How To Keep Welding Helmet From Fogging

You’ve decided to learn how to weld.

After your first few attempts, you found that, when you're in the middle of working, the lens of your welding helmet fogs up, impairing your ability to weld.

How can you resolve this?

Are there any other things you need to know about maintaining your welding equipment?

How can you keep a welding helmet from fogging? Welding helmet fogging is a common problem with many solutions. Some solutions are controlling your breath, using water, buying a small fan, or buying an anti-fogging solution.

When it comes to the act of welding, whether you are a beginner or a veteran to the craft, there is almost always the issue of a foggy helmet here and there.

Today, we will go over some ways that you can get rid of this problem and prevent it from happening in the future.

Welding helmet fogging solutions

All welders experience fogging in their welding helmets at one point or another.

For that reason, there are many tips for avoiding a foggy welding helmet.

Some are inexpensive with inconsistent results, and others are a bit pricier but yield better results.

Welding Helmet Fogging Solutions:

• Slower, more controlled breathing
• Spit or water applied to the lens
• A small fan to dry out the air
• The anti-fogging solution applied to lens

If you are experiencing fogging in your welding helmet, there are four possible solutions, depending on how much condensation your fogging helmet collects and how much effort your willing to put in to solve the issue.

Slower, More Controlled Breathing

Taking more shallow breaths through your nose can be useful in some situations.

Breathing through the mouth can cause condensation to build up in the welding helmet, producing fog.

For shorter welding projects that won't require you to be welding for a long time, this can be a good solution.

However, this isn't the most practical solution, particularly if you are welding for an extended period. You will also want to make sure persistent fogging isn't an issue.

If it is, then you should proceed to the other options.

Spit or Water Applied to the Lens

Some welders recommend using spit or water on the lens before putting on the welding helmet.

The added moisture forms a temporary barrier between the humid air in the helmet and the lens, helping to prevent fogging.

This can work, but it doesn’t last for extended periods. If you are working on a shorter project, this is a suitable option.

Small Fan to Dry Out the Air

Depending on the size of your welding helmet or hood, you can purchase a small fan or fan like-device.

The fans work by drying out the air in the helmet.

If there is no humid air, then there is no foggy helmet.

Most stores have a small battery-operated fan that is perfect for whisking away moisture in an enclosed space like a welding helmet.

The one issue with a fan is that, depending on the size of your helmet, you may not be able to find one small enough for you.

Anti-Fogging Solution Applied to Lens

The best tactic for getting rid of a foggy helmet, according to welders, is using anti-fogging solution.

You apply the solution to the lens of your welding helmet.

A barrier is formed between the glass on the humid air inside of the helmet, preventing the helmet from fogging up. There are a variety of brands to try.

Anti-fogging solutions are not perfect, though.

They do wear off eventually, so you will need to make sure that you continue to reapply the solution as needed.

However, this solution does have the best chance of granting consistent successful results.

Since fogging is an issue that can never go away with welding, I recommend purchasing the anti-fogging solution. Your welding work will turn out better because you won't have the annoyance of constant fog.

What Causes Welding Helmets To Fog?

Fog is something that occurs naturally when hot air meets cold air.

Condensation forms as the hot air cools and the cold air warms.

This condensation is what we call fog.

Causes of Welding Helmet Fogging:

• Colder Climates
• Rainy Weather
• Excessively breathing from the mouth

Colder Climates

When you are welding, hot air cannot be avoided, so fogging is a common occurrence.

However, it is more common in colder climates.

In colder climates, you are more likely to have a situation where the cold outside air and the hot welding air are going to meet.

Not only does the heat from the torch cause fog, but the heat that builds up under the helmet also causes fog. Any time that cold air sneaks into the helmet, your glass will fog up.

Rainy Weather

While fogging is more common if you live in cold climates, welders in warmer climates are also at risk of having fog form under their helmet because of rainy weather.

When it rains, the air is cooled, and this can cause fog on a welding helmet’s glass.

Excessively Breathing from the Mouth

Fogging can also occur if the welder breathes too heavily or breathes with their mouth.

The air the welder breathes is warmer than the air inside of the helmet.

This best way to avoid this is to control your breathing while welding. You can also try to only breathe through your nose.

Fogging is a problem for welders, and sometimes the fogging is easily controlled.

However, things like cold climates and rainy weather are not able to be controlled.

If you regularly deal with cold and rainy weather, you must figure out about the best way to ensure that your helmet stays in working order.

Caring for Your Welding Helmet

When you are a welder, your helmet and its condition are very important.

Welding comes with a barrage of potential health issues such as asthma, bronchitis, ulcers, heart damage, etc.

Your helmet is your first line of defense, so how you do maintain your welding helmet?

How To Take Care Of Your Welding Helmet:

• Clean Your Lens
• Check to Make Sure Smaller Parts are Working
• Check for External Damage
• Store in a Dry, Stable Place

Before you begin poking around your helmet to see if there is anything that needs to be fixed, make sure you have all of the materials you need: the owner’s manual, tissues, cleaning solution, screws, and a screwdriver.

Depending on your welding helmet, you will need other items, so be sure to always refer to your owner's manual.

Clean Your Lens

First and foremost, your lens should be cleaned and in good condition.

This is the most delicate and one of the most essential parts of the helmet.

You should always clean it after each use to keep it in good working condition.

When cleaning the lens, make sure that you are aware of the additional layers built into the glass for protection from harsh light like ultraviolet light.

Gently clean the lens with either water or the recommended cleaning solution (consult the owner’s manual for this information).

Be sure to use soft cloths or tissues when cleaning to avoid scratching the glass.

Scratching the glass will affect both visibility and the ability to protect your eyes from harmful light.

Check to Make Sure Smaller Parts are Working

After cleaning the lens carefully, set it aside and check the other parts of your helmet.

If you have a helmet with a built-in fan or breathing apparatus, you will want to check to make sure it is still working correctly. If you find any parts are damaged, you should replace them immediately.

Check for External Damage

Once you’ve looked at the small parts of the helmet, you want to examine the helmet for cracks, dents, missing or loose screws, etc., that can potentially cause injury.

If you find there is a crack, especially on your lens, that could potentially cause you harm later, replace the part or your helmet as soon as you can.

Store in a Cool, Dry Place

Once you've done the necessary checking and repairing and feel confident about the helmet's integrity, you want to store the helmet somewhere safe to prolong its life span.

When storing a welding helmet, you want to pick a sturdy place that isn't likely to be knocked around.

Finding a dry place to store your helmet will also ensure that is doesn’t become corroded with rust or bacteria as time goes on, ensuring that the helmet will last and that your health won’t be negatively impacted through improper storage.

To conclude, there are many options for dealing with welding helmet fog, and proper maintenance and storage are crucial for both your physical health and your long-term success as a welder.