How to clean a motorcycle helmet

The helmet plays a key role in the daily lives of motorcyclists. It guarantees driving safety and comfort. It protects the driver in accidents and in general from outside conditions. Regardless of the type, regular maintenance and cleaning of this component must be carried out. In this sense, just follow the manufacturer’s instructions and the steps described below.

1 Function, types, and components of motorcycle helmets

2 Maintenance and cleaning of motorcycle helmets

3 How to wash a motorcycle helmet?

4 How to clean the helmet visor?

5 How to wash the helmet lining?

6 How to clean the outside of the helmet?

FUNCTION, TYPES, AND COMPONENTS OF MOTORCYCLE HELMETS

The motorcycle helmet and other protective equipment are of paramount importance for driving safety. The helmet protects the motorcyclist’s head from head injuries in road accidents and thus leads to a considerable reduction in the risk of serious injuries and the mortality rate. Helmet use is particularly important given that motorcyclists are comparatively vulnerable while riding. In fact, in most countries, its use is a prerequisite for driving motorcycles, tricycles, or quadricycles. Motorcycle helmets should be replaced after about five years, after an accident or damage.

In addition to safety, the use of a helmet is relevant for driving comfort. Depending on the type, the component protects the driver’s head from excessive noise, wind, UV radiation, raindrops, dust, mud, and exhaust fumes, as well as collision with stones, insects, and other objects that are designed. Certain models have hands-free systems to provide mobile phone communication while driving.

Motorcycle helmet shells are made of thermoplastic, thermosetting resins, or composite materials. The inner layer of the hull absorbs impact energy through deformation and is typically composed of polystyrene. The interior is usually lined with foam padding. Most visors are made from polycarbonate, a tough material that won’t shatter.

There are three basic types of motorcycle helmet construction. Helmet construction design varies depending on the type of motorized application (motocross, enduro, etc).

The basic building types are: 

The full helmet. It consists of a rigid shell closed and fixed to the head by means of a strap and a fitting. It has a fixed chinrest. Features one or two flip-up visors or is worn with eyewear. There are sun visors, mirrored or smoked, anti-fog or heated. Certain models have a peak. The interior is lined with padding that can be removed and washed.

The modular helmet. Like the full-face helmet, it is made up of a closed rigid shell and is secured by means of a strap and a fitting. However, this type has a folding chin guard and a folding visor of different types. The interior features a lining that is removable and washable.

iJet helmet. This helmet does not have a chin guard. The presence of a folding visors of different types is common. It has a strap and a retaining insert. The inner lining can be removable and washable. Certain models have a peak.

MAINTENANCE AND CLEANING OF MOTORCYCLE HELMETS

How to clean helmet visor

Sanitization and regular maintenance of the helmet is important for the driver’s comfort and driving safety. The process should be used to carry out a visual inspection of the component. Weekly or monthly cleaning is recommended. It is also advisable to carry out an integral cleaning whenever the riding season ends and the helmet is stored. Cleaning and maintenance should focus on all components and in particular on the visor and lining. 

Certain residues that accumulate on the visor scatter light or are opaque and can significantly reduce visibility. Furthermore, jamming of the visor folding mechanism can be a risk in certain driving situations, for example when the visor fogs up. 

The helmet lining comes into contact with the skin and collects sweat, salts, and other bodily waste. It is important that it is cleaned regularly to reduce the number of germs and ensure a comfortable smell. The use of a protective hood inside the helmet protects the lining and reduces the need for cleaning.

HOW TO WASH A MOTORCYCLE HELMET?

If during cleaning, it is necessary to dismantle parts (visor, hands-free system, visor, etc.), it is recommended to follow the instruction manual or record the procedure, for example, by means of photos. This facilitates the subsequent assembly of components and prevents damage. In addition, all necessary materials and products must be prepared beforehand. This will make cleaning more efficient.

The necessary materials are: 

• Clean microfiber cloths.
• Brush with soft bristles, for example, a toothbrush.
• A tube of clean water.
• A bowl with warm water and mild detergent.
• A mild detergent or a special helmet cleaner.

HOW TO CLEAN THE HELMET VISOR?

Before cleaning the visor, consult the helmet manual. Cleaning the visor may require careful disassembly of the visor. The component must be clean inside and out. The use of aggressive detergents is not recommended. Pinlock visors are particularly sensitive and should not be washed with detergent.

Always avoid rubbing the visor, as it is easily scratched by dirt particles. A brush can be useful to remove particles. If necessary, the outer part can be soaked. Just place a soaked cloth on the visor and let it take effect for a while. The exterior can then be rinsed carefully with a tube. Once the particles have been removed, the outside of certain visors can be washed without rubbing with a clean cloth soaked in water and a mild detergent. The inside of the visor should only be cleaned with a soft microfiber cloth. The visor must be dried without rubbing with a soft cloth.

Also, you may want to clean the bounce mechanism. It is important to be able to open and close the visor easily. Therefore, after cleaning with a brush, the locking mechanism can be lubricated with a few drops of silicone oil or vaseline.

HOW TO WASH THE HELMET LINING?

Many helmet models have a removable lining, which can be washed by hand or machine in a low-intensity program and at a temperature of 30ºC. It should not, however, be centrifuged. A mild detergent should be used. The lining must be laid out in the open air to dry, the use of a clothes dryer is not recommended.

If the lining is not removable, first remove bodily residues with a vacuum cleaner or a soft brush. Afterward, detergents specially developed for linings or mild shampoo can be used. Foam and residue should be removed with a cloth soaked in clean water. The helmet must air dry with the visor open.

How to wash a motorcycle helmet

The outside of the helmet can collect a lot of dirt. Many times it becomes necessary to soak the component. It is advisable to use a cloth soaked in water and mild detergent and place it on top of this. Afterward, the particles can be washed with a tube. The helmet can be dried with a cloth. 

It is not advisable to rub the outside of the helmet during washing and drying, as it is easily scratched. It is also not recommended to use aggressive detergents, as they can damage the helmet’s material.