The underwater world is filled with vibrant marine creatures and stunning coral reefs. In order to keep your snorkelling gear in top condition, it’s important to clean, maintain, and repair it properly after each excursion. In this guide, you’ll learn the most important steps for cleaning your snorkelling equipment. The Dive Newcastle snorkelling gear deserves the proper care, whether you’re an amateur snorkeler or an experienced underwater explorer.
Understanding Your Snorkeling Gear
Before cleaning your gear, it is important to understand its components.
- Mask: The mask lets you see what’s going on underwater. It includes a tempered glasses lens with a silicone seal skirt and a strap that holds it in position.
- Snorkel: This snorkel will allow you to breathe on water surface while lying face-down. It comes with a mouthpiece as well as a tube and purge valve.
- Fins: Fins allow you to move more easily through the water by enhancing your maneuverability and propulsion. Fins are available in a range of designs, including full-foot and open-heel. Adjustable straps ensure a comfortable fit.
Let’s now dive into cleaning the components:
Step 1: Rinse Immediately After Each Use:
After snorkelling sessions, rinse all gear with fresh water to remove salts, sand, and other debris. Be sure to pay attention to your mask’s lens, the snorkel’s mouthpiece, as well as the foot pockets on the fins. Use a gentle spray of water, or submerge the gear in a large bucket of clean water.
Step 2: Disassemble and Check:
Once your snorkelling kit has been rinsed, disassemble it for a better inspection. Check your snorkelling gear for any damage signs, like tears, scratches and corrosion. Inspection of the mask’s lenses for damage or fogging. Also, inspect the snorkel’s snorkel mouthpiece. Treat any issues as soon as possible to prevent damage and ensure maximum performance.
Step 3: Clean with Mild Detergent/Soap:
Prepare in a clean jar a solution made of mild detergent/soap and lukewarm tap water. Steer clear of aggressive cleansers and chemicals that could damage the silicone, plastic, and rubber parts of your equipment. Use a softer brush or a cloth to gently scrub off the mask lens, skirt and snorkel’s mouthpiece. Also, clean the foot pockets in the fins. You should pay special attention to crevices in the fins’ foot pockets and any seams.
Step 4: Rinse Well:
After cleaning the snorkelling gear, rinse with plenty of fresh water. Remove any soap residue. Be sure that you rinse all soap suds out, as the residue left behind can cause irritation during your next snorkelling trip. If you want to clean the snorkelling gear completely, either run a gentle flow of water over it or submerge it in a large bucket of fresh water.
Step 5: Drying Completely:
Let your snorkelling kit dry completely before you store it. Hang the fins, mask, and snorkel away from direct sunshine to prevent damage. Be sure to dry the gear completely, both inside and out, in order to prevent bacteria, mold or mildew. Avoid storing damp items in a bag. The moisture can cause unpleasant odours.
Step 6: Store Correctly:
Once dried, store your equipment in a shady, cool area away from direct sun and heat sources. Avoid folding the fins or bending them, as these can lose shape or stiffness. To avoid damage to the mouthpiece and lenses, place the mask in a protective pouch. Properly storing snorkeling equipment will prolong its life, and it will be ready for any aquatic adventure.
Conclusion:
Dive Newcastle’s snorkelling equipment must be cleaned and maintained properly to keep it in top condition. This ensures safety, performance and durability. If you incorporate the maintenance steps into your routine and follow this guide, you will be able to experience countless underwater experiences with confidence. Dive into cleanliness and discover the beauty underwater with Dive Newcastle’s properly maintained snorkeling gear.
