Caring for your snorkel is important because that is what keeps you from having to constantly lift your head out of the water to breathe. The fact that it goes in your mouth is also an important reason for care and maintenance. The three basic snorkel styles are J Snorkel, Semi-Dry Snorkel and the Dry Snorkel.

Care and Maintenance Out of the Package
It is always a good idea to pour some germ killing mouthwash into the barrel or the mouthpiece of the snorkel for good measure even if the snorkel that you purchased was sealed in a bag. Its going to go in your mouth for goodness sakes. If you have a semi-dry or dry snorkel with a purge valve you will need to pour the mouthwash into the mouthpiece while blocking the snorkel's purge valve. Failure to do this will have you running for a towel because the liquid will pour out of the purge valve. If you have a plain non purge "J" style snorkel, block the mouthpiece and pour the mouthwash into the barrel of the snorkel. Read more on Snorkels.

Inspection Prior to Travel
Check the snorkel mouthpice bite tabs as some people have a tendancy to gnaw on these while snorkeling (you know who you are). Many of the higher end snorkels have replaceable mouthpieces whereas the lower end snorkel do not. In the case of the latter, a new snorkel would be advised. If you have a flexible tube snorkel (the lower third of the snorkel is corrugated externally). Inspect the corrugation for any signs of wear. Check the snorkel keeper for any signs of wear. Inspect the snorkel purge valve to make sure it has not warped.

Packing Snorkel for Transit
It is a good idea to pack your snorkel in your carry on luggage because you know whose mouth has been on it and if your luggage got delayed or lost ....I think you get the idea. If your snorkel keeper is a 2 piece release (where one piece remains on the mask strap and the other is on the snorkel, make sure that you have both pieces before packing.

Prior to Water Entry
Connect your snorkel to your mask making sure that the snorkel is placed on the left side of the mask as if you were wearing it. If you have a "J" style snorkel with a purge valve, cup your hand over the top of the barrel and try inhaling from the snorkel. You shouold not have any air coming in. If you do, then check the purge valve for and cracks, warping or sediment that might be causing the valve not to seal. Read more on Snorkels.

Care of Snorkel During Multi Snorkel Outings
If you are planning to go out a few times a day snorkeling then you should take precautions while the snorkel is not in use. Keep the snorkel out of direct sunlight and if possible rinse the snorkel in fresh tap water if possible.

Snorkel Care and Maintenance Prior to Storage
Prior to storage of your snorkel, you want to make sure that it is clean both inside and out. Using warm soapy water let the snorkel soak a goodly amount of time to help loosen any dirt or salt water build up. Using a soft bristled toothbrush, clean as much of the snorkel as you can. If you have access to a small flexible bottle brush, clean as much of the inside of the snorkel as possible. Once cleaned, rinse thoroughly in fresh tap water. It is a good idea to store the snorkel in a cool dry place which is out of direct sunlight. Do not store it in contact with any rubber goods or ferrous metal objects as this can lead to premature discoloration. Storing it in an airtight container is also a good idea.