Hawk Tuah! How to Keep Your Dive Mask Fog-Free

“Hawk Tuah! How to Keep Your Dive Mask Fog-Free”

Let’s be real—there’s nothing worse than a fogged-up dive mask ruining an otherwise awesome dive. You’re trying to take in the sights, maybe spot a turtle or two, and all you can see is… fog. Been there, done that. That’s why I’m here to talk about the ultimate defogging hack: Hawk Tuah!

What’s Hawk Tuah, you ask? Well, it’s a cheeky way of saying “spit on it,” and trust me, it works. It’s been a diver’s best friend for decades. But there’s more to keeping your mask fog-free than just a bit of saliva magic. Let’s dive into why your mask fogs up in the first place, the best ways to prevent it, and my personal mid-dive trick for saving the day when fog strikes.

Why Does Your Mask Fog Up?

Here’s the short answer: science. When warm, humid air inside your mask meets the cool glass lens, condensation forms. Boom—instant fog. Add in the moisture from your breath, and it’s game over for clear vision. The good news? It’s totally fixable.

Prepping a New Dive Mask

If you’ve just bought a shiny new dive mask, it might still have a thin layer of silicone residue left over from the manufacturing process. This residue causes even the best defogging methods to fail, so it’s crucial to clean it off before your first dive.

Two Popular Methods to Prep Your Mask:

1. Toothpaste Scrub:

   • Take a non-abrasive toothpaste (gel toothpaste doesn’t work as well) and rub it on the inside of the mask lens.
   • Let it sit for a few minutes, then rinse it off thoroughly with warm water.
   • Repeat this process 2–3 times for the best results.

2. The Flame Trick (Use With Caution):

   • Gently pass the flame of a lighter over the inside surface of the lens until you see the foggy residue burn away.
   • Be sure to keep the flame moving and avoid heating the edges of the lens (especially on masks with plastic components).
   • Rinse the mask thoroughly afterward.

When NOT to Use These Methods

• If Your Mask Has a Plastic Lens: Avoid using the flame method, as plastic can warp or melt. Stick to toothpaste instead.
• If Your Mask Has a Coating: Some masks come with anti-reflective or UV coatings. Using toothpaste or a lighter could damage these coatings, so always check the manufacturer’s recommendations first.

Once your mask is prepped, it’ll be much easier to keep fog-free with your favorite defogging method. Skipping this step can leave you fighting fog from dive one—trust me, it’s worth the effort!

Traditional Defogging Methods

Let’s start with the classics—the tried-and-true methods divers have been using for years to keep their masks fog-free. These are simple, effective, and easy to do whether you’re on a boat, at the shore, or gearing up poolside.

Spit (Hawk Tuah!)

This is the OG defogging trick, and honestly, it’s my go-to. You just spit into the inside of your mask, rub it around, give it a light rinse, and you’re good to go. Is it glamorous? Nope. Does it work? Absolutely.

Defogging Gels and Sprays

If spitting in your mask isn’t your style (or you’re diving with a new buddy and don’t want to look weird), defogging gels and sprays are solid options. They’re easy to use and super effective.

When choosing a defogging product, make sure it’s reef-safe. Many conventional defoggers contain chemicals that can harm coral reefs and marine life. Look for eco-friendly options to protect the underwater environment you love exploring.

Affiliate link to purchase my favorite reef safe defog

Baby Shampoo

A drop of baby shampoo mixed with water is a great DIY defogger. It’s cheap, smells good, and works like a charm. Plus, no weird looks from your dive buddies.

This ends up being the most economical method, and is proven over time in that every diveboat, divemaster, and scuba instructor caries the 32 oz spray bottle with a couple drops mixed in water. 

Affiliate link to purchase baby shampoo

My Personal Tip: Fixing a Fogged Mask Mid-Dive

So, you’ve done everything right, but your mask still fogs up mid-dive. Don’t panic—it happens to the best of us. My trick? Let a tiny bit of cold water into your mask. I know it sounds counterintuitive, but trust me, it works.

Here’s what I do:

• Tilt the bottom of your mask slightly to let in a small amount of water.
• Swish the water around to rinse the inside of the lens.
• Press the mask back onto your face and exhale through your nose to clear the water.
• If persistent fogging, leave a teaspoon of water in the bottom of each lens.

Just like that, the fog is gone, and you’re back to enjoying the dive. It’s a quick fix that’s saved me more times than I can count.

Final Tips for a Fog-Free Dive

Before you head out, keep these tips in mind:

• Clean Your Mask: A clean mask fogs up less. Give it a good scrub before your dive.
• Apply Defog Properly: Whether it’s spit, gel, or baby shampoo, spread it evenly and don’t touch the lens afterward.
• Make It a Routine: Defogging should be as automatic as checking your air or adjusting your weights.

Conclusion

Fogged masks happen, but they don’t have to ruin your dive. With a little preparation—and a quick Hawk Tuah—you’ll be seeing clearly in no time. And if the fog sneaks up on you mid-dive, remember my cold-water trick. It’s simple, effective, and keeps your dive going strong.

Got your own mask defogging hacks? I’d love to hear them! Drop your tips in the comments, and let’s keep the dive community fog-free!