Stinky mask

[Sideband]

I came across a mask that has been on the bottom of the quarry long enough to develope a very bad odor. This thing was burried in the silt with just the tip of the snorkel sticking out. When I got it to the surface I almost sent it back to its resting place because it smelled so bad. Anyone have any ideas of how to rid it of that smell? I am thinking about mixing a box of baking soda with water and letting it soak. Someone else suggested bleach. Any other ideas?

Joe

 

[Wayward Son]

I would prolly try making a fairly thick paste from baking soda & water & using that to scrub it down thoroughly. Then just bury it in baking soda for a day or 2 & see how that works.

There's a "sink the stink" product people talk about using to clean stinky wet suits, maybe that would work on it? Never seen the stuff, dunno. But a big box of baking soda is cheap.

 

[miketsp]

Is it really worth the effort?
I remember once I found a good mask at a popular dive site and since a lot of divers go there, we surmised that it had been there for a short time. So we wasted a lot of time trying to find out who had lost it - radio calls to all the boats that day, asking at the marinas etc.
After drawing a blank I decided to try it out on a subsequent dive.
The silicone had hardened after being in the water for a long time and the mask would not seal at all against my face even though the fit was quite good.
It went straight into the garbage.

 

[El Tiburon]

Try a solution of distilled white vinegar and water, let it soak for about an hour and rinse. The acidity in the vinegar should kill whatever is causing the stink. I soak all my gear in this solution after diving and my gear never stinks. Also good after diving salt water because it dissolves the salt crystals.

 

[freediver]

Soak it in some Simple Green overnight.

 

[Sideband]

Thanks for the ideas. I'll give the vinegar a try tonight since I have some at home already. If that doesn't work I'll try the rest until I finally give up and toss it.

Joe

 

[moneysavr]

Bleach water mix 1/4 cup to a Gal of luke warm water will de stink anything!

 

[J75]

I'd use a bleach/water solution. If it damages the mask skirt, what have you lost?

 

[Blackwood]

Leave it be.

 

[Scottri]

I use a very mild bleach solution for that kind of thing.