A lot of people are concerned about whether or not they should clean their hockey visor after every game. They ask themselves whether or not the lenses in their masks are fogging up due to perspiration or whether or not they are accumulating tiny scratches due to incidental contact with the puck, the boards, or the ice.
Well, they should not!
While it’s true that fogging up of the lenses is a major cause of eye irritation and could lead to acute damage, the fact is the body’s largest organ is also the one that is most vulnerable to the effects of pollution. With that in mind, it is safe to assume that the lenses in your hockey mask are going to be damaged regardless of how clean you keep them. The answer, then, is to simply replace them!
In the same way that you wouldn’t want to drive on a dirty road, wear your hockey mask on the sly if it’s got any amount of dirt or grit on it. Otherwise, clean it thoroughly before and after every use. This way, you’ll be sure your eyes are well protected.
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Use A Brush
To clean your visor, simply brush it gently with a cloth or wipe it down. The best way to go about this is to first use a napkin to wipe away any perspiration that may have gathered around your nose and mouth. Next, use a clean, dry cloth to remove any remaining moisture. Never use water to clean your visor, as this could cause fogging.
Once you’ve done this, you’re going to want to use some lacquer thinner or nail polish remover to remove any residue from the cloth or napkin. Then, lay a clean, dry cloth over the visor and again, polish it with a little bit of nail polish remover. This is going to ensure that your helmet stays looking brand new.
Use An Anti-Fog Spray
If you’re concerned about fogging up your visor, then you can use an anti-fog spray. These sprays come in handy when you’re driving on a dry, cold day or when you’re using your visor as a sun shade. The best thing about these sprays is that they’re easy to use and they don’t leave a sticky or apparent residue. When using one of these sprays, be sure to breathe through your mouth so that you don’t inhale any of the hydrocarbons that they contain.
As your eyes become more accustomed to the dark, you may notice that you have to adjust your settings on your TV or computer monitor. This is because the bulbs used in these devices have a longer wavelength than that of sunlight, so they may appear dark to your eye.
Avoid Direct Sunlight
When the sun is directly overhead, it can be difficult to see anything, especially in the far distance. This is why you should always keep your back to the sun when standing under it or sitting in the front row of a parked car. The same principles apply when using your helmet as a sun shield. Keep your head to the side or the front when outside so that you don’t fry in the heat.
Use Protection
To make sure that your eyes are safe and that you prevent any scratches from occurring, you should always wear protection. This could be the case when playing in the street or on a flat surface. When playing on an incline or uneven surface, even the thinnest of gloves can make a difference. Ultimately, it’s up to you and what feels right for the game you’re playing.
Be Careful With Wet Weather
If you’re going to be outside on a rainy day and your visor is exposed to the elements, then you should probably wipe it down before using it. Otherwise, you’ll be introducing water droplets into your system, which could cause damage.
Wash Your Hands
Before and after you clean your visor, you should wash your hands to remove any perspiration or residue that could be building up from using your helmet as a sun shield or wiping it down after every game.
So, do all of these things and you’ll be sure that your visor is working well and looking brand new. Just don’t forget about those little dents and dashes that can occur from incidental contact with the puck, the boards, or the ice. These are easily fixed if you know what tools are required and have the patience to go about it the right way.