Your goggles are one of the most underrated pieces of swim kit. You notice them most when something goes wrong: fogged-up lenses, uncomfortable pressure around the eyes, or those sneaky leaks that break your rhythm mid-stroke.
But with just a few easy habits, you can make sure your goggles stay comfortable, clear, and ready for whatever swim session lies ahead.
How to care for your swim goggles, simple habits that make a big difference.
Why Goggle Care Matters
Goggles work hard. They're exposed to chlorine, salt, sunlight, scratches and pressure, all in a single swim.
Taking care of them helps you swim with confidence, avoid the unnecessary distractions that come from damaged lenses and actually see where you are going! And the good news is, it doesn’t take much.
Five Simple Rules for Swim Goggle Care
- Rinse with fresh water after every swim
This is the easiest and most important habit in goggle care. After each session, whether you’ve been in the pool, open water, or even a lake, give your goggles a quick rinse in cool, fresh water.
Chlorine, salt, and other residues can build up over time and break down both the lens coating and silicone seal. A simple rinse helps prevent that, keeping your goggles clearer and lasting longer. (You should be doing this with all kit that touches the water!)
- Avoid touching the inside of the lenses
It’s tempting to give your lenses a quick wipe when they fog up, but that’s actually the fastest way to ruin the anti-fog coating.
High-quality swim goggles come with a pre-applied treatment coating on the lens, and rubbing the inside means more fog and less clarity in the long run.
If they’re starting to mist up regularly, use a gentle baby shampoo and give them time to air dry. It’s a simple tweak that keeps your vision crystal-clear.
- Let them dry fully before packing away
Packing wet goggles into your bag or towel can lead to mould and more fogging issues.
Once you’ve rinsed them, leave your goggles out to air dry completely in a shaded spot. Avoid direct sunlight, which can warp the frame and degrade the silicone over time. A little patience here goes a long way in extending the life of your swim gear.
- Store them in a case or pouch
Scratches, bent frames and stretched straps are often the result of how goggles are stored.
Tossing them loose into your swim bag, especially next to keys, bottles, or other gear, is a recipe for lens damage. Instead, use a mesh pouch or hard-shell case to protect the lenses and keep the goggles in shape. It’s one of the best habits you can form for long-term lens protection and overall goggle maintenance.
- Adjust for comfort, not tightness
If your goggles are leaking, the solution usually isn’t to tighten the straps. In fact, over-tightening can create red marks around the eyes and actually compromise the seal. A proper fit should feel snug but comfortable, with the suction doing most of the work. Take time to adjust the strap and nose bridge, especially when trying a new pair. A good fit means a more enjoyable, distraction-free swim.
Can I wash my goggles with soap or cleaning products?
It might feel like a good idea to deep-clean your goggles every now and then, but harsh soaps or chemical cleaners can damage both the lens and the soft silicone seals.
This reduces visibility and can shorten the overall lifespan of your goggles. For regular swim gear maintenance, stick to rinsing your goggles in clean, cool water.
If you feel they need a more thorough clean after open water swimming, use a mild solution of water and white vinegar, or baby shampoo, then rinse well and allow them to dry completely.
What’s the best way to store goggles between swims?
Proper storage is one of the most overlooked parts of goggle care. Throwing goggles into your swim bag with no case can lead to scratches and faster wear and tear.
For long-lasting lens protection and a more consistent fit, keep your goggles in a protective pouch or hard case. Make sure they’re dry before storing to avoid trapped moisture, which can lead to mould or lens fogging over time. It’s a small habit, but it makes a huge difference when it comes to keeping your swim goggles in top condition.
My goggles are leaking - what should I do?
Leaking goggles can be really disruptive mid-swim, but it’s often a simple fix. First, check that the lenses and seals are clean and free from debris, tiny grains of sand or even oil from sunscreen can break the seal aka stop them sticking to your face properly.
Next, look at the fit. It’s easy to assume you need to tighten the straps, but often it’s more about the positioning or the nose bridge adjustment. Your goggles should form a light suction around the eye socket without excessive pressure. If they’re older, check for signs of wear, stretched straps or cracked silicone can affect performance and may mean it’s time to replace them.
Why do my goggles keep fogging up?
Fogging is one of the most common frustrations swimmers face, especially during longer sessions or temperature changes between air and water.
Most quality swim goggles come with an anti-fog coating on the inside of the lenses. Over time, this coating can wear down, especially if you wipe the inside with a towel or your fingers. To keep your goggles fog-free for longer, avoid touching the lens interior and always rinse with fresh, cold water after your swim.
This is why it's super important to care for your goggles in between swims.
Best Swimming Goggles For the Pool
When it comes to pool swimming, the best goggles are those that combine clarity with comfort.
For indoor swimming, opt for clear or lightly tinted lenses to maximise visibility in low-light conditions, while mirrored lenses are ideal for bright, sunlit pools with large windows. Photochromatic lenses change from dark to clear based on the light conditions so are a great all-round option.
Best Goggles For Open Water Swimming
Open water conditions vary, so lens choice can play an important part of being able to see clearly: polarised lenses are best for reducing glare from sunlight reflecting off the water’s surface, while mirrored lenses offer additional brightness protection on clear days. In overcast or low-light conditions, photochromatic lenses are ideal as they automatically adjust to changing light levels - perfect for unpredictable weather or long-distance swims.
