How to clean a motorcycle helmet should be your top priority if you plan to use it for long hours. There are several different parts of the helmet to clean, including the shell, liner, face shield, and air vents. Follow the steps outlined in this article to maintain your motorcycle helmet in tip-top condition. The first step is to remove the padding so that you can clean the helmet properly. If necessary, you can also use microfiber rags or toothbrushes to clean the helmet.
Cleaning the shell
There are a few simple steps you can take when cleaning a motorcycle helmet shell. First, use a damp cloth to wipe down the surface. Use soap or a mild detergent, but make sure not to use petroleum-based cleaners, as these can weaken the shell. For stubborn stains, use a finger nail or sponge to scrub the surface gently. Don’t use aggressive cleaners, as these can damage the finish of the helmet.
If you’re not sure what to use, try spraying a cleaning solution on the shell. This product is especially effective at cleaning the exterior of the helmet. Not only does it leave it looking shiny, it also makes it easier to remove gooey guts from between the lining and the helmet shell. Afterward, use a microfiber cloth to clean the interior. You shouldn’t use a hose, though.
Cleaning the liner
If you are looking to keep your helmet clean and in good condition, you can wash the shell and liner with water and mild soap. Avoid using strong chemicals on the helmet because these can damage the finish and integrity of the shell, rendering it useless. Use a mild cleaning agent made for plastic helmets like S100 Special Surfaces. For hard-to-reach areas, you can use a soft cloth or a bandana to wipe it off.
After cleaning the outer shell, you can now move on to the liner. If the liner is removable, you can use a washing machine or a hand wash. Be sure to use a mild detergent, such as baby shampoo. A good detergent should remove residual oils on the liner panels and prevent funk from building up. Once the liner is thoroughly clean, you can replace it. If you’re not comfortable washing the liner, you can buy a helmet that’s made of polyurethane.
Cleaning the face shield
Before cleaning the face shield of your motorcycle helmet, remove any cheek pads and internal liner. Use a damp microfiber cloth to wipe the visor clean. Rinse it off and dry it gently. You may use a spray bottle of water to clean the visor. If the visor is not dirt-resistant, you may use a special motorcycle visor cleaner instead. Make sure to use a solution made especially for motorcycle helmet visors to prevent scratching.
It is important to note that harsh chemicals may corrode the laminates of the face shield. For instance, they can erode the original glass Rain X and visor. This results in cloudy or fuzzy face shields, which are easily visible when riding into the sun. You may also want to avoid using products with ammonia as they can strip the protective coating. In addition, they can also cause scratching. Using these harsh chemicals to clean your face shield could damage its clarity.
Cleaning the air vents
You may be wondering how to clean the air vents on a motorcycle helmet. You should first rinse it with water. If you can’t do it yourself, you can use a cotton swab or tooth brush. Avoid rubbing too hard on the vent channels. You can also use a compressor to clean the vents. Using an air compressor is particularly helpful if your helmet does not have a removable comfort liner.
Using a microfiber cloth or microfiber towel will be best. A soft toothbrush will also work for cleaning the hard-to-reach places. For removing caked-on dirt, you can use a mild soap or detergent. Make sure to allow the padding to completely dry before putting it back into the helmet shell. If it does get wet, you can rinse it with warm water.