How to Clean Bike Helmet – ProtectionPick

You can extend the life of your gear if you take care of it. Keeping your bike in good shape is likely to be as easy as cleaning it, but what about your helmet? Here are all the steps that you need to know about how to clean bike helmets.

There are many working parts on a bike, but a helmet has several parts you want to keep in good condition to ensure its ability to save your life in case of an accident.

What is the purpose of cleaning the helmet?

If you have excess dirt, dust, or chemicals on your helmet (sunscreen, etc. ), it will rust over time. The polycarbonate (plastic) outer shell is generally the only protection. As the bulk of the helmet is made up of EPS (foam), the thin liner is very vulnerable to damage.

You will be extending the lifespan of your helmet by cleaning it regularly, thereby ensuring it protects your head for as long as possible. Learn how to do it below.

Helmet Cleaning: How Do You Do It?

It isn’t difficult to clean a helmet. You can give it an excellent clean without worrying about breaking since it is made to get wet and sturdy enough to hold up to some force.

First, remove any removable liners you may have.
Give it a quick rinse down with fresh water if you do not have a removable liner. Once you have washed the helmet, be sure to dry the liner properly.
The outer plastic shell of the helmet can be cleaned using a soft sponge or a damp cloth. Make sure you clean inside and around the helmet’s vents, as well as around the edges of the helmet and its visor (if it has one).
If any dirt or chemicals are found on the inside of the helmet, clean it with a damp cloth and mild soap. Otherwise, you can work around the inner liner if the inner liner can be removed. It is also likely that the helmet’s plastic retention system will need cleaning, so be sure to wipe it as well.
Don’t forget to dry everything after you’ve cleaned! After an hour or two, let it air dry outside. Do not store the fabric until it has dried completely.

There is only one difference in the cleaning process with a road helmet; no visor is present, making it easier to clean.

What is the best way to clean bike helmet pads?

The pads of a mountain bike tend to accumulate sweat over time as you ride. This may also be true of full-face helmet cheek pads. You will end up with a more comfortable helmet that smells fresher and lasts much longer after washing the pads!

If you wash removable pads in a cold water cycle, this may result in excessive wear over time.

In a bucket or sink, soak them in some cold water and some washing powder. Dry each pad by hanging it up. Never put the places in the dryer!

How Do You Clean Bike Helmet Straps?

With the cloth, clean the strap gently, and clean the buckle and any other plastic parts. Using a mild soap with warm water may help remove dirt if water alone isn’t enough. To remove that annoying mud, try using a more brutal bristle brush!

Take care of the helmet’s outside

To clean your bike helmet, you don’t have to submerge it in water. Using a cloth, warm water, and household cleaner, you can easily clean the outside. You can also use detergent to get rid of stubborn dirt. Be careful not to damage the bicycle helmet as you clean it.

Things you should Avoid When Cleaning a Helmet

The helmet should not be hosed down. The helmet has a few fragile parts (like the fit system and the MIPS liner). High-pressure hoses are likely to damage these parts. There may be some issues with the inner layers and fitting systems when exposed to a blast of water. Wipe all of it down with a wipe or cloth instead.
Chemical cleaners shouldn’t be used on plastic or foam because they may react. They may degrade the helmet’s quality. It is an excellent cleaning solution to use dishwashing detergent/soapy water.
Using a stiff brush, you want to avoid leaving scrapes or scratches on the foam or outer plastic.
Don’t allow the helmet to soak up too much sun. Never let it get damp. It’s best to air-dry it.

How should a helmet be stored?

In addition to how you store a helmet, keeping it dramatically affects its lifespan. Eventually, the helmet’s structural integrity will be compromised by UV rays, chemicals, and additional weight on top of it. These factors result in it having a shorter lifespan than it should.

Helmets should be stored away from direct sunlight, chemicals, and heavy objects. My helmet usually hangs from the handlebars of my bike. The garage won’t be knocked over by people digging around and won’t be damaged by chemicals or sunlight.

You can also keep it in a box while storing it – not under any pressure- so that it won’t degrade faster than necessary.

How often should you replace your mountain bike helmet?

It is estimated that a helmet can last approximately three years if you are lucky enough not to fall while wearing it. Sun and sweat can affect how long it lasts.

For this reason, you should replace your helmet sooner if you spend a lot of time in the sun or if it is susceptible to moisture. You can safely use a helmet for up to five years if you only bike on weekends and prefer cycling during the morning or evening (when the sun is not so intense).

Conclusion

With the help of these tips, we hope that the life of your helmet will be as long as possible in its optimal condition, but it is essential to know that its helpful life typically lasts 3-5 years.
Suppose you are concerned about how long a helmet will last. In that case, you should consult the manufacturer’s instructions since they will give you information about when it will no longer guarantee optimal protection against accidents.