TIL my old method for cleaning dive helmets was wrecking the seals

For years I used a stiff brush and dish soap to scrub my Kirby Morgan helmets after every dive. It felt thorough and got all the grime off. Then an older diver at a job in Louisiana told me I was slowly destroying the silicone seals and causing micro-cracks. He showed me his kit with mild wipes and a spray lubricant that cost about $15 total. Now I spend half the time on cleaning and my gear lasts twice as long. Has anyone else switched their cleaning routine based on advice from a veteran in the field?

1 comments

1 Comment

lane.joel20d ago

Man I heard this exact thing from a guy who used to work on offshore rigs back in the 90s. He said harsh soap basically eats away at the rubber over time and a lot of guys don't realize it until their seals start leaking mid-dive. A little silicone lube and gentle wipes can make a mask last years longer its wild how many people still grab the scotch brite pad.