How do you clean the non-removeable pads in your helmet?

[Rick Lee]

After two AZ summers in my Shoei, it's starting to smell like a manger. Only the ear pads and chin strap covers come off, but they're not the smelly parts. I mixed some liquid laundry detergent and water in a spray bottle and soaked the big pads, dried them with paper towels and then let air dry. It still stinks. I hate the thought of going back to Scorpio just for the removeable pads. But I can't take this anymore. How do you do it?

[cageyar]

Try Google-it works:

Motorex Helmet Care - webBikeWorld

Hi Rick,

I know the Shoei X12 and its predecessor the X11 have fully removable liners.
Other Shoei models may have this feature too?

This feature is fantastic and allows me to clean my helmet regulary and contributes to a very pleasant riding experience.

Cheers,

Frank

[Rick Lee]

I have the rf-1000 and the main liner does not come out.

[PFFOG]

Last I knew, both Shoei and Arai, just said to tip it over and fill it with warm water and shampoo as a detergent, rinse, and repeat. Drain and place it in a well ventilated area until dry. Sun might help speed up the process.

[tm1100s]

I've used the Motorex stuff. It does work. Doesn't do a great job at cleaning but it does deodorize OK. Never tried fillin' it with soap and water but that's probably the best way to fix the problem.

[Guest24]

Soap it up wit a mild detergent and use a shop vac to suck it out. Then rinse it well and shop vac it out until rinse water is clear. I use an Amway product called LOC (liquid organic cleaner). It has no harsh chemicals.

[Bob Hancock]

This is one of the reasons I use a helmet liner....aka, doo rag. Easy to wash and keeps the smell out of the helmet. It also serves as an incredible cooler when soaked down and used in hot dry climates. Takes about 45 minutes to evaporate but keeps the head quite comfy.

[flatbutt]

Rick from what I hear you shouldn't have any problems drying it this weekend.
120F!!? Do what Foggy says, fill it soapy water and then leave it in the sun to dry.
Dang thats hot.

[PFFOG]

Heck if it is 120, leave it in the sun for an hour, and then go out with a spray bottle and squirt it , the resultant steam should sterilize it quickly!

[Guest24]

I thought stinkin' helmets were the macho expression on freedom.

[bikerfish1100]

after 2 years of use in the AZ sun & heat, and all that bodysweat, its likely that your helmet's styro has broken down enough that you should be considering a new helmet. Llifespan is measured not just in # of months of life, its miles of sweat-absorbing use as well.

[Guest24]

Joe, MSF should come up with a styrofoam test for the viability of helmet liners. Arai uses number of years in service.

[Rick Lee]

It's been about 16 mos. since I bought the helmet. I bought it in April 2009, so it's going through its second summer now.

[jaytee]

This is one of the reasons I upgraded to the new rf-1100 - removable liner. I've had some luck with fabreeze myself but in your case I would use a mild detergent and a lot of water in the upsidedown helmet as has already been suggested. it's cheaper than a helmet and if it doesn't work you can always buy an rf-1100.

[bikerfish1100]

Originally Posted by Nail24

Joe, MSF should come up with a styrofoam test for the viability of helmet liners. Arai uses number of years in service.

bubba, i spent time with an Arai rep at the MOA National a few weeks ago. he told me my 2yo helmet was fork-in-it done. 5 years is what they warranty a helmet for; it is an outside limit of functional lifespan, not a hard 'n fast rule of "you will get 5 years usage, always." he's seen helmts that get used daily, and see lots of heat/sweat (like might happen in AZ) die in under a year.

MSF doesn't test helmets, not their game.

[Bob Hancock]

Gee....surprised that a bonafide at the rally Arai rep didn't say they're only really good for a week.

[bikerfish1100]

real busy week, yeah, i could see that.

how many races does Rossi get out of his AGV before he gets a new one?

[grizmo]

I also have Shoei with the non removable liner and have had good luck filling it with warm water and using baby shampo. If by chance you don't get all the soap out it won't burn your eyes when you start to sweat.

[chewie]

Remove visor, put helmet upside down in sink

• fill with warm water
• drain and fill again with warm water
• kneed water into the bits
• drain and squirt Johnsons Baby Shampoo all around
• kneed it into the bits
• fill with warm water
• kneed and squelch away
• repeat if you feel like it
• or rinse with warm water until soapyness has gone away
• leave in direct sunlight until dry (that also kills the bacteria - which causes the smell)
• then use a do rag through summer or wash as needed

A Postie told me about it years ago - it works.

PS
I tent to err on the hot side with the water - someone will tell you that it shrinks your helmet or something