
How to defog a bike helmet visor- Introduction
By Ryan Watling
A helmet has become an essential part of your safety while riding on the road. It ensures the safety of your head, which is the most critical part of your body.
However, many riders face fogging issues on the helmet visor during cold weather or when they breathe heavily inside the helmet. In this case, you cannot see the road ahead. An accident might occur, especially if you ride in the night or ride on a tricky road.
Fogging on the visor generally occurs when the outside temperature is frigid compared to the inside temperature. In this condition, the moist air generated from your breath creates fog on the shield. It could also happen if there is more humidity in the air.
Some helmets like the best convertible MTB helmet come with features such as air vents, visors with tiny openings, and anti-fog visors to deal with this issue.
Usually, most helmets are devoid of these features, and you have to deal with fogging problems in other ways. There are several precautionary steps that you can take to let the fog go from your helmet visor once and for all. By applying these steps, you will be sure to defog your helmet visor before it becomes a problem. Let’s have a look at these crucial steps.
Anti-fog Inserts
Anti-fog inserts are thin plastic sheets that are affixed inside the visor. They stop the condensation process from happening inside the helmet. The hydraulic layer in the inserts keeps absorbing moisture. Various versions of anti-fog inserts are available in the market, but most of them almost function in the same way.
Pin-lock lens
The pin-lock is another kind of anti-fog visor that can be installed. It helps you maintain the same temperature between the inside and outside of the visor with a glazing effect. It is a silicon-made product that you can easily affix with the main visor on both sides. The tight bond between the visor and insert prevents the moisture from being trapped between them. It is also helpful in keeping you warm during cold days and nights.
Anti-fog sprays
If you want a temporary solution, there are anti-fog sprays available in the market. These sprays have chemical surfactants for breaking the surface tension of water and let it evaporate. However, it is only suitable for people who rarely ride. If motorcycle or bike riding is your hobby or lifestyle, then you need to consider some other options.
Anti-fog coating
Anti-fog coating might not be a permanent solution, but it is much more lasting than anti-fog sprays. It could easily stay for 1-2 years.Foggy mask
You can also stop the fog from building inside your helmet by wearing a foggy mask. This helps cover your mouth and nose. These masks have been specially designed for full-face crash helmets. Other than dealing with fogging issues, these are also helpful in providing you with pollution-free air.
Water repellents
Water repellents are also reasonable anti-fog solutions. Chemicals are used in these water repellents to prevent anti-fogging. You can also clean eye glasses using these repellents.Cleaning using dishwashing soap
Dishwashing soap and soft rags are also good for cleaning the helmet visor. To apply the soap solution, take a small quantity of soap solution and put it on a soft rag. Now take another soft rag and rub it on the visor until it becomes clear. Check the helmet by putting it on your head and take a breath. There will be no fog on the visor after that.Ventilation
You can prevent fog from developing inside your helmet visor by increasing the ventilation through the helmet. You can occasionally open the helmet front and let your exhaled air out. The ventilation process will be more effective when you are riding at high speed. Even when it is raining, you must open the helmet visor slightly, using a notch.
You can also improve ventilation by opening the vents. If the helmet comes with a removable chin bar, then it would be excellent for ventilation purposes.
Outer cleaning of a visor
There is no point in keeping the inside of your visor clean while the outside is covered with rain and grease. Usually, this kind of dirt doesn’t accumulate on a helmet visor made with silicon-based products. Cleaning wipes could also be helpful in this regard.
Other tips and tricks
There are also some eccentric tricks and methods to prevent fog from building up on the helmet visor. Some bikers swear by RainX products, rubbing a potato to remove fog, or applying shaving cream; however, we realize these are not always practical while you’re out biking.
If you don’t want to apply pin-lock or your helmet is not compatible with the pin lock solution, using anti-fog inserts and applying anti-fog treatments would be the best answer to the fogging issue.
Conclusion
All the above-mentioned tips and tricks are the best ways to deal with the fogging issue in your helmet visor. If you continue to notice fogging on your visor, you should consider getting a fog-resistant helmet instead.
Images: Unsplash/ appictech and Canva
Author Bio
Ryan Watling is a safety correspondent at https://helmetadviser.com, a blog dedicated to general information and unbiased reviews about helmets of all categories.