How to disinfect or wear a motorcycle helmet and gloves during the pandemic?

With the progressive return to activity and increased mobility, the circulation of vehicles increases, and it is also time for many to ride motorcycles again – how should we disinfect motorcycle helmets and gloves?

After a long period of quarantine, vehicles need some maintenance, but there are other questions about preventing the coronavirus.

How should the helmet and gloves be disinfected? Is it safe to use motorcycle-sharing services again?

How should we clean the motorcycle helmet?

With the helmet – in normal situations and as a general rule – we must follow certain hygiene rules to prolong its useful life and avoid the appearance of odors, as it is a fundamental piece of safety.

If up until now you’ve ridden your motorcycle every day, what you should do is clean your helmet two or three times a year. This recommendation varies depending on whether the driver is riding in more or less warm regions and also depends on the perspiration of each motorcyclist, the use given to the helmet, and even the helmet model itself.

Due to the conditions, we are facing due to the pandemic, helmet cleaning becomes essential to combat the spread of the virus.

Disinfect the hull and the handles

The most important thing is to use specific products, neutral soap, and water that does not exceed 40ºC for external and internal components. To disinfect it, follow these steps:

Wash your hands with soap before starting the process

Remove the inner protections and wash the upholstery

Disinfect the outside

Clean the visor inside and out

Scrupulously disinfect the areas close to the mouth

Let it dry for 24 hours without direct exposure to the sun

Can I use alcohol or hydroalcoholic gel?

Two products about which doubts arise when disinfecting the helmet are the alcohol and hydroalcoholic gels that we use daily. Alcohol can be used, but only for the hard and resistant parts of the helmet, i.e. the outside and inside of the chin guard.

Hydroalcoholic gel, on the other hand, is not recommended because it contains softeners, dyes, and fatty acids that can deteriorate it.

To fill the helmet, the best formula will be to remove it and then wash it by hand or in the washing machine: always use a quick program that does not exceed 40ºC.

Check the manufacturer’s manual in advance for any incompatibilities, although to avoid contaminating other garments, it is best not to wash them with other garments.

Properly wash gloves

It is also highly recommended to disinfect gloves to ensure your equipment is virus free.

To sanitize the gloves, in the same way, we must start by washing our hands. We can use the same products (warm water and neutral soap), although it is important to be careful with leather or leather gloves, as they need special treatment with specific products so as not to be damaged. Gloves with a waterproof membrane also require special care to maintain their properties.

To clean leather or leather gloves, here are the indications we give:

Wash your hands with soap before starting the process

disinfect the hull and the handles

Apply a suitable spray product to a cloth to clean the exterior ( never directly )

Do not dry clean or store the gloves inside the helmet to prevent them from deforming

Put absorbent paper inside to dry

Once dry, it helps to apply talcum powder inside

Textile gloves can be machine washed, but without using aggressive detergents or softeners and, of course, without mixing them with delicate clothes.

Enjoy bike-sharing services safely again

Disinfect the hull and the handles

Two-wheeled vehicles, bicycles, and motorbike-sharing services are also returning to the streets. Obviously, it is more necessary than ever to take precautions, given the risk of infection. Sharing a vehicle with unknown people increases the risk, but to avoid this, bike-sharing and moto-sharing companies have adopted safety and health procedures based on the recommendations of the General Directorate of Health, including complete hygiene kits in vehicles. The vehicles are also disinfected during their inspection and cleaning in the field.

When using a sharing vehicle, adopt its prevention advice as a routine:

First of all, try to perform any maneuver with the gloves already on

Clean the motorcycle controls and contact areas with alcohol and specific products

Whenever possible, bring your own helmet and a net for the interior

Don’t touch your face while driving

Once at home, store your equipment in a dry place that is not likely to come into contact with anyone.