how to clean a helmet?

amauri · 06-21-2004, 09:18 PM

How do you guys clean the inside of you helmet?

06-21-2004, 10:46 PM

The Shoei XSP's internals are all removable, so I remove them and wash them by hand, dry them with a hair dryer and re-instal them into the helmet and it is like new again.
If you have a helmet that has non removable lining, like most helmets do, I am not sure if you would do any damage by immersing the whole helmet in warm soaping water and brush the inside and scraping the scum out??
Everytime that I clean mine I am amazed with how nice it feels and smells.

Cheers,

Frank

sakurama · sakurama's Garage

Yes, you can immerse the whole thing in water and scrub it out with Woolite or something similar. It doesn't harm it but it will take several days to air dry. I usually turn it on it's side and direct a fan into it.

repoe3 · 06-22-2004, 06:02 AM

wow, i would never have considered dunking the whole thing...

repoe3

motoyoyo · 06-22-2004, 07:27 AM

I have used Woolite like sakurama said. I mixed some Woolite in a bowl of water and saturated the inside of the helmet with a washcloth and scrubed it really good. You can dunk the whole thing in water since the hard foam is closed cell and won't hold the water in. I used a kitchen sink sprayer and worked the water in spraying upward into the helmet. Be prepared to get shot in the face a couple times. I set the helmet near a gas fireplace for a day or two to air dry.

You can also buy helmet cleaning products like this http://www.proclean1000.com/helmet.htm , but I think it is used the same way and may leave a scent behind. The Woolite cleans really well and leaves the helmet smelling like new.

Kam · 06-22-2004, 08:52 AM

febreeze anyone???

Seriouly, I do use this stuff on my helmet and lederhosen. I couldn't find anything on the Arai website about immersing the helmet, although theoretically I guess it should be ok... Any Arai dealers out there with some info?

Moybin · 06-22-2004, 09:03 AM

As far as immersion, I'd be a bit leary because we don't know what kind of glue they used to hold things together. It might be hot glue or solvent bases, and water would be okay. Or it might be white glue and your helmet innards would just fall out.

Febreeze and a damp sponge get my vote.

arbik · 06-22-2004, 09:47 AM

I use rubbing alcohol, with a small piece of cloth, and just concentrate on the dirty areas. then I do the whole helmet.

The way I see it, its the best stuff to use, since it evaporates, and leaves no residue. I dont want the residue of some detergent in my head when I"m sweating..day after day.

-arbi

amauri · 06-22-2004, 09:58 AM

I was thinking of using a helmet cleaner like Motorex foam spray, work it in with a sponge and use a vacuum so suck the BO and crud out.
I have a Shoei X11 so I'll look into removing the liner as fastfrank suggests.

Roger Justus · 06-22-2004, 09:58 AM

A product I have used and like for funky helmets, especially those with non-removable inners is MOTOREX Helmet Care. It is a cleaning foam and deodorizer that you spray into your lid. Let it foam up briefly and wipe off with a dry cloth. Does away with helmet soaking and scrubbing and dries very quickly so you get a clean lid back on your head fast. It is about $10 at your cycle shop.

Sman · 06-22-2004, 03:45 PM

Dunking your whole helmet is not a good idea acording to Arai. The use of any type of solvent (alcohol) is not recomended either. The only thing they recomend is a mild soap and water solution and a sponge(shampoo is good) or a comercialy avail helmet cleaner(motorex). All parts of the helmet are to be air dried, no heat not even from a hair drier.This info is from an Arai rep who taught me how to fit their helmets. As far as other brands I dont know.

Trevor Rossack · 06-22-2004, 03:51 PM

I like to keep the inside of my helmets clean and have often used the 'dunking the whole helmet' method. I use a very mild wool wash (leaves a very pleasant aroma) and tepid water. I soak for about half an hour and rinse thoroughly in warm water.

I have had no problems with Shoei, BMW Systems 4 and Shark. My next helmet will definitely have a removable liner.

Cheers
TREVOR

Raven · 06-22-2004, 04:29 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by Sman
Dunking your whole helmet is not a good idea acording to Arai. The use of any type of solvent (alcohol) is not recomended either. The only thing they recomend is a mild soap and water solution and a sponge(shampoo is good) or a comercialy avail helmet cleaner(motorex). All parts of the helmet are to be air dried, no heat not even from a hair drier.This info is from an Arai rep who taught me how to fit their helmets. As far as other brands I dont know.

I think your statement is the most accurate. Mild soap and water is the only to go.

I use a skull cap (Harley looking kinda thing) and wash it real regular. Almost like having a removable liner in my RF900.

bbq_duck · 06-22-2004, 05:41 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by repoe3
wow, i would never have considered dunking the whole thing...

repoe3

But remember to remove the helmet from the users
head *BEFORE* dunking

ckcarr · ckcarr's Garage

I just use my kenmore washer and dryer.

buckmontana · 06-22-2004, 06:24 PM

I never wash my helmet or my underwear.

Dale Flowers · 06-22-2004, 06:32 PM

Woolite in a dish washer with the upper rack removed. I read that it in a mag within the last year but have not tried it yet.

Moybin · 06-22-2004, 06:47 PM

You guys are scaring me, and I don't know which one scares me the most.

repoe3 · 06-23-2004, 04:26 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by bbq_duck
But remember to remove the helmet from the users
head *BEFORE* dunking

no wonder i was having a hard time...half the time it stuck up my a$$ and then to try and dump the whole thing was hard to envision.

repoe3

mhendess · 07-12-2004, 07:46 PM

Believe it or not - this is what I have done and it works great. Bear with me. Take a shower with it! Seriously. Just wash your hair - put the helmet on and squish it around. Then rinse it off. Works great and it's easy. And you get two things cleaned at once - you and the helmet!