How to Clean Your Bike Helmet Inside and Out

Motorcycle helmets are essential for safety, but they can quickly become dirty and grimy. Whether you’re a daily commuter or a weekend warrior, keeping your helmet clean is crucial not just for aesthetics but also for maintaining visibility and hygiene. In this post, we’ll explore how to clean your bike helmet effectively, both inside and out, without breaking the bank on specialised products.

Why Cleaning Your Helmet Matters

Before diving into the cleaning techniques, it’s important to understand why maintaining your motorcycle helmet is essential. Over time, dirt, grime, bugs, and sweat can accumulate on your helmet. This not only affects its appearance but can also impact its functionality. A dirty visor can obstruct your view while riding, increasing the risk of accidents. Additionally, bacteria thrive in warm and moist environments like the interior of a helmet—cleaning it regularly helps prevent unpleasant odours and skin irritations.

Choosing the Right Cleaning Products

While there are plenty of dedicated helmet and visor cleaning products available on the market that do an excellent job, you don’t necessarily need to splurge on these items. Many household products can effectively clean your motorcycle helmets without causing damage.

Household Items That Work Wonders

1. Mild Soap: A gentle dish soap mixed with water can be an effective cleaner for both the exterior shell and interior padding.
2. White Vinegar: This natural disinfectant is great for removing odours from the inside of your helmet.
3. Microfibre Cloths: These are perfect for wiping down surfaces without scratching them.
4. Water: Sometimes all you need is plain old water to get started!

Old School Techniques for Stubborn Grime

If you've left your lid coated in dead bugs or other stubborn debris for too long, don't worry! There’s an old-school technique that works wonders in recovering the situation.

The Kitchen Paper Method

1. Gather Your Supplies: You’ll need kitchen paper towels (or any absorbent paper), water, and a little bit of patience.
2. Soak the Paper: Drench several sheets of kitchen paper in water until they are thoroughly soaked but not dripping.
3. Drape Over Helmet: Carefully drape these wet sheets over the exterior shell and visor of your motorcycle helmet.
4. Wait It Out: Leave them on for about half an hour; this will soften up any bug remains or grime stuck to your lid.
5. Wipe It Down: After half an hour has passed, use the damp sheets to wipe away all that gunk easily.

This method is particularly effective because it allows moisture to penetrate stubborn residues without requiring excessive scrubbing that could scratch or damage your helmet's finish.

Cleaning The Interior of Your Motorcycle Helmet

While keeping the outside clean is important, don’t forget about what’s happening inside your lid! The interior padding absorbs sweat and oils from our skin over time.

Step-by-Step Guide to Interior Cleaning

1. Remove Liners if Possible: If your motorcycle helmet has removable liners or cheek pads, take them out according to manufacturer instructions.
2. Wash with Mild Soap Solution: Use a mixture of mild soap and warm water to gently scrub these parts with a soft cloth or sponge.
3. Rinse Thoroughly: Make sure you rinse off all soap residue under running water; leftover soap can lead to irritation when wearing the helmet again.
4. Dry Completely: Allow all parts to air dry completely before reassembling them back into the shell—this prevents mould growth.

If you cannot remove certain parts from inside your helmet (like some full-face models), use a damp cloth with mild soap directly on those areas instead.

Final Touches

Once you've cleaned both the exterior and interior of your motorcycle helmets using these methods:

• Inspect for Damage: Look closely at both outer shells and visors for scratches or cracks that might compromise safety.
• Apply Anti-Fog Solutions (if necessary): If you're prone to fogging while riding in cooler weather conditions, consider applying an anti-fog treatment specifically designed for visors after cleaning.

Keeping your bike helmet clean doesn’t have to be difficult or expensive; simple household items combined with tried-and-true techniques like soaking kitchen paper can yield brilliant results! Regular maintenance will ensure that both you and your gear stay safe while looking sharp on every ride.

So next time you're gearing up for a ride—remember how easy it is to keep that lid sparkling clean!

Race Leathers Motorcycle Gear

Check out our full range of motorcycle helmets, including full face motorcycle helmets, open face motorcycle helmets, flip front motorcycle helmets, off road motorcycle helmets and childrens motorcycle helmets, available online or by visiting our Darwen store today. If you have any questions regarding any of our ranges, please call our customer service team at Race Leathers Motorcycle Gear store on 01254 704 000 and we will be more than happy to help.