A helmet is crucial to a rider. In case of an accident, it will protect you by reducing the risk of head and brain injury. The helmet does protect you, but you also have to return the favor by taking care of your helmet and cleaning it. Bike helmets can get dirty and smelly, especially in the summer.
Now you may be wondering how to clean your bike helmet. Lucky for you, we’re here to show you how to do it, the products you can use, and some extra tips on helmet cleaning as well. Enjoy the ride!
How to Clean Bike Helmet?
The best way to clean a bike helmet is to clean it inside and out. While doing so, you must pay attention to two important helmet parts: helmet pads and helmet straps.
Start with helmet pads
For better cleaning results, start by removing the pads from the helmet. You can hand-wash them with water and mild soap, or you can put them in the washing machine—in a gentle 30′ cycle. In both cases, after you finish washing, let them air dry.
Get to helmet straps
As you clean your helmet inside and out, cleaning your helmet straps is essential because they are the ones that touch your face and skin. A lot of bacteria can build up from sweat and dust. Start by wetting the straps, then use soap and a sponge to clean them. Rub the sponge against the straps as needed. Finally, rinse with water.
What Do I Use for Helmet Cleaning?
Want to use something better than soap? Below we recommend three products you can use for helmet cleaning.
Progold Helmet Cleaner and Deodorizer
This product comes in spray form. When you put it on your helmet, it foams. You’re supposed to wipe it off using a moist cloth. It is a cleaner and deodorizer in one—which means you can use it to clean and freshen your helmet. It kills bacteria, therefore it removes any unpleasant odor from the helmet, giving it a fresh smell. You can use it to clean your bike helmet inside and out.
While using this product, you need to be careful since it can irritate your eyes and skin. And don’t forget to keep it in a cool place because it contains gas and may explode if heated.
You can find Progold Helmet Cleaner and Deodorizer in bike shops, or you can even order them online.
Charles Owen Hat Cleaner and Charles Owen Hat Deodorizer
When combining these two products by Charles Owen (a renowned helmet manufacturer), you get a clean and citrus fragranced helmet.
The helmet cleaner is produced to remove any kind of dirt, sweat, or even makeup from the helmet. You simply spray it on the headband and let it sit for two to three minutes. Next, you take a damp piece of cloth and wipe away the foam using circular motions. For the outside of the helmet, the company recommends you use a soft brush. After your helmet is all clean and shiny, you let it dry.
On the other hand, the helmet deodorizer is used to freshen up your helmet. You can easily use it every time you take off your helmet. It prevents and removes any unpleasant smell by killing the bacteria in the helmet.
Keep them both out of the children’s reach as they can be harmful to swallow.
Bennett Engineering Helmet Fresh
Another highly recommended product is Helmet Fresh by Bennett Engineering. It is an environmentally friendly sports equipment deodorizer. You can use it to completely get rid of any unpleasant smell in your helmet.
When tested, it performed amazing results. All you need to do is clean the helmet with water and dish soap before spraying the product and letting it air dry.
It is non-flammable and non-toxic.
Tips on Cleaning Bike Helmet
Here are some tips to keep in mind while you clean your bike helmet.
Don’t use the washing machine
You can use your washing machine for your helmet pads only! And that while being careful (gentle cycle, cold water, and so on). But when it comes to the helmet as a whole, it is best not to use the washing machine since it can destroy the helmet. Therefore, we highly recommend that you clean it by hand.
Check the manufacturer’s website for washing instructions
When you don’t know what to do, always check the manufacturer’s instructions. You can easily look up your helmet manufacturer’s website and then follow the washing instructions for your helmet.
Don’t let the helmet stay in the water for long
Even though you can drown your helmet inside a bucket of water while cleaning it, do not let it stay in the water for long. Water can get inside the helmet and damage its material. As a result, it can affect the helmet’s performance.
Avoid using harsh cleaning materials
Our last but not least tip is not to use harsh cleaning materials. The bike helmet, having parts made of foam, is fragile to many cleaning materials. Avoid cleaning materials that contain chemicals such as ammonia as it can damage the helmet’s material.
While cleaning your bike helmet, you need to clean it inside out. Besides soap and water, there are other products you can use ( like cleaners and deodorizers). Remember: to check your manufacturer’s instructions, not to put it in the washing machine, not to use harsh chemicals, and not to leave it in the water for too long.
Lastly, don’t forget to wear your helmet! And don’t forget to clean your helmet either!
