how to clean a dirty helmet

How To Clean A Motorcycle Helmet

Posted on by motohelmet

It is important to keep up with the proper maintenance of your helmet. This means keeping it clean so if you do not know how to do it here is a simple guide I put together for you.

How do you clean a motorcycle helmet correctly? Follow these simple steps:

  1. Get required cleaning items (soap, towels, scrubber, degreaser, tub, wax, toothbrush)
  2. Remove interior lining and padding of the helmet
  3. Designate a soaking area for your helmet
  4. Soak and scrub
  5. Clean the delicate parts of your helmet with a toothbrush
  6. Apply degreaser to break up remaining dirt and grime
  7. Spray down your helmet and wipe it dry
  8. Wax your helmet for extra protection

Cleaning your helmet will help to expand its lifespan. The more you keep up with the “up keep” the better the helmet will perform and the longer it will live. In this article, I show you the correct way to clean your helmet and maintain it so you don’t have to consistently spend money on new ones.

Motorcycle Helmet Cleaning Products

Here is a list of a few common household cleaning products and other cleaning items that will come in handy when cleaning your helmet.

The list above represents a few different cleaning items to have when it comes to maintaining the hygiene of your helmet. There are probably more you can use that I have not thought of so please share!

Cleaning Your Helmet Shell Step-By-Step

Here are simple steps to follow when you need to clean the dirt off the shell of your helmet. This is easy to do and should take no more than 10 minutes to complete.

  1. Remove the interior – Remove the interior lining and padding from the helmet and separate all removable parts such as the cheek pads and visor. You can then was the inside pieces in a washer.
  2. Designate a soaking area – Fill up a large sink or plastic tub with tap water and place a few drops of mild soap or laundry detergent in the water. Fill about half way.
  3. Soak and scrub – Soak your helmet in the soapy water and take your scrubber and carefully clean the shell and any removable pieces.
  4. Clean delicate areas – Use a toothbrush or cloth to clean more delicate areas such as the vents and the visor. DO NOT use any solvents, acids, window cleaner, or alkaline bases on these parts as they can deteriorate the plastic.
  5. Add degreaser – You can add some degreaser on your scrubber to help get rid of the extra grime.
  6. Spray and wipe – Spray down your helmet with a hose and wipe dry with a microfiber towel. This will prevent your helmet from getting scratched.
  7. Wax your helmet – Buff your helmet with some wax and a soft towel to give it an added layer of protection.

Apply the instructions mentioned above to effectively clean your helmet. Remember to go easier on the visor and vents by using a toothbrush to get those hard-to-reach areas.

How To Clean The Inside of A Motorcycle Helmet

Cleaning the interior of your helmet is easy. For the removable parts simply toss them in the wash on a gentle cycle with some laundry detergent or powder. You want to make sure the detergent or powder is scentless. If the inner material of your helmet is not removable, use a damp cloth and some mild soap and gently scrub the interior.

Once you feel that the helmet is cleaned, set it on a rack and allow to dry. Place it in front of a fan to improve air circulation throughout the entire helmet.  It is best to keep it out of direct sunlight and heat. DO NOT put interior padding or liner in the dryer because it can get damaged.

How To Clean Non-Removable Helmet Liner

One of the easiest solutions for cleaning a non-removable motorcycle helmet liner is to use a helmet liner cleaner. This deodorizes, cleans and protects the interior of your helmet.

Another way to clean a non-removable helmet liner is to use warm water and mild shampoo or soap. Simply dampen a cloth with this solution and then ring it out as you do not want it too wet before carefully wiping the entire inside of your helmet.

To keep the interior of your helmet dry, try using a vacuum cleaner. This will suck out all of the sweat and any dirt that has accumulated inside.

How to Clean Motorcycle Helmet Visor

The visor is a very delicate part of the helmet so make sure to use a non-abrasive material. I prefer using a microfiber towel or toothbrush for cleaning. These will not scratch your visor.

Start by creating a warm water and mild soap solution. Soak the cloth or toothbrush and begin gently scrubbing the visor. After scrubbing the entire visor, you can either wipe with a dry microfiber towel and then air dry for about 15 minutes.

Touching Up Your Helmet

The last thing you can do to keep your helmet looking fresh is to apply a few touch ups. A simple way to improve the look of your helmet is to use a marker. If you happen to see a scratch or small chip, you can color it in with a marker to keep it looking new. I have also seen riders draw their own designs on their helmet.

You can also use helmet wax or finish as I mentioned in the last step to clean your helmet. Helmet finish not only gives it a nice shine but also protects the integrity of your helmet shell. Plus, it will make it easier next time to remove dirt and grime.

Lastly, perform a visual inspection of your helmet for any cracks or debris stuck in the vents.

Final Thoughts

It is best practice to clean your helmet after every ride. I know it is annoying but it will save you a lot of headache in the long run. Trus met! Remember to use wax to preserve your helmet and keep it looking fresh!