Your motorcycle helmet is a constant friend in your life, be it rain, sunshine, heat waves, hurricanes, mud pits, sand storms, or snow, well you get the picture. The padding of a helmet helps to keep you comfortable when you are riding and the outer shell protects your head from flying debris and the ever-present possibility of a collision. It has an important role to play, and thus needs that extra care.
Cleaning your motorcycle helmet is a necessary process to keep it in good condition, and ensure that it offers you the best protection while on the road. You must clean and polish your helmet regularly if you want to keep it looking new and increase its lifespan.
The steps to clean a motorcycle helmet are not very complicated. But before we move on to that, let us take a look at the list of things that you require during the process.
Can I Use the Same Cleaning Techniques for My Motorcycle Chain and Helmet?
Cleaning a motorcycle chain properly is essential for its performance and longevity. However, the same techniques cannot be used for a helmet. While a chain requires specific solvents and lubes, a helmet needs gentle cleaning with mild soap and water. Using the right cleaning techniques for each will ensure both components stay in optimal condition.
Items Needed to Clean a Motorcycle Helmet
The list of items needed to clean a helmet includes:
- Bucket or sink
- Mild dish soap or Baby Shampoo
- Toothbrush
- Warm Water
- Soft Fabric or Microfiber towel
- Newspaper
- Petroleum jelly or baby oil
Steps to Clean Your Motorcycle Helmet
Remove the Exterior Items
Take off the exterior stickers, face shield, and any other removable parts of the helmet. Clean these parts separately with mild dish soap or baby/mild shampoo and a toothbrush. Rinse them thoroughly with warm water and let them be air-dried. To make the cleaning easier, use a wet microfiber cloth. Place the wet microfibre cloth on the face shield for a few minutes to get rid of any trapped dirt particles.
Remove accessories like microphones, speakers, and Bluetooth equipment. They can be cleaned with a soft cloth and a mild soap solution.
Remove Interior Items
Remove the padding and inner lining of the helmet. If it is removable, take it out and wash it in mild dish soap and water. You can also use a toothbrush to clean any stubborn dirt or grime. Rinse it well and leave them to be air-dried. Also, it can be washed in the washing machine on the most delicate cycle. If your helmet doesn’t have a removable liner and padding, then you will have to skip this step.
Prepare the Outer Shell of The Helmet for Cleaning
Take out the outer shell and lay it on a newspaper or any flat surface. Remove all mud, dirt, and filth from its surface with a soft or microfiber cloth.
If there is still dirt stuck in the vents of your helmet, use an old toothbrush to scrub them out. You can remove wax buildup using petroleum jelly or baby oil. If you do not have either of these items at home, then clean the outer shell with soap and water only. Allow time for drying before reattaching the inner lining and padding to the helmet.
Clean the Inside of the Helmet
Use mild dish soap or shampoo to clean the inside of the helmet. Rinse it with warm water and let it air dry. When you clean the lining of your helmet, fill the bucket with warm water and a mild soap solution. Dip the rag in it for wetting your helmet, and use another one to wipe the lining dry.
Allow your cheek pads and helmet liner to dry completely before reattaching them. If you are planning to travel the next day, it is best you clean it the night before and let it air dry.
Take Care of the Exterior of the Helmet
After you have cleaned your helmet’s lining, take care of its outer shell. Take off the face shield and stickers, and clean them with mild dish soap or shampoo. Rinse them well and when air-dried, reattach them to the helmet.
Make sure you only use warm water to clean the exterior, as other substances could leave a lasting mark on it. When cleaning the outer shell, work in small sections so that you do not miss out on any area. Wipe off all dirt and grime before moving on to the next step.
Blow Out The Vents
Blow out the vents of your helmet with a hairdryer. This will help remove any dirt or dust that may be stuck inside them. Also, a blast of air from the air compressor will keep them free of any moisture.
Clean The Faceshield
Most face shields in recent times have a protective shield over them. Thus, you need to be extra careful with them.
To clean your face shield, use mild dish soap or baby shampoo and warm water. Wet a rag with the solution and rub off all dirt and grime from it before rinsing it thoroughly with the wet cloth. Allow enough time for drying.
Wipe the Sun Shield
If your helmet has a sun shield, then you will need to clean it as well. Use a soft cloth and some baby shampoo. Wipe off all the dirt and grime from the surface and rinse it with warm water. Allow enough time for drying before reattaching it to the helmet.
Reassemble the Helmet
After cleaning all the parts of the helmet, reattach them in the reverse order. Make sure you fit everything properly and do not miss out on any step.
Your motorcycle helmet is now clean and ready for your next ride. Enjoy the wind in your hair without worrying about the dirt and grime that comes with it!
Conclusion
Maintaining your helmet is essential if you want to get the most out of it. A clean helmet will work better and be safer for use. Also, you will not have to worry about repairs or replacements any time soon! So make sure that you give your motorcycle helmets a good wash once in a while so that it is always ready.
The steps above will help you clean your motorcycle helmet in the easiest and most efficient way possible. Make sure you follow them carefully to achieve the best results. Have a safe ride!
For some of the quietest helmets on the market, see how recommended quietest motorcycle helmet’s article.
