Do you want to learn how to clean ski or snowboard goggles? Follow the instructions below to ensure a proper, thorough cleaning every time!
Steps To Clean Ski Or Snowboard Goggles
Cleaning ski and snowboard goggles properly requires cleaning the three major parts of any pair of goggles: the lenses, the foam, and the strap.
Step 1: Cleaning The Lens
Before anything else, take the time to consult the manufacturer’s cleaning instructions and follow those if they’re different from the advice here.
Now, to clean the lens of your goggles, start by allowing the lens to air dry at the end of the day. This will get the majority of particles off of the lens and reduce the amount of time you need to spend in contact with them.
To clean the exterior of the lens, gently dab at them using a microfiber cloth. Most goggles come with microfiber cloth bags that are suitable for this purpose, so you don’t need to go out and buy a special cloth as soon as you order your lens.
That said, bags can get dirty over time, so it’s usually worth investing in some extra microfiber cloths anyway.
You should dab at the surface instead of thoroughly wiping because dabbing will help prevent small particles from creating long scratches on the surface of your lens.
Cleaning the inside of the lens is similar, but there are a few things to keep in mind. Most manufacturers use an anti-fog coating on the inside of the lens, which helps protect them from moisture and obstruction while in use.
Just like cleaning the outside, it’s best to let the goggles dry off as much as possible before you gently dab at problem spots with your microfiber towel.
It’s vital to be sure the inside of the goggles are dry before you clean them because dabbing at them while they’re wet could remove the anti-fog coating.
Do not clean the inside of your ski or snowboard goggles unless it’s genuinely necessary. If you don’t see any smudges or debris, it’s okay to leave them alone instead of trying to clean them after every trip to the slopes.
Put simply, avoid cleaning the inside as much as you can. Even gentle dabbing will eventually wipe away the anti-fog coating, so the less often you do that, the better.
Step 2: Cleaning The Foam
Cleaning the foam is largely identical to cleaning the lens. Use a microfiber cloth and use gentle strokes to get rid of any smudges or residue you can see.
It’s okay to rub areas a little, but avoid applying too much pressure. The foam will break significantly easier than tougher plastic components, so use the lightest strokes you can.
Step 3: Cleaning The Straps
Some straps are easier to clean than others, and component choice matters a lot here.
Cloth straps are usually washable in buckets with fabric soap after you detach them from the goggles, but rubber or elastic straps may require different cleaners.
Most straps don’t get very dirty, so the occasional wipe is all you usually need here.
What NOT To Do When Cleaning Your Goggles
There are a few things to avoid when learning how to clean ski or snowboard goggles.
First, try to avoid liquids as much as possible!
Next, avoid anything that’s even mildly abrasive. Microfiber cloths are the only suitable cleaning material for most ski and snowboard goggles.
Finally, avoid chemical cleaners unless they’re specifically designed for ski goggles. Most typical cleaners will damage the goggles rather than cleaning them.
Can I Use Glasses Cleaner On Ski Goggles?
You can use glasses cleaner sometimes, but not all the time. Here’s how to do it right.
First, always try cleaning the lens with just a microfiber cloth. Do not use cleaning chemicals unless you’ve already tried cleaning them regularly, and that didn’t work.
If a glasses cleaner is necessary, make sure you use something designed for ski goggles. These are always labeled as such!
If you’re not sure what will work, talk to an expert at your local store or write to the manufacturer and ask for recommendations.
The best cleaners include anti-fog protection chemicals that you can leave on the lens. Applying this during cleaning processes can help provide long-term protection for your goggles.
This doesn’t mean you should use chemical cleaners more than necessary, just that you should look for this specific type of cleaner for the times that you need it.
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