoid wiping the lenses, which can cause damage on the anti-fog coating.
You can also blot the lenses dry with a microfiber cloth or you can use an anti-fog spray as last resort. It is best to check with the goggles' manufacturer to make sure that you use the appropriate anti-fog spray.

Additional tips

For drying wet lenses, use the recommended cleaning cloth and begin by blotting the surface; not wiping it. To ensure that you don't rub the dirt against the lenses or accidentally remove its anti-fog coating, use the blotting technique.

Use only the recommended cleaning bag, cloth, or microfiber cloth for cleaning the lenses because regular towels or standard clothing might damage the lenses due to their rough fabric. Avoid using paper towels because they will also cause some serious scratches and strip the lens' anti-fog coating.

If you do not have any cleaning spray or solution, you can use warm water and a microfiber cloth to clean the lens.

It is best that you use a cleaning solution that is approved and recommended by the manufacturer to avoid damaging the delicate anti-fog coating of the lens.

Besides, invest in a durable hard case. This is highly recommended to protect expensive goggles and lenses when they are not in use. This also is a travel necessity to prevent potential damages whenever bags are handled roughly and will provide a safe home for secondary lenses.

Always make you sure to stock up on multiple cleaning cloths that are suitable for your ski goggles. They are usually affordable and will work incredibly for cleaning your lenses.

Never use your gloves, beanie, t-shirt, or any other clothing to clean and defog your goggles. Even if you find it more convenient, this can cause serious damages. Don't lean your lens with anything other than what the manufacturer has provided or a microfiber cleaning cloth. Hand towels are also not recommended.

Final thoughts

It is not a difficult task to keep your goggles clean. Knowing the most effective ways or techniques will surely save your goggles and will save you money. It is best that you check your goggles regularly for cleaning and maintenance, and invest in a good goggles' bag or hard case to keep them secure and safe enough to withstand traveling. Keep your goggles in store at a reasonable temperature, do not leave them exposed to heat or direct sunlight, and make sure they are dry before putting them away in a safe place.