How to actually clean a bike helmet, according to experts

When a helmet has gotten visibly muddy or developed an unpleasant odor, it is time to clean it. There are enough of methods for cleaning a helmet to be found in online forums and whispered among riders, but are they effective and, more importantly, are they prophylactic?

To get the definitive respond to this smelly question, we turned to experts to detect out how to clean a wheel helmet — and what to practise to avert damaging this important piece of protective gear in the procedure.

The experts nosotros spoke to agreed on one elementary, effective and safety method: Wash the helmet the way you would launder your hair, using balmy shampoo or a similarly mild soap. Gloria Hwang, founder and CEO of Thousand says, "The helmet shell and padding is all-time cleaned using mild soap and h2o — you volition want to avoid using any type of harsh cleaning chemicals or solvents. Air drying out of direct sunlight is also best."

Johnson's Baby Caput-to-Toe Gentle Launder & Shampoo

Johnson's Baby Head-to-Toe Gentle Wash & Shampoo

When information technology comes to cleaning a helmet, it is of import non to employ whatever products or methods that volition compromise the helmet'south integrity. Gentle shampoos are a great option for cleaning helmets — particularly if you choose, as many people do, to have the helmet into the shower with you lot post-ride to clean yourself and your helmet all at the same time! Exist sure to rinse the helmet very well after cleaning, so that sudsy sweat doesn't finish up in your optics during a ride.

Apr Beard, a helmet product managing director at Trek, says, "Cleaning a wheel helmet is easy to do and tin can aid prolong the life of your helmet. To clean your helmet, we recommend gently hand-washing with common cold water and a mild soap." Dr. Bronner's is a balmy soap that is especially effective at eliminating odors, and will be a adept choice for people whose helmets tend to have on a sour, unpleasant smell.

All Design Towels Quick-Dry out White Manus Towels

All Design Towels Quick-Dry White Hand Towels

Later on washing, towel off the helmet's difficult beat out, then ball the towel upwardly and place it inside the helmet to blot moisture from the padding. While sunshine is a natural deodorizer, the experts we spoke to all stressed the importance of avoiding leaving a helmet in direct sunlight to dry out, or for odor elimination, considering exposure to excessive heat can damage the shell or liner.

These instructions are for whatsoever blazon of protective helmet. However, if you desire a product that is specifically designed to clean the specific blazon of protective helmet you use — from motorcycling helmets to hockey helmets — those can exist found. Foam cleaners accept a low viscosity that makes information technology easy to rinse abroad after cleaning.

Bike Brite Cleaner/Deodorizer for Helmet Liners

Those who like the ease of an droplets deodorizer should look for a product designed specifically for helmets, like Bike Brite, to ensure that the product is prophylactic for utilise on the helmet itself and when in contact with peel or eyes.

The Muc-Off helmet cleaning kit for motorcycle helmets and other models that feature a protective visor includes a foam cleanser, a visor cleaner and an anti-fog handling.

Hockey equipment spray can be used on helmets and protective padding to continue gear from smelling foul.

Charles Owen Hat Cleaner is a cleaning spray designed for use on equestrian helmets.

The frequency with which to clean a helmet depends very much on utilise; daily riders will desire to clean their helmets more than often than someone who rides a cycle once a month for a pleasure outing.

Environmental and biological factors also play a role in how often to clean a helmet. Helmets worn on very hot days, during heavy storms or on heads that are prone to dandruff or excessive oil volition need to be cleaned more frequently.

Given the variety of factors, information technology's best to use the smell and eyeball tests ("Does information technology smell and/or look muddied?") to make up one's mind if a helmet is in need of cleaning.

What to avoid when cleaning and storing a helmet

In addition to avoiding the use of harsh cleansers and direct sunlight, Beard and Hwang recommend fugitive the post-obit methods and products when cleaning a protective helmet.

Machine washing
Harsh soaps and cleaners
Chemicals such equally, but not limited to, petroleum and petroleum products, cleaning agents, paints and adhesives (including stickers)
Insect repellents that contain DEET

Additionally, when storing a helmet, keep it in a cool and dry location away from straight sunlight and other forms of excessive, prolonged oestrus such every bit radiators or infinite heaters.

"Make certain to shop your helmet in a temperate environs when you're not wearing it," Hwang says, "so the elements don't impact the immovability of the materials. At 1000, all of our helmets come with free helmet storage bags, for when you're not riding." If your helmet did not come with a storage bag, one can be purchased separately.

Source: https://www.cnn.com/cnn-underscored/home/how-to-clean-bike-helmet

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