How to Stop Swimming Goggles Fogging
Foggy goggles are the most common complaint we hear across the counter, and the fix is usually a habit rather than a new pair. Once you understand why goggles fog, it's easy to keep them clear. This post sits within our swim kit care guide.
Why do swimming goggles fog?
Your face is warm and the water is cooler. Inside the goggle, warm moist air from your skin meets the cooler lens, and the moisture condenses into tiny droplets that scatter light. That's fog. It's worse in cold water, outdoors and when you're working hard and generating more heat.
How do anti-fog coatings work?
Most goggles come with an anti-fog coating on the inside of the lens. Rather than stopping condensation, the coating makes moisture spread into a thin, even, transparent film instead of droplets. The coating is delicate, and it wears off with time, friction and chemicals.
The mistake: Wiping the inside of your goggles with a finger or towel when they fog.
What happens: You rub away the anti-fog coating. The goggles fog faster next time, and eventually the coating is gone for good.
How to avoid it: Never touch the inside of the lenses. If they fog mid-session, rinse them in pool water and put them straight back on.
What habits keep goggles clear?
Do's and Don'ts for Clear Goggles
| Do | Don't |
|---|---|
| Rinse goggles in cool fresh water after every swim | Wipe or rub the inside of the lenses |
| Let them air dry before packing away | Leave them in a hot car or on a radiator |
| Store them in a protective case | Throw them loose in your swim bag |
| Use an anti-fog spray once the coating fades | Use toothpaste or abrasive products inside the lens |
| Splash your face before putting goggles on | Put goggles on a hot, sweaty face |
Matching your temperature to the water helps too. Splash your face with water before you put your goggles on, so there's less of a temperature gap. A good-fitting pair helps as well, since leaks let in water that can bring more condensation.
Can you restore anti-fog on old goggles?
Not the original coating, but an anti-fog spray or solution can give old goggles a new lease of life. Apply it to dry lenses as directed, rinse lightly and swim. It needs reapplying regularly. If the lenses are scratched or the seals have hardened, it's time for a new pair; our guide to choosing swimming goggles helps you pick one that fits.
THREE HABITS FOR CLEAR LENSES
THREE HABITS FOR CLEAR LENSESHands off
Hands offNever touch the inside of the lens.
Rinse and dry
Rinse and dryFresh water after every swim, then air dry.
Case it
Case itStore goggles in a case so lenses don't get scratched.
Why do goggles fog more outdoors?
Colder water means a bigger temperature gap between your face and the lens. In winter open water, fogging is almost guaranteed without good habits. Our guide to what to wear for cold water swimming covers the rest of your cold water kit.
Do goggle cases really help?
Yes. A case protects the coating and lenses from scratches, which is half the battle. Our goggle cases and spares keep goggles protected in your bag. For leaks rather than fog, see our post on fixing leaky goggles. Our swimwear experts are happy to help if you're still struggling, and our full range of swimming goggles includes anti-fog coated lenses throughout.
Why Buy Goggles From Allens Swimwear
We've been helping swimmers see clearly for 50 years.
Written by a swimwear specialist at Allens Swimwear, 50 years of expert fitting. Updated 5 October 2026.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why do my goggles keep fogging up?
Warm, moist air inside the goggle condenses on the cooler lens. Anti-fog coatings help, but they wear off over time, especially if you wipe the inside of the lenses.
Does spitting in goggles stop fogging?
It can help briefly by leaving a thin film on the lens, but it's not a long-term fix. An anti-fog spray is more effective and more hygienic.
How do I make my goggles anti-fog again?
Use an anti-fog spray or solution on dry lenses, as directed. The original coating can't be restored, so regular reapplication is needed.
Should I wipe my goggles when they fog?
No. Wiping removes the anti-fog coating. Rinse them in water and put them back on instead.
Why do goggles fog more in cold water?
The bigger the temperature difference between your face and the lens, the more condensation forms. Cold water and outdoor swimming make fogging more likely.