Off-piste day, snowfall, or backcountry adventure, and your ski goggles are as dirty as ever since you’ve owned them? No problem, DEMON has created the complete guide for you on what TO DO and what NOT to do to effectively clean your ski goggles.
It’s normal for ski goggles to get dirty with use, but it’s essential to know which techniques and tools are most suitable for cleaning and which ones to avoid to prevent irreparable damage to the lens or frame.
Cleaning the plastic Frame:
Cleaning the plastic part of the frame is the easiest and least risky. There are no specific techniques for cleaning it; you can use a soft microfiber cloth (even damp) to remove tougher stains.
Each frame is coated with a special protective paint, so if a damp cloth is not enough to remove stubborn stains, you can dampen the microfiber cloth with alcohol to be more effective against the stain.
Cleaning the foam part: The soft, high-density foam requires more attention during cleaning. The foam is glued to the frame, so it’s important not to overly dampen it to avoid damaging the adhesive material. You can dampen a microfiber cloth with water or alcohol (as with cleaning the plastic parts), but only clean the surface of the foam.
Cleaning the strap: The strap does not require any special attention and can be cleaned with water or alcohol using the same method as the plastic parts. You can also use water or alcohol for cleaning the strap.
Rule number 1: DO NOT wash the ski goggles directly under running water. It is the most effective way to irreparably damage the foam and lens.
Each type of goggles has its own lens. Before cleaning the lens, it is important to check if the goggles have ventilation holes on the lens or not. Why is this important? Cleaning a lens with ventilation holes requires more attention compared to a mask without them. This is because of the structure of the double lens, which we will explain below for better understanding. The double lens can be seen as a sandwich of lenses glued together with a spongy material that cushions against impact or tension. The double lens is glued, so it is not possible to open it and clean it internally without breaking it. It is crucial to prevent liquids from settling in the gap between the two lenses and forming the typical halo when it dries.
Rule number 2: Be very careful to prevent liquids from seeping into the lens ventilation holes. So, how can you effectively clean the lens of your ski goggles without damaging it?
- Lens without ventilation holes: The lens without ventilation holes is the easiest to clean. In case of light dirt or fingerprints, you can use the same method as cleaning regular glasses: breathe on the lens and gently rub it with a soft microfiber cloth. If the stain is more stubborn, you can moisten the cloth with water or use the special Demon lens cleaning and anti-fogging liquid. This liquid helps with the cleaning process (spray it directly on the lens) and also provides an anti-fog treatment on the lens surface. Click on the photo for more information.
- Lens with ventilation holes: The lens with ventilation holes is much more delicate and requires extra care for the reasons described above. In this case, we recommend following the same method using a dry microfiber cloth. However, if the dirt is stubborn, you can moisten the cloth with water. If you choose to use the lens cleaning and anti-fogging liquid, we advise against spraying it directly on the lens. Instead, spray it onto the cloth and then gently rub the lens with the dampened cloth.
Rule number 3: Do not use alcohol to clean the lens as it may damage the mirroring or anti-fog treatment on the inner surface.
Rule number 4: Avoid using cotton cloths as they may cause streaks on the lens due to the difference in fabric compared to microfiber.
Rule number 5: Do not use cellulose (such as paper towels or wet tissues) to clean the lens to prevent streaks.
After cleaning, allow the mask to dry away from heat sources or direct sunlight.
How to best store the mask: To increase the lifespan of your ski mask, we recommend letting it dry after use (away from heat sources or direct sunlight) to avoid storing it in the case while still damp, which could promote mold growth. Once dry, store it in a microfiber or hard case (depending on the provided case) in a dry place away from heat sources. Avoid extremely cold or hot locations. This will help preserve the sponge part and extend its lifespan. (Note: The first sign of poor storage is when the sponge part starts to crumble, leaving debris on your hands and face. In that case, it is advisable to consider purchasing a new mask or, if the lens is in excellent condition, consider a new frame).
Rule number 5: Store the mask in a dry place, away from heat sources and direct sunlight, in its protective case.
