Cleaning the inside of helmets

[carlt828]

What do you guys use to clean out the inside of your helmets? I know about using Fabrize and sometimes the freezer (kills the bacteria and actually works well) to take out the sweaty smell, but what about actually cleaning the sweat out? I think I read on another board that regular shampoo was used by taking your helmet into the shower and soaping it up real good followed by a good rinse.

Thanks in advance....

[Johnny Monsoon]

If it is a relatively new helmet, the liner should all come out.

I just soak mine in the sink with some laundry detergent, then rinse them.  My helmet smells great all the time!

Oh, and wear a 'do rag'.  It's a lot easier to clean those than it is to give your helmet a cleaning and it really lengthens those cleaning intervals.

[carlt828]

Thanks for the tips Johnny. It's not a new helmet (Shoei RF-1k). I'll try that tonight.

[SuperHans]

Oh, and wear a 'do rag'.  It's a lot easier to clean those than it is to give your helmet a cleaning and it really lengthens those cleaning intervals.

+1

I wear a little beanie helmet liner type thing made out of coolmax. I didn't like the do-rag's that have to be tied in the back. The knot would bother me.

There are all different kinds. They really do help to keep the inside of your helmet clean.
http://newenough.com/browse/helmets_eyewear/head_wraps_helmet_liners_other_accessories

[Bandera]

What do you guys use to clean out the inside of your helmets? I

carlt828,

I also take my Shoei RF1000 into the shower and wash the inside with shampoo. I know that I won't have an allergic reaction to my shampoo residue when it's clamped onto my noggin for hours.

Regards,

-Bandera

[LicketySplat]

Just remember (unless you're in a very dry climate), if the liner isn't removable, put the wet hat by a fan until it's dry. You don't want any mold growth in there.  

[Iceburg98]

When My helmet (RF-1k) starts to smell funky I take out the cheek pads just take everything in the shower and wash it out with some Johnson's Baby Shampoo- that way if I don't rinse it out well enough, it won't sting if my sweat washes some into my eyes while riding... and let it air dry (for like 2 days).

Also, after each ride, I let it air out completely before putting it away, and I put a used dryer sheet inside the helmet as well when it's stored - I read that it's supposed to help absorb sweat/moisture and give a "spring-fresh scent" to the inside every time you put it on... (be sure to use a used one - a new one might rub off onto the liner of the helmet and cause irritation)

[bomber]

I used Dial anti-microbial soap (registered trademark, patent pending, close cover before striking) on the advice of a Doc a couple of years ago when a small wound on an earlobe just wouldn't heal (stop riding for a month, and you'll be fine, he said -- yeah, right, sez me) --

works great when dried with a fan or UV light

+1 on the do rag - -much easier to wash, and doesn't make that awful bowling ball noise in the drier

[carlt828]

+1 on the do rag - -much easier to wash, and doesn't make that awful bowling ball noise in the drier

 

I took it into the show this morning for a good cleaning. Man, it was pretty dirty. The water that washed out looked like a pre-teen boy's jeans after a week at camp.  

It's sitting over a fan now. It should be good to go by this afternoon.

Thanks all for the tips.

My next helmet will probably be the X-11. I have an old HJC AC-10 that the entire liner would come out. It sure was handy.

[Bunbun]

I bought an X-11 and one of the main points for getting it was the fully removable liner and the massive airflow it provides.  It's hot down here and riding with a do-rag is not an option for me.  Only cleaned 'em a couple times in the past 2 years.  fortunately with the venting it doesn't really stay wet all that often.

Previous helmet (RF900) was the shower/soap method.

Bun

[jschmidt]

carlt828,

I also take my Shoei RF1000 into the shower and wash the inside with shampoo. I know that I won't have an allergic reaction to my shampoo residue when it's clamped onto my noggin for hours.

Regards,

-Bandera

+1 Shampoo is made for that kind of soiling.

[Cpl Punishment]

Here's a guide. http://www.ridetriangles.com/pdf/510/198692.pdf

[Mastros2]

If it is a relatively new helmet, the liner should all come out.

I just soak mine in the sink with some laundry detergent, then rinse them.  My helmet smells great all the time!

Oh, and wear a 'do rag'.  It's a lot easier to clean those than it is to give your helmet a cleaning and it really lengthens those cleaning intervals.

I do the same as Johnny does.  Usually dry by the next morning.  You're right!  The filth that comes out is amazing!  

[WBill]

This may not be the best approach, but it is the easiest: Put it in the dishwasher, with the hot drying option turned "off."  After the wash cycle, take it out and let it drip dry for a day or so.  If you can let some sun shine on it, it will kill most mold.  I usually do this in the fall, or after a particularly sweaty summer ride.

[Cpl Punishment]

I don't posses a dishwasher per se, but if you talk about my wife like that again....

[chornbe]

Oh, and wear a 'do rag'.  It's a lot easier to clean those than it is to give your helmet a cleaning and it really lengthens those cleaning intervals.

Abso-friggin-lutely!

[ksann]

I believe you guys about the doo-rag thingy, but I just can't bring myself to wear one.

Just a mental blockl of some sort.



I know, I know, I need to shut-up and just get one.




ken

[bomber]

Ken -- no, actually, you don't! you can do whacha want ;-}

I use a bandana tied up pirate style -- it contrasts so nicely at gas stops with the full leathers, confusing HD pilots and Squids alike -- bonus points for sowing maximum confusion

[BHW]

I can't figure how adding another layer to an already hot head, is gonna keep my helmet clean. When I sweat, I SWEAT. No do-rag is gonna keep the sweat from my helmet liner.

[bomber]

could be you loose more moisture through your noggin than others? I HAVE sweat through a bandana, but pretty darned seldom . . . . . .

[gunz]

I just po out the visor adntake it in the shower with me. Wife thought I had cracked when I opened the shower curtain and stood there with nothing on but my helmet.

I just wash it out with shampoo and give it a good rinse. Put it in th ehsopwith a fan on it. Works every time