Learn how to clean motorcycle helmets like new by following these simple cleaning tips. The helmet, like any other motorcycle garment, also gets dirty with the passage of time. And it is that being in direct contact with the dirt of the street, the sweat of the body, or when you support it in one place or another, it ends up getting dirty inside and out. A dirty helmet can partially compromise your vision on the road. So, for your safety and for your economy, it will be very beneficial to learn how to clean motorcycle helmets.
When should a motorcycle helmet be cleaned?
About how often the motorcycle helmet should be cleaned, there are those who recommend carrying out a comprehensive cleaning every three months. But this will depend on the type of use that is made of this accessory for motorcycle equipment. As a rule, a helmet must be cleaned in these cases:
Do you use the motorcycle daily? Well, don’t leave it for tomorrow! Clean the outside of the helmet when you get home. In this way, you will not accumulate insects or dirt particles on the outer shell and screen.
Similarly, clean it after a long motorcycle trip or when you practice off-road specialties such as a trial, motocross.
And, on rainy days or with high humidity in which the helmet ends up wet. On days like this, wipe it with a cloth. And let it dry at room temperature.
How to Clean Motorcycle Helmet?
Now we are going to tell you how to clean motorcycle helmets part by part. Let’s read the below point to know in detail.
Clean the Shell
You only need water, a mild soap, and a soft sponge. Add a few drops of soap to a liter of water and soak the sponge. Before rubbing the shell, it is advisable to moisten it with the help of the soaked sponge. The remains of dirt and insects can then be removed by gently rubbing with the sponge and the soap solution until they are eliminated. The inner filling of the shell can be slightly moistened with the neutral soap solution and the sponge.
Once clean, the shell must be dried. For this, it is very significant not to use dryers, radiators, or any other source of heat that can end up damaging the EPS absorbent interior. The shell must remain in a warm and dry environment until it is completely dry for at least 48 hours.
To maintain an optimal appearance of the helmet and facilitate its maintenance, it is advisable to apply a paint protection product. Car wax protects the paint and prevents it from getting dirty. It is suitable for painted composite hulls. Avoid its application on the intakes and vents, as well as other plastic materials of the trims or ailerons of the helmet. Soapy water will suffice for thermoplastic helmets.
How to clean the visor
You cannot forget to regularly clean the visor to ensure your visibility. When you do, it is significant that you use the right products to clean motorcycle screens, since using other cleaning supplies, such as glass cleaners for the home, can be counterproductive. Keep in mind that the helmet screen is not made of glass but of special plastic and the chemicals in household cleaning products can end up darkening or scratching the visor.
Once you have your specific cleaner for motorcycle helmet screens on hand, follow these steps:
Apply a little of the product on a damp cloth and rub gently on the visor until the dirt is removed.
If there is still residue on the helmet, spray a little more of the product directly on the screen and let it act for a few seconds. Remove the remains with a dry cloth.
If you don’t have the special cleaner, use hot water and a little mild soap on the screen and follow the same procedure.
Cleaning the helmet ventilation slots
This is perhaps the most tedious part, but necessary. Mosquitoes get embedded everywhere and, in the grooves, too. With a small brush or with a toothbrush, a little soap, and water, to scratch, there is no other option. You will improve ventilation and prevent any remains of a “corpse” from ending up inside the helmet due to the force of the air.
Rubber bands and straps
So that the rubbers do not dry out and lose their insulating effect of air/water inlet, they must be lubricated with petroleum jelly or silicone grease.
The fastening straps can be rubbed with alcohol-soaked cotton to prevent sweat from drying.
If you are one of those who like to leave it shiny, you can use a polish, which is silicone-free.
How to clean the ear pads
It is advisable to clean the inside of the helmet of your motorcycle once or twice a year, but no more. If you sweat a lot, it is important that you buy a spray that absorbs the bad smell.
If your helmet has removable pads, carefully remove them, and soak them in mild soapy water or detergent. Always follow the manufacturer’s instructions.
Scrub both pads carefully so you don’t spoil their texture and shape.
Once clean, let them drain and dry in the shade.
Never machine wash or put them back in place before they are completely dry as the smell will worsen.
How to Clean the Inner Helmet Lining
One of the simplest solutions to cleaning the inside of a non-removable helmet is to use a helmet cleaner. Eliminates odor, cleans, and defends the inside of our helmet.
Another way to clean the inner lining of a helmet is to use cold water and mild soap. Simply dampen a cloth and carefully wipe the entire interior of the helmet.
To keep the inside of our helmet dry, try using a vacuum cleaner. This will absorb all the sweat and dirt that has accumulated inside.
Frequent questions
How often do you have to clean a helmet?
There is no established recommendation. It depends on the time of use and the conditions. The frequency when cleaning a helmet will vary depending on whether the helmet is motocross, full face, or jet type.
The frequency of cleaning depends on ourselves. Regular surface cleaning is a good habit.
How to clean a helmet full of mud?
The most common way to clean a muddy helmet is to use high-pressure water. A simple hose can be more than enough for cleaning.
It is important to mention that we must be careful when pressure cleaning the helmet since we could damage the different moving parts of the helmet (visor, ventilation ducts, etc.)
How Do I Clean a Matte Black Helmet?
Today, matte black helmets have become a very popular design. The care and cleaning of this type of helmet are the same as that of any other type of helmet, that is, we will only have to follow the procedure described above.
How to Clean a Sticky Helmet?
The best way to clean a sticky helmet is to use pharmacy rubbing alcohol and cotton. We will rub the sticky surface of the helmet until it is completely removed.
Once the substance has disappeared, it is advisable to apply a layer of hoof wax, to protect the surface of the helmet from dirt and other substances.
How to clean a helmet full of lice?
Lice are small insects that live in our hair, feeding on our blood and laying eggs on our scalp. Getting infected with lice can be easier than it seems, especially if there are children at home.
In case of having lice on the helmet, we must wash the inside of the helmet, replacing the soap with the anti-lice shampoo.
Now you know how to clean a motorcycle helmet, and remember, if you have suffered a blow or if you notice that the protection elements have deteriorated, you should change it immediately.
[…] time to time you should clean your helmet to keep it out of dust, sweat, and dirt. Washing your helmet has two parts to follow. One is the […]