1. Wash It. Spraying with a hose is just the beginning. To make sure all grit and salt is removed, give your mask a good soak in fresh water. It’s important to clean the lenses; sunscreen that can migrate onto the lenses will create fogging issues if not scrubbed off periodically.

2. Fix It. After the soak, towel dry and look closely for cracks in the skirt or the frame near the faceplate. Also inspect the strap; stretch it while looking for cracks or small tears. If ever in doubt about a strap’s reliability, replace it. On the snorkel, check the flexible portion of the tube for cracks, and peel back the silicone flap on the purge valve to look for bits of sand or salt that may have survived the soak.

3. Store It. Protect mask and snorkel from light, heat and fumes just like you would other dive gear. However, to protect the clear silicone, store mask and snorkel away from other dive gear — the darker pigmentations found in other equipment, especially neoprene, can cause the silicone to become discolored.

Looking for a mask or snorkel? Here are some things to consider before you make the purchase: All About Masks & Snorkels.

Not sure what type of lens you want? Read What You Need To Know About Masks.

Want to shop around? Check out our Dive Gear Review: The Best Masks And Snorkels.