As any motorbike enthusiast knows, taking care of your clothing and accessories is just as important as taking care of your bike. If you have only recently taken to riding a bike one of the things you will want to make a priority is take care of your helmet. Obviously the outside of the helmet needs regular attention but so will the inside from the build up of sweat, moisture, dirt and any make-up. Here are useful tips for cleaning motorcycle helmets on a regular basis.
1. Establish a regular routine for cleaning your motorcycle helmet. There are some jobs that you should do daily or after every time you wear the helmet, and there are other cleaning jobs that can be done on a less regular basis.
2. Keep a cleaning kit on hand - which should include an old toothbrush, a soft nailbrush, some cotton buds, lint-free cloths, a non-abrasive sponge, cleaning products
3. Take pictures of your helmet: Before you start cleaning – always photograph the outside and inside of your helmet. It will help you put it back together again if you get stuck
4. Maintain a clean visor. After every ride you should make sure that your visor is not damaged in any way, because clearly this could impair your vision. If you’re visor has become scratched you should replace it immediately because of the real danger of being dazzled and unable to see by the contact of headlights on scratches.
You should never scrimp on this. One of the easiest ways to clean your visor is to cover it with wet paper towels for a few moments and then simply wipe it clean.
5. Keep vents and intakes clear – You should do this at least once a week, more often if necessary. You can keep these clean either with a soft non-abrasive toothbrush or a cotton bud and make sure that they are completely clear.
6. Check manufacturer’s cleaning instructions. Most modern helmets these days have linings or cheek pads that can be removed. It’s important that you follow the manufacturer’s instructions on how to clean these.
7. Don’t use a dishwasher or washing machine for your helmet . You will see many tips where people suggest putting helmet inside a dishwasher (because it won’t move) or put it in a bag inside a washing machine. If you do this – you do so AT YOUR OWN RISK. This is not something we would ever advise unless a manufacturer suggests it as an option.
Summary
Cleaning motorcycle helmets is a job that should never be ignored, as it is a key part of your personal protection gear and helps to keep you safe. Although you may not do all jobs after every time you wear it, always clean the visor as you never want to be in an accident caused by bright lights and a poorly maintained visor. Safety is key. Have fun and keep cleaning.
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