5 Simple Steps To Maintain Helmet Hygiene

5 Simple Steps To Maintain Helmet Hygiene

The average human body sheds and regenerates millions of cells every day. Most of that ends up on your personal accessories and clothing. And the helmet being a personal accessory, there is the likelihood of it having skin cells sitting there, mixing with the sweat and road-dust – which creates a malodorous mixture!  

Thankfully, modern motorcycle helmets are lined with hypoallergenic linings which keeps your skin free of infections and significantly reduces smell, but there are certain steps that you need to do to give your helmet some much needed love once in a while. Let’s find out how you can keep your helmet smelling fresh for long.

Step 1: Detach The Removable Parts

This step is optional and not necessary to complete the cleaning process of your helmet.  Please make sure that your helmet has removable parts before applying force. In most cases, basic helmet configurations do not come with any removable parts other than perhaps the visor, so if you happen to apply extreme force on the lining and padding you run the risk of ripping them off. Gently take out any removable part that you are certain about (if necessary, refer to the manufacturer’s website, or ask the helmet shop where you bought the helmet) and keep them aside for the time being. If you had to remove any screws or nuts and bowls make sure to keep them safe because you are going to need them to put your helmet back together later.

Step 2: Soak The Helmet In Baby Shampoo

With all the removable parts separated and kept safely, the next step is to soak the helmet in a solution of baby shampoo. Soak the padding and inner lining separately so that it does not absorb the dirt from the helmet. For best results, it is recommended that you keep the helmet soaked for at least two to three hours in a very mild shampoo solution. Do not add a lot of the shampoo, and definitely do not use any strong chemicals to clean the helmet because it might end up peeling the paint from the surface and reducing its shine. You can help the process by gently rubbing on the surface once in a while in between.

Step 3: Wash The Grime Off

After letting the helmet soak in the soap solution for about 2 to 3 hours, remove the helmet from the shampoo solution and using a soft cotton cloth or a microfiber cloth then released from the surface making sure only to remove the dust and grime deposited on the surface and not to apply a lot of force.  This process is best done under running water that will ensure all the dust and grime coming off the surface is being washed off constantly instead of getting deposited in other nooks and crannies of the helmet. After you have completely washed off the helmet and ensured that there isn’t any shampoo or dirt left behind, allow it to dry naturally. Do not place it under strong sunlight. Once it dries off naturally, use a dry microfiber cloth to wipe off any water stains.

Step 4: Polish & Wax

Now that the helmet is all clean, it is now ready for some shine! Be very careful in selecting the wax. It must be of good quality and never make the mistake of using an abrasive metal polishing paste because that will completely take the paint off the surface of the helmet. Use a soft applicator to apply the wax on the shiny surfaces of the helmets (don’t apply inside the helmet) and massage it all across. Allow it to sit for 3-5 minutes and then using a microfibre towel buff the wax off.

Step 5: Reassemble The Helmet

Finally, reassemble all the parts together, making sure to put everything back in its proper place using the nuts and screws that you kept away safely earlier. Once everything is back together, use the microfiber cloth to give it a final rub down. Now apply a helmet deodorizer on the inside of the helmet. For best results, have the deodorizer with you and apply it once after 4-5 days.

Invest in a new motorcycle helmet that comes with the latest safety features as well as with additional features such as removable inner lining and padding which makes maintenance much simpler. Check out our entire range of helmets at your nearest studds helmet dealership or exclusive brand outlet.