How To Clean Your Motorcycle Helmet?

If you love owning and riding a motorcycle, then you need to know how to clean your motorcycle helmet. There are a lot of materials that can cause hazardous effects if they aren't cleaned properly, such as the headlight lens and reflector. You want to take care of your helmet in order to help maintain its quality and value as much as possible.

Additionally, if you spend a lot of time outside, as most bikers do, you will want to clean your motorcycle helmet to prevent it from accumulating dirt and debris. Dirt will accumulate on your helmet during long rides. Dirt can also get under the visor, which is another reason why it is crucial to maintain your motorcycle helmet after each ride.

Let's look at how to clean a motorcycle helmet and things to inspect in a bit more detail. It is easier if we go through the main points first.

• Use a damp cloth -

Clean the inside with a damp cloth and a mild soap if necessary. This helps remove the residue that builds up over time, which can affect the visibility of colors in traffic lights.

• Inspect the visor -

Inspect the visor of your motorcycle helmet to make sure that it is clear of debris and scratches. If there are scratches or dirt on the visor, wipe them off with a soft, clean cloth or paper towel.

• Inspect your helmet for cracks -

Check for cracks in the helmet straps and padding, especially if you use a chin strap with padding inside it. If you find any cracks, take them apart to check them out and get them replaced if necessary.

• Inspect your helmet for signs of cracking -

If you have a cracked motorcycle helmet, then you're likely aware of this because it is easy to spot. Look for cracks in the shell and visor, especially if they're noticeable. If there are noticeable cracks, then consider getting a replacement helmet. The cracks can spread very quickly if they're not handled properly. Keeping the crack in check is the primary step of motorcycle helmet care.

• Inspect the headlight lens and other parts -

Ensure that all of your headlight lenses are clean and that the dust and dirt are off of them. Other parts like the mirrors, reflectors and turn signals should also be clean for optimum visibility when riding at night or in poor lighting conditions.

These are a few important things that you need to inspect. If you do them properly, it will be easier for you to get a better outcome for the cleaning process.

• Steps To Follow While Cleaning Your Motorcycle Helmet Thoroughly

Since you have gone through the inspection, now is the time to learn howto clean bike helmet. The whole cleaning process can be carried out within 9 steps that are practical enough to carry out.

• What you would need to clean your helmet
• Water that is warm, neither too cold nor too hot
• Microfiber cloth
• Ears buds and a soft toothbrush
• Mild detergent (or baby shampoo)

These are the only things that will be needed throughout the complete process. However, you have to be cautious about picking up a few things. For instance, using either bleach or alcohol for cleaning the helmet can be a wrong decision as both may damage it.

Step 1 – Take All The Accessories Off

Firstly, you have to take all the additional devices or the tools you have attached on top of the helmet. These accessories include the Bluetooth communicator and the action camera. In case you own a dual sport helmet or an off-road one, you also have to take off the peak of your helmet.

Step 2 – Remove The Liners

Almost all the helmets you find today have internal liners that can be removed. You do not need to do much to take these off. Just press the few designated buttons, and you have the liners in your hands. The exact process can be followed when trying to put those lines back in.

Keep in mind that you are not trying to remove the liners made up of EPS or expanded polyester. These are generally known as crushable liners and are responsible for the absorption of energy in case of collision. These liners are usually present in the interior of the top of your helmet.

Step 3 - Preparing The Helmet For Cleaning

Before you start the actual cleaning, the helmet must be prepared first. You need to spray the lukewarm water on the outer shell and use a mild detergent, face soap, or hand soap. If there seems to be mud accumulated on the top, due to which there is a slight change in the color, you need to clean it as well.

For this, put the microfiber towel in water to soak it. Ensure that the water is at least warm enough for you to use. Now drape the cloth over your helmet. If you have an off-road or dual sports helmet, repeat the same procedure for the removable peak.

If you see the visor being too dirty for your liking, soak the cloth as mentioned above in warm water. Add a mild detergent to the water to have the vision cleaned completely. You can also get motorcycle visor wipesto help you clean better.

Step 4 – Clean The Liners Or Comfort Padding

• Liners are the part of the helmet that tells the user that it is now the time to clean. As these absorb all the sweat and hair oil, you will automatically get to know about the amount of dirt that needs to be taken care of
• So for the same, you need to fill the tub or the bucket you are using with water. Then add the mild detergent or even the baby shampoo in the water
• After this, you have to dip the removed liners in the same solution you prepared. To ensure that the liners are cleaned thoroughly, scrub or gently squeeze them with your hands. Then, repeat the process a couple of more times
• Frequently change the water till there is no sign of detergent and dirt and then squeeze out the water. Since the liners are all washed up, it is time to dry them. However, let these dry naturally away from the direct sun. Both the sun and hairdryer are harmful to these

Step 5 – Clean The Exterior Of the Helmet

If the preparation of the helmet were done perfectly, the dirt patches would not be as stubborn as they were before. Even for the off-road or dual sports helmet, you can follow these steps to clean the exterior.

Take the microfiber cloth again. Now make the solution of warm water and the motorcycle helmet cleaner or the detergent or the baby shampoo. Keep on cleaning the exterior until you are faced with a clean surface. For the hard-to-reach spots, you should make use of a soft toothbrush. 

Step 6 – Clean The Helmet Visor

One part that can never be ignored while cleaning is the visor. It is basically the part that lets you see the view in front of you. So it is better that you learn how to clean helmet visor.

First, take the lukewarm soap water and clean the visor using a microfiber cloth. You can use mild liquid cleaners to perform this task better. Then, using the earbud, you can reach the dead bugs that may or may not have stuck on the visor.

You also need to note down that as essential the visor is. It is also prone to scratches if you are being aggressive with it. Thus, to not damage it, try being the gentlest cleaner ever. Using warm water will save you from buying a new visor if you be gentle.

Step 7 – Clean The Internal Sun Shield Or The Sun Visor

If your helmet comes with an internal sun shield or visor, you have to take care of it. While the visible dirt on this shield sure does contain some dust on it. If you are looking for the easiest method to clean the shield, look for motorcycle helmet shield cleaner. If this is not the one you want to opt for, try using water and a microfiber cloth.

Step 8 – Clean The Crushable Liner And Vent

Trapping of dirt inside the vent is nothing new. Thus, to clean them, you can use the ear budsor blow air from the inside. However, you have to remember that using too much water will damage the EPS. The chances of dirt getting up to the EPS are pretty rare, and thus, you need not worry too much about it.

Step 9 – Reassemble Your Helmet

Since the cleaning is done, it is time to bring your helmet back to usable status. Hence, you need to assemble the parts you took off during cleaning. But do not put the wet or semi-dried parts in place. Every part needs to be completely dry first.

Tips To Choose TheBest Cleaner For Motorcycle Helmet Visor

Choosing the best cleaner for motorcycle helmet visor is imperative to protect your investment. It is crucial to consider the cost of purchasing a new one as well as considerations such as protection, longevity, and budget. Here we will share with you some tips on how to choose a suitable Motorcycle Helmet Visor cleaner.

1. Consider the Cost

Don't choose the product based on cost alone. If it is too cheap, then it isn't worth buying since it won't give good quality. Always balance cost and benefits in choosing a cleaner for a motorcycle helmet visor. Keeping that in mind, you must check the condition of your visor before buying one.

You should do this because different cleaners are required to treat different types of damage or stains depending on the condition of your visor. For instance, if your visor has a deep scratch, you need to use a cleaner with sharp cutting action to remove it, but an anti-glare product will be needed if you want to remove fog.

2. Consider the Size

You should always consider the size of your visor before buying a cleaner for a motorcycle helmet visor. In addition, you should choose a cleaner that will be easily able to reach all areas of your visor, and that's what you want to achieve when you decide to purchase it.

Motorcycle helmet cleaners come in different sizes and shapes so that you can choose based on this. For example, if you have an oversized visor, you must consider purchasing a bigger-sized product to work well.

3. Consider Your Needs

The needs of your motorcycle helmet visor play an important role when you are choosing a cleaner for a motorcycle helmet visor. This is because you will need to know what type of cleaner will work best for it.

For example, if your visor has a lot of fingerprints or smudges, then a simple cleaner is what you need. On the other hand, if it has marks that are hard to remove, like smoke stains, you need a tough and aggressive motorcycle helmet visor cleaner that can remove these marks.

4. Consider Your Situation and ask other people

Of course, it is also essential to consider your situation as well when choosing a motorcycle helmet visor cleaner. For example, if you are not planning to use the product regularly, then it doesn't make sense to invest in an expensive one since you only use it once in a while.

There are numerous motorcycle enthusiasts with existing experience on this topic, so it is always a good idea to ask around and read up on forums for ways to clean your visor properly. In addition, there will be specific tips on how to apply the right cleaner and where to start.

Hopefully, the guide given here will help you ensure that you have the fresh and thoroughly cleaned helmet to go on the next bike ride.