Follow this sophisticated guide to wash your helmet under 5 minutes.A bike helmet is an essential accessory to ensure the safety of cyclists on the road. However, with regular use, it can accumulate dirt, and sweat, and develop an unpleasant odor. To ensure that your helmet remains in good condition and provides optimum protection, it’s essential to clean it properly. In this comprehensive guide, we will discuss various methods and techniques on how to clean a bike helmet, along with tips to avoid damaging it in the process. Importance of Cleaning Your Bike Helmet
Why Regularly cleaning your bike helmet is essential
Hygiene – If not washed over time sweat, bacteria and dirt will continue accumulating in the helmet padding, leading to an unpleasant odor and potential skill irritation. Therefore, cleaning your helmet regularly can prevent this and help maintain a hygienic climate for your head and hair.
Longevity – A well-maintained helmet can increase the lifespan of your helmet, ensuring you get the most out of your investment. This ensures the helmet’s materials are not damaged, which prolongs its life.
Appearance – Although not considered essential, having a clean helmet does make one look better and more professional. Besides, it will look more appealing to wear.
How to Clean Your Bike Helmet: The Basics
Before cleaning your bike, dissect the specific components of your bike helmet. This is because each component of a helmet demands a different approach to keeping it clean.
It isn’t necessary to purchase cleaning products specific to cleaning helmets therefore, household products such as a mild soap or shampoo to create a gentle cleaning solution are suitable enough. Avoid using harsh chemicals or solvents that can damage the helmet’s materials such as bleach. Mix a small amount of soap with warm water in a bucket or basin.
Specific Parts Of The Helmet to Wash
Cleaning Helmet Straps
Since helmet straps are in direct contact with the skin, it is very important to wash them appropriately. Most helmet straps are made from nylon materials therefore they can be washed with mild detergent (Shampoo, washing up liquids etc.).
To clean the straps, apply the cleaning solution onto a brush and gently scrub the straps in a circular motion, focusing on areas with visible dirt or sweat stains. Rinse the straps thoroughly with clean water until the dirt vanishes. Depending on the condition of the straps, this might be a lengthy process.
Cleaning Helmet Padding
First, remove the padding from the helmet, if possible. Mix a small amount of soap with warm water in a bucket or basin. Then soak the padding into the solution for a couple of minutes. Then, rinse the padding thoroughly with clean water and gently squeeze out excess water. Allow the padding to air dry completely before reinserting it into the helmet.
Cleaning Helmet shell (including visor)
Again, Use soapy water to clean the helmet’s outer shell, and focus on areas with visible dirt or grime. Don’t neglect washing your helmet visor, you would be amazed how much dirt gets inside. If your helmet has a removable visor, detach it before cleaning.
Dry the Helmet
When storing your helmet, keep it in a cool, dry location away from direct sunlight and heat sources. Exposing the helmet to direct sunlight or excessive heat for periods such as a radiator or hair dryer will damage the polystyrene layer and lose it’s effectiveness. Place the helmet on a dry towel and wrap it around the helmet. Leave it to dry naturally.
Depending on the room temperature, this may take a few days. If you’re in a hurry to dry your helmet, if your helmet has removable padding, squeeze out whatever water is left. Secondly, stuff a cloth inside the helmet and change the cloth as it soaks up the water. Once it is damp, leave it to dry near a heater, not hot enough to heat up the helmet. This process requires you to regularly monitor your helmet to check its status and condition.
Alternative Cleaning Methods
Can you put your helmet in the Dishwasher machine?
Yes, it is possible however this only works if the dishwasher is set to wash on cold/warm temperatures. I personally would steer away from using this method since it wouldn’t clean the helmet adequately.
Can you put your helmet in the washing machine?
I myself have tried putting a bike helmet in the washing machine and it didn’t go as planned therefore avoid machine washing or using a dryer, as these methods can damage the delicate helmet.
How Often to Clean Your Bike Helmet
How often you clean your helmet depends on several factors, including how often you ride, environmental conditions, and personal hygiene factors such as sweat or dandruff. Generally speaking, you should clean your helmet whenever it appears or smells dirty.
Nevertheless, For daily riders, cleaning your helmet once a month is ideal. For occasional riders, cleaning the helmet every few months should be adequate.
Final Thoughts
To summarize, cleaning your helmet is that simple; It shouldn’t be overly complicated. Although there are alternative methods of cleaning your helmet (using a dishwasher, or washing machine) I declare, cleaning your helmet manually or using your hands is an effective and quickest way to accomplish this.
Frequently asked question
Can you use a cleaning solution containing alcohol to clean your helmet?
Yes, you can use a cleaning solution containing alcohol but make sure it is safe enough to use on human skin. In spite of this, do not use cleaning products intended to be used to disinfect household surfaces (kitchen grease, bathroom dirt etc.). As this might damage the helmet shell over time.
Can chemicals damage a helmet?
If you don’t use harsh cleaning products then it shouldn’t be a problem, chemicals found in detergent are usually not severe enough to cause drastic changes to your helmet.
Can I spray deodorant on the helmet?
Spraying deodorant on your helmet will only get rid of any odor present but it wouldn’t remove any visible dirt.