How To Clean Swim Goggles | Maintaining Your Swimming Goggles

Jan 27, 2026

4 comments

Can someone answer Joe’s question? It is very confusing: should I use soap or not in order to clean the lenses ?

Francesca July 02, 2025

This is very confusing!

You advise that we "use a mild, non-abrasive soap to clean the lenses" but "not to get the soap onto the lenses or gaskets".

Can you clarify please!

Joe April 08, 2025

Yes! Our very own THEMAGIC5 Anti Fog Spray.

Best Regards Rasmus, Co-Founder THEMAGIC5

Rasmus Barfred October 30, 2023

Hello-

I own a magic5 pair of goggles and after 2 years of use they tend to fog up quickly when in use.

Are there any anti fog products you can recommend?

Many thanks

Jose

Jose de Lasa May 18, 2023

Whether you're a competitive swimmer, fitness swimmer, or occasional lap swimmer, keeping your swim goggles clean is essential for clear vision and long-lasting performance. Proper maintenance helps protect the lenses, preserve the anti-fog coating, and extend the life of your goggles, so you can spend less time dealing with foggy or scratched lenses and more time focusing on your swim.

Fortunately, learning how to clean swimming goggles doesn't require expensive products or complicated routines. A few simple habits after each swim can keep your goggles in excellent condition for months or even years.

In this guide, you'll learn the best way to clean swim goggles, how to protect the anti-fog coating, common cleaning mistakes to avoid, and practical tips for storing your goggles between swims.

Why Proper Swim Goggle Care Matters

Swim goggles are exposed to chlorine, salt water, sunscreen, body oils, and dirt every time you enter the pool or open water. Over time, these substances can build up on the lenses and straps, affecting both visibility and comfort.

Regular cleaning helps:

Maintain clear vision during every swim.
Protect the anti-fog coating on the inside of the lenses.
Reduce the buildup of chlorine, salt, and other residues.
Extend the lifespan of your swimming goggles.
Keep straps and seals in better condition.

Good maintenance also helps you avoid replacing your goggles sooner than necessary. With proper care, a quality pair of swim goggles can continue performing well through countless training sessions and races.

How to Clean Swim Goggles Step by Step

Cleaning your swim goggles is simple, but using the right method makes a big difference.

Step 1: Rinse with Fresh Water

After every swim, rinse your goggles thoroughly with clean, cool fresh water. This helps remove chlorine, salt, sweat, and other residues before they have a chance to dry on the lenses or straps.

If you've been swimming in the ocean, rinsing immediately is especially important to prevent salt deposits from forming.

Step 2: Wash the Outside of the Lenses

If your goggles have visible dirt or sunscreen buildup, gently clean swimming goggles using a mild, non-abrasive soap or a cleaner specifically designed for swim goggles.

Avoid harsh household cleaners, alcohol-based products, or abrasive chemicals, as these can damage both the lenses and the frame.

Step 3: Avoid Touching the Inside of the Lenses

One of the most common mistakes swimmers make is wiping the inside of their goggles.

Most modern swimming goggles include a factory-applied anti-fog coating on the interior of the lenses. Rubbing the inside with your fingers, towel, or shirt can gradually wear away this coating and reduce its effectiveness.

Instead, simply rinse the inside gently with clean water and allow it to air dry naturally.

Step 4: Rinse Thoroughly

If you've used soap or a specialized cleaner, rinse your goggles well to remove any remaining residue. Leaving soap behind may affect visibility and, in some cases, reduce the lifespan of the anti-fog coating.

Step 5: Let Your Goggles Air Dry

Shake off excess water and allow your goggles to dry completely in a cool, well-ventilated area before storing them.

Avoid placing wet goggles directly into a sealed swim bag, where trapped moisture can encourage bacteria growth and unpleasant odors while shortening the life of your equipment.

Common Mistakes to Avoid When Cleaning Swim Goggles

Even with good intentions, some cleaning habits can do more harm than good. Avoiding these common mistakes will help keep your swim goggles clear and performing their best.

Wiping the Inside of the Lenses

The inside of most swim goggles is coated with a delicate anti-fog layer. Wiping it with your fingers, towel, or shirt may seem harmless, but it can gradually wear away the coating and cause your goggles to fog more quickly.

If moisture builds up inside the lenses, it's usually best to rinse them gently with clean water and allow them to air dry.

Using Harsh Cleaning Products

Household cleaners, bleach, alcohol, and abrasive detergents can damage both the lenses and the silicone seals. Instead, stick to fresh water, a mild soap when needed, or a cleaner specifically designed for swimming goggles.

Leaving Goggles in Direct Sunlight

Prolonged exposure to heat and direct sunlight can cause straps and seals to deteriorate faster. Whenever possible, dry your goggles in the shade and store them in a cool, dry place.

Tossing Wet Goggles into Your Swim Bag

Leaving wet goggles loose inside a swim bag can expose them to scratches from other gear while trapping moisture that may affect their condition over time. Allow your goggles to dry before storing them whenever possible.

How to Protect the Anti-Fog Coating

The anti-fog coating is one of the most important features of modern swim goggles, helping maintain clear vision throughout your swim. While every coating naturally wears down over time, a few simple habits can help it last longer.

After swimming, rinse your goggles with fresh water to remove chlorine or salt before they dry on the lenses. Avoid rubbing the inside of the lenses, even if they appear foggy, as this is the quickest way to damage the coating.

As the original coating begins to wear off, a quality anti fog spray can help restore clarity for future swims. It's an effective option for swimmers using anti fog swim goggles who want to keep their vision clear without damaging the lenses.

Swim Goggle Fogging Troubleshooting Guide

Fogging doesn't always mean your swimming goggles need to be replaced. First-time or occasional fogging may only require proper cleaning or anti-fog reapplication, while persistent fogging can indicate that the original anti-fog coating is wearing out. Use this guide to identify what may be causing the fogging and what to try next.

What You Notice	What May Be Happening	What To Do
Goggles fog occasionally	Moisture is condensing on the lenses during your swim	Gently rinse the lenses and avoid touching or wiping the inside
Newer goggles start fogging	Residue or contact with the inside of the lens may be affecting the anti-fog surface	Rinse gently with fresh water and avoid rubbing the inner lenses
Fogging returns after repeated use	The factory-applied anti-fog coating may be becoming less effective	Consider applying a swim-goggle-safe anti-fog spray according to the product instructions
Goggles fog soon after cleaning	Soap, cleaner, or residue may remain on the lenses	Rinse thoroughly with clean water and allow the goggles to air dry
Anti-fog treatment no longer lasts	The original coating may be significantly worn	Reapply anti-fog treatment as directed and monitor performance
Fogging continues despite proper care and anti-fog treatment	The coating or lenses may have reached the end of their useful life	Check for scratches and other wear, and consider replacing the goggles if clear vision cannot be restored

What You Notice

Goggles fog occasionally

What May Be Happening

Moisture is condensing on the lenses during your swim

What To Do

Gently rinse the lenses and avoid touching or wiping the inside

What You Notice

Newer goggles start fogging

What May Be Happening

Residue or contact with the inside of the lens may be affecting the anti-fog surface

What To Do

Rinse gently with fresh water and avoid rubbing the inner lenses

What You Notice

Fogging returns after repeated use

What May Be Happening

The factory-applied anti-fog coating may be becoming less effective

What To Do

Consider applying a swim-goggle-safe anti-fog spray according to the product instructions

What You Notice

Goggles fog soon after cleaning

What May Be Happening

Soap, cleaner, or residue may remain on the lenses

What To Do

Rinse thoroughly with clean water and allow the goggles to air dry

What You Notice

Anti-fog treatment no longer lasts

What May Be Happening

The original coating may be significantly worn

What To Do

Reapply anti-fog treatment as directed and monitor performance

What You Notice

Fogging continues despite proper care and anti-fog treatment

What May Be Happening

The coating or lenses may have reached the end of their useful life

What To Do

Check for scratches and other wear, and consider replacing the goggles if clear vision cannot be restored

When should you reapply anti-fog spray?

If goggles that previously stayed clear begin fogging regularly despite proper rinsing and care, an anti-fog spray can help supplement a factory coating that has become less effective.

When should you consider new goggles?

If persistent fogging continues despite proper care and appropriate anti-fog treatment, especially alongside scratched lenses or other visible wear, replacement may be the better option.

How to Apply Anti-Fog Spray to Swim Goggles

Anti-fog spray can help maintain clear vision as the original lens coating becomes less effective. The key is to apply it gently and avoid rubbing or scrubbing the inside of the lenses.

1. Start with Clean Goggles

Gently rinse your goggles with fresh water to remove chlorine, salt, or other residue.

2. Apply the Anti-Fog Spray

Apply the product according to its instructions, using only the recommended amount on the lens surface.

3. Avoid Rubbing the Lenses

Do not scrub the inside of the goggles with your fingers, a towel, or another abrasive material. Gentle handling helps protect the existing lens surface.

4. Follow the Product Directions Before Swimming

Allow, rinse, or prepare the treatment exactly as directed by the anti-fog product before wearing your goggles.

Tip: Always follow the instructions provided with your anti-fog spray, as application and rinsing directions can vary between products.

Store Your Swim Goggles the Right Way

Proper storage is just as important as proper cleaning.

Once your goggles are completely dry, place them in a protective case to help prevent scratches, dents, and unnecessary wear. A dedicated case also keeps the lenses from rubbing against other items in your swim bag, such as towels, water bottles, or training equipment.

THEMAGIC5 goggles include a protective carrying case with a built-in drainage system that helps excess moisture escape while protecting the lenses between swims. This simple feature helps keep your goggles clean, dry, and ready for your next training session.

When Should You Replace Your Swim Goggles?

Even with proper care, swim goggles won't last forever.

It may be time to replace your goggles if you notice:

The anti-fog coating no longer works, even after proper care.
The lenses are heavily scratched or difficult to see through.
The straps have stretched and no longer provide a secure fit.
The seals leak consistently despite proper adjustment.
The frame or gaskets show signs of cracking or wear.

Replacing worn goggles at the right time helps ensure clear vision, reliable comfort, and a better overall swimming experience.

Keep Your Swim Goggles Performing Their Best

Clean swim goggles do more than improve visibility. They help you stay focused, comfortable, and confident during every swim. By rinsing your goggles after each session, protecting the anti-fog coating, and storing them properly, you can extend their lifespan and enjoy clearer vision for longer.

A well-fitting pair of swim goggles also makes a noticeable difference. Goggles that create a secure seal are less likely to leak, require fewer adjustments, and allow you to concentrate on your technique instead of your equipment. Whether you're training for competition or swimming for fitness, proper care and quality gear go hand in hand.

Related Swimming Resources

Whether you're looking to improve your technique or get more out of every swim, these resources from THEMAGIC5 can help you continue learning and performing your best.

Explore Our Collection

Custom Swim Goggles: Discover custom-fit swim goggles designed to provide a secure, leak-free fit for training, racing, and everyday swimming.

Whether you're practicing for your next race or enjoying a casual swim, combining proper goggle care with equipment that fits well can help make every session more comfortable and enjoyable.

Frequently asked questions

How often should you clean swimming goggles?

It's best to rinse your swim goggles with fresh water after every swim to remove chlorine, salt, and other residues. A deeper cleaning with mild soap is only necessary when dirt, sunscreen, or oils have built up on the outside of the lenses.

Can you use soap to clean swim goggles?

Yes, but only a mild, non-abrasive soap should be used, and only on the outside of the lenses. Avoid getting soap on the inside of the lenses, as it may damage the anti-fog coating.

How can you stop swim goggles from fogging?

Fogging happens when warm, moist air inside the goggles condenses on the cooler lenses. To help stop swim goggles from fogging, avoid touching the inside of the lenses, rinse your goggles after each swim, protect the factory-applied anti-fog coating, and reapply a quality anti fog spray as the original coating begins to wear off.

Can scratched swim goggles be repaired?

Minor surface marks may be unavoidable over time, but deep scratches usually can't be repaired. Protecting your goggles in a case and avoiding abrasive cleaning methods are the best ways to prevent lens damage.

What's the best way to make swim goggles last longer?

Rinse them after every swim, avoid rubbing the inside of the lenses, let them air dry completely, and store them in a protective case. These simple habits can help extend the lifespan of your swimming goggles.

Conclusion

Knowing how to clean swimming goggles properly is one of the easiest ways to protect your equipment and improve your experience in the water. Simple habits like rinsing your goggles after each swim, preserving the anti-fog coating, and storing them correctly can help keep your lenses clear and your goggles performing at their best.

Whether you're training for competition, swimming for fitness, or simply enjoying time in the pool, taking good care of your swimming goggles helps ensure they're always ready for your next session. Combined with a comfortable, well-fitting pair of goggles, proper maintenance allows you to spend less time adjusting your gear and more time focusing on your swim.

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