Clean Your Motorcycle Helmet (and Visor) in 5 Simple Steps

Are you looking for a way to keep your motorcycle helmet clean and fresh? 

A well-maintained helmet is essential for both your safety and comfort on the road. But with regular use, helmets can accumulate dirt, sweat, and grime, which can affect their performance and longevity. 

In this article, we’ll show you how to clean your motorcycle helmet inside and out, so you can ride with confidence.

Cleaning your helmet is a simple process that can be done with a few basic tools and materials. 

You’ll need a soft-bristled toothbrush or Q-tips, microfiber cloths, warm water, and a mild soapy solution such as baby shampoo. 

First, remove any removable parts such as the visor and face shield. Then, use the toothbrush or Q-tips to clean hard-to-reach places such as vents and visor seals. Next, use the microfiber cloths soaked in the soapy solution to wipe away the dirt and grime. Rinse the cloth frequently to avoid smearing the dirt.

But wait, there’s a crucial piece of information you need to know. What is it? Let’s uncover it together, shall we?

Why Clean Your Motorcycle Helmet?

Cleaning your motorcycle helmet is an essential part of maintaining your gear. 

Not only does it help keep your helmet looking and smelling fresh, but it also ensures that it remains safe and effective in protecting your head.

1. Importance of Cleaning Your Motorcycle Helmet

Your helmet is exposed to a lot of dirt, sweat, and grime every time you ride your motorcycle. 

This buildup of debris can cause your helmet to become unhygienic and smelly. 

Additionally, it can also lead to the development of bacteria and fungi, which can cause skin irritation and other health issues.

2. Safety

A dirty helmet can also compromise your safety on the road. 

Dirt and grime can clog up the ventilation system, making it difficult for you to breathe and causing you to overheat. 

This can lead to discomfort and even fatigue, which can affect your concentration and reaction time while riding.

Moreover, a dirty visor can obstruct your vision, making it difficult to see the road ahead. This can be especially dangerous when riding in low-light conditions or during bad weather.

3. Maintenance

Cleaning your helmet regularly can also help prolong its lifespan. 

Dirt and debris can cause the padding and interior lining to deteriorate faster, reducing the effectiveness of the helmet in protecting your head. 

By cleaning your helmet, you can remove these harmful particles and ensure that your gear remains in top condition for longer.

Overall, cleaning your motorcycle helmet is an important task that should not be overlooked. 

By doing so, you can ensure that your gear remains hygienic, safe, and effective in protecting your head while riding.

Materials Needed

When it comes to cleaning your motorcycle helmet, you’ll need a few materials to make sure you get the job done right. Here are the things you’ll need:

Equipment

• Microfiber cloths: These are great for cleaning the exterior of your helmet without leaving any scratches or marks. You’ll need a few of these to make sure you get all the dirt and grime off your helmet.
• Soft-bristled brush: You’ll need this to clean the air vents and other hard-to-reach areas of your helmet.
• Water: You’ll need water to wet the microfiber cloths and to rinse off the helmet when you’re done cleaning it.
• Air compressor: If you have access to an air compressor, you can use it to blow out any dirt or debris from the air vents.

Cleaning Materials

• Baby shampoo: This is a gentle cleaning solution that won’t damage the helmet’s shell or interior padding.
• Warm water: You’ll need warm water to mix with the baby shampoo to create a cleaning solution.
• Rubbing alcohol: This is great for cleaning the helmet’s visor and removing any stubborn stains or marks.
• S100 Detail & Wax: This is a great product for deep-cleaning your helmet’s exterior and leaving it looking shiny and new.

By having these materials on hand, you’ll be able to clean your motorcycle helmet thoroughly and keep it looking its best.

Cleaning the Exterior of Your Helmet

Keeping the exterior clean is a key aspect of helmet maintenance, ensuring both longevity and a fresh appearance. 

By regularly cleaning your helmet, you can give it a longer lifespan while preserving its brand-new look. Here are the steps to clean the exterior of your helmet:

Step 1: Remove Accessories and Visor

Before you start cleaning the exterior of your helmet, remove any accessories and the visor. 

This will make it easier to clean and ensure that you don’t damage any of the parts. 

Use a microfiber cloth to gently wipe down the visor and accessories before setting them aside.

Step 2: Rinse Helmet with Warm Water

Rinse the helmet with warm water to remove any loose dirt or debris. 

Make sure to use a gentle stream of water and avoid using high pressure as it may damage the helmet.

Step 3: Wash Helmet with Mild Shampoo or Soap

Apply a small amount of mild shampoo or soap to a clean microfiber cloth and gently wash the exterior of the helmet. 

Be sure to avoid using any harsh chemicals or abrasive materials that may scratch the surface of the helmet.

Step 4: Rinse Helmet Thoroughly

After washing the helmet, rinse it thoroughly with warm water to remove any soap residue. 

Make sure to rinse the helmet inside and out to ensure that all soap is removed.

Step 5: Dry and Shine Helmet

Use a dry microfiber cloth to gently dry the helmet. 

Once the helmet is dry, you can apply a wax or polish to give it a shiny finish. 

Make sure to use a product that is specifically designed for motorcycle helmets.

Step 6: Reassemble Helmet Accessories

Once the helmet is clean and dry, you can reattach the visor and accessories. 

Make sure to use a gentle touch when reattaching the parts to avoid damaging the helmet.

By following these steps, you can keep the exterior of your motorcycle helmet clean and looking new. Regular cleaning can help extend the life of your gear and ensure that it provides the best protection possible.

Cleaning the Interior of Your Helmet

Cleaning the interior of your helmet is an essential part of maintaining your helmet and ensuring that it stays fresh and hygienic. 

In this section, I’ll provide you with a step-by-step guide on how to clean the interior of your helmet.

Step 1: Remove the Liner and Pads

The first step in cleaning the interior of your helmet is to remove the liner and pads. 

Most helmets have removable liners and pads that can be easily taken out. 

You can refer to your helmet’s user manual to find out how to remove the liner and pads.

Step 2: Wash the Liner and Pads

Once you have removed the liner and pads, you can wash them using mild soap or baby shampoo. 

You can use a toothbrush to scrub the liner and pads gently. 

Make sure that you wash them thoroughly to remove any sweat, debris, or bacteria.

Step 3: Air Dry the Liner and Pads

After washing, you should air dry the liner and pads. 

You can hang them outside in a dry and shaded area or use a fan to speed up the drying process. 

Do not use a dryer or fabric softener sheets as they can damage the liner and pads.

Step 4: Clean the EPS Liner

While the liner and pads are drying, you can clean the EPS liner. 

You can use a microfiber rag or compressed air to remove any dust or debris from the EPS liner. 

Make sure that you do not wet the EPS liner as it can damage the helmet.

Step 5: Reassemble the Helmet

Once all the components are dry, you can reassemble the helmet. 

Make sure that you put the liner and pads back in the correct order and that they fit snugly. 

You can refer to your helmet’s user manual to find out how to reassemble the helmet.

By following these steps, you can keep the interior of your helmet clean and fresh. It is essential to clean your helmet’s interior regularly, especially if you use it frequently. 

A deep cleaning every few months can help maintain your helmet’s hygiene and extend its lifespan.

Cleaning the Face Shield and Sun Shield

Cleaning the face shield and sun shield of your motorcycle helmet is an essential part of keeping your helmet in good condition.

Here are the steps to clean your helmet’s face shield and sun shield.

Step 1: Remove the Shield

First, remove the face shield and sun shield from your helmet. 

Most helmets have a release mechanism that allows you to remove the shield easily. Refer to your helmet’s user manual if you’re not sure how to remove the shield.

Step 2: Clean the Shield

Once you have removed the shield, clean it with a microfiber cloth. 

Wet the cloth with warm water and gently wipe the shield to remove any dirt, dust, or bugs. 

Avoid using any harsh chemicals or abrasive materials that can scratch the shield.

If the shield has stubborn stains or marks, you can use a mild soap solution. Mix a few drops of mild soap in warm water and use a microfiber cloth to clean the shield. 

Rinse the shield with clean water and dry it with a clean microfiber cloth.

Step 3: Dry and Reattach the Shield

After cleaning the shield, let it dry completely before reattaching it to your helmet. 

Use a clean, dry microfiber cloth to wipe the shield dry. Avoid using a hairdryer or any other heat source to dry the shield.

Once the shield is dry, reattach it to your helmet according to the manufacturer’s instructions. 

Make sure the shield is securely attached and doesn’t move or rattle when you ride.

By following these simple steps, you can keep your helmet’s face shield and sun shield clean and in good condition. Regular cleaning will not only help you see clearly while riding but also prolong the life of your helmet.

Cleaning the Chin Strap and Chin Bar

Cleaning the chin strap and chin bar of your motorcycle helmet is an important part of keeping your helmet clean and fresh.

Here are the steps you should follow to clean the chin strap and chin bar of your helmet:

Step 1: Remove the Chin Strap and Pads

The first step in cleaning the chin strap and chin bar of your helmet is to remove the chin strap and pads. 

Most helmets have removable chin straps and pads that can be easily removed for cleaning. Check your helmet’s manual to see how to remove these parts.

Step 2: Clean the Chin Strap and Chin Bar

Once you have removed the chin strap and pads, you can start cleaning the chin strap and chin bar. 

Start by using a mild shampoo or soap to clean the chin strap and chin bar. Avoid using harsh chemicals or abrasive cleaners that can damage the helmet.

Apply the shampoo or soap to the chin strap and chin bar and use a soft-bristled brush to scrub away any dirt or grime. 

Be sure to clean the entire chin strap and chin bar, including any hard-to-reach areas.

After scrubbing, rinse the chin strap and chin bar with warm water to remove any remaining soap or shampoo. 

Use a clean towel to dry the chin strap and chin bar thoroughly.

Step 3: Reattach the Chin Strap and Pads

Once the chin strap and chin bar are clean and dry, you can reattach the chin strap and pads to your helmet. 

Make sure that the chin strap and pads are securely attached to the helmet before you use it again.

By following these simple steps, you can keep the chin strap and chin bar of your motorcycle helmet clean and fresh. Remember to clean your helmet regularly to ensure that it provides the best protection possible while you ride.

Cleaning Electronics and Accessories

Cleaning your motorcycle helmet isn’t limited to the exterior and interior surfaces, especially when you’re dealing with a high-end motoVlogging helmet. 

These advanced helmets often feature built-in electronics and various accessories that require regular cleaning too. 

So, when it comes to maintenance, remember to pay equal attention to these components as well. Here’s how you can do it:

Step 1: Remove Electronics and Accessories

Before you start cleaning, you need to remove all electronics and accessories that come attached to the helmet. 

This includes the communication system, speakers, and any other devices. 

You don’t want to get any moisture or cleaning solution on these electronics, as it could damage them.

Step 2: Clean the Electronics and Accessories

Once you’ve removed the electronics and accessories, you can start cleaning them. 

Use a microfiber cloth to wipe down the surfaces of the electronics and accessories. 

If there is any dirt or grime that won’t come off with the cloth, you can use a small amount of rubbing alcohol on the cloth to help remove it.

Be careful not to use too much alcohol, as it can damage the electronics. 

Make sure to wipe down the surfaces thoroughly to remove any residue from the alcohol.

Step 3: Reattach the Electronics and Accessories

After you’ve cleaned the electronics and accessories, you can reattach them to the helmet. 

Make sure that everything is securely attached and in the right place.

If you have any doubts about reattaching the electronics and accessories, refer to the manufacturer’s instructions or seek professional help.

By following these steps, you can ensure that your motorcycle helmet and its electronics and accessories are clean and in good working condition.

Storing Your Clean Helmet

Once you have cleaned your motorcycle helmet, it is important to store it properly to ensure it stays clean and in good condition. Here are some tips for storing your helmet:

• Store it in a cool, dry place: Avoid storing your helmet in a place that is too hot or humid, as this can cause the helmet’s materials to degrade over time. Instead, find a cool, dry place to store your helmet, such as a closet or a helmet bag.
  
• Use a helmet bag: A helmet bag is a great way to protect your helmet from scratches and dust when it’s not in use. Make sure the bag is clean and dry before storing your helmet inside.
  
• Avoid using dryer sheets: While dryer sheets can be useful for removing odors from clothing, they should not be used to freshen up your helmet. The chemicals in dryer sheets can actually damage the helmet’s materials over time, so it’s best to avoid them altogether.
  
• Don’t stack heavy objects on top of your helmet: Stacking heavy objects on top of your helmet can cause it to become misshapen or damaged. Instead, store your helmet in a place where it won’t be crushed or bumped around.
  
• Check on your helmet periodically: Even when your helmet is not in use, it’s a good idea to check on it periodically to make sure it’s still in good condition. Look for any signs of damage or wear, and address any issues as soon as possible.
  

By following these tips, you can help keep your motorcycle helmet clean and in good condition for years to come.

Frequently Asked Questions