Bike helmet manufacturers have done a great job at making their products more breathable and cooler by creating air vents. The vents allow air to flow in and out of the helmet. However, they are not enough to keep the inner liner dry or free from the smell of sweat.
Instructions On How to Clean a Bike Helmet
Do you ever wonder how clean your bike helmet should be? The answer is clean enough that it does not smell or look grimy. Cleaning it too aggressively could damage the helmet and affect its impact-absorbing abilities during a collision. That is why you have to be really careful when cleaning it.
You should never remove the lining or the outer shell. However, you should not let them get so dirty that you’d rather buy a new helmet than wear your current one. Who wants to wear a smelly helmet when you’ve just washed your hair?
Since cleaning bike helmets is so important and very few people know how to do it, this article will share some of the most effective techniques for cleaning and maintaining your helmet.
Manufacturer Care Instructions
Before you try any of the tips, check to see if the manufacturer has provided particular care instructions for the helmet. It’s better to follow these since the manufacturer knows the best cleaning methods for the material used for the helmet. If there aren’t any instructions, then study the tips suggested below.
What Not to Use
Aside from not altering or removing any part of the helmet, you should also avoid using harsh chemicals like dishwasher detergent, soaking baths and other chemical cleaners. Also, avoid using very hot water while rinsing the helmet.
Experts are against these methods because they could damage the EPS foam in the helmet, which would impair its ability to reduce the impact of a collision. Meanwhile, hot water can cause the inner lining and outer shell to break apart, as well as the other parts. It also goes without saying that you should not put your helmet inside a washing machine or dryer.
Cleaning Methods
If you want faster results, you can buy cleaning sprays and lotions for helmets. But if you want to save money, then try these cleaning methods using some common items found in your home.
For starters, you can use a clean rag or cloth to wipe the helmet after each ride. Aside from this, you can also rinse it with lukewarm water in the shower. If your helmet smells very bad, then try the following methods below. They should make your helmet look shiny and smell decent.
Find out the various ways of cleaning your bike helmet
Shampoo and Shower
Shampoos are mild and aren’t made of harsh chemicals that could damage the foam pads inside the helmet. After having a shower, spread a very small amount of shampoo on the inner lining of the helmet, rubbing it gently using your fingers. Make sure to rinse it well under the shower with lukewarm water. Then, dry it with a towel and let the helmet air dry.
Shampoo and a Bucket of Water
If you are not going to take a shower, prepare a bucket of lukewarm water instead. The same procedure applies for this method. The only difference is that you have to dip the helmet into the bucket.
Then, apply a small amount of your shampoo and rub it in gently with your fingers before rinsing it thoroughly in the bucket. You should also rinse it under water before drying it with a towel and allow it to air dry. As you wait for the helmet to dry, wipe the outer shell clean. You can also wash it with shampoo.
Helmet Inspection
Aside from knowing how clean a bike helmet should be, it is also paramount to know how to maintain it. This involves carrying out safety inspections. As you clean the helmet, take a closer look at each of the parts, including the straps and the dials. Check for cracks and see if they are serious.
If there is a large crack and it widens when you pull it apart, stop cleaning it and replace the helmet with a new one. Experts advise not to use the helmet anymore, especially if it already suffered a collision or crash.
If you have been using your helmet regularly for 3 or more years, consider replacing it. This way, you can rest assured that your new helmet will be in perfect condition and can indeed provide optimal head protection.