How do I clean my smelly helmet?

[Damantis]

And yes. I mean my smelly Bike helmet! Only the cheek pads are removable, but whats the best way to get the stale sweaty smell out of the rest of the lining? I'm guessing that wetting the inner shell with any kind of detergent or chemicals is a bad idea? Or do I just spray half a can of Lynx in there and just be done with it?

[AllanB]

Several options - a can of upholstery cleaner, fresh water and some rags. Problem is some of those cleaners could get you high, thus your helmet will need a good airing out.

Warm water with a bit of detergent and rags - soak and scrub, dry as much as possible with towel etc then air dry.

I've read in many bike magazines to submerse them in a bucket of warm soapy water and clean out with a scrub. Dry. Never been game to try this myself!

Buy a nice fresh helmet.

[Damantis]

Thanks, might just try with as little water and chemicals as I can then.

[marty]

bit tough in this weather as can take ages to dry. I fill mine up with water and clothes detergent and give it a good swirl around and massage, then rinse it out with heaps of fresh water then leave it in front of a fan to dry.

[Damantis]

You don't reckon it could be bad for the inside shell then? Was just worried that it might reduce the helmets effectiveness in an impact etc. I've heard ppl say you shouldn't even put stickers on the outside of the helmet ( tho it sounds a bit OTT )

[marty]

it's only water and soap. it gets just as wet after riding in the rain - i have done my about 4 times and it's never given me any grief

[schrodingers cat]

bit tough in this weather as can take ages to dry. I fill mine up with water and clothes detergent and give it a good swirl around and massage, then rinse it out with heaps of fresh water then leave it in front of a fan to dry.

http://www.motorcycle-superstore.com...ove-Dryer.aspx

Or get a vacuum cleaner that has a blow output and feed that into the helmet. The air is warm and dry.

[marty]

good idea! never thought of that!

[warewolf]

Advice from a UK Arai rep years ago: wash with hair shampoo. The helmet can't be affected by anything likely to be in your hair.

Put an old towel in the bottom of the laundry sink, to rest the helmet on without scratching it as they get real slippery when wet. Wash to your heart's content; massage the shampoo well in to the lining, and swill through all the air vents. To accelerate drying, use the same trick as with your boots: stuff with crumpled newspaper which wicks out the moisture, change the newspaper when it becomes damp. Leave somewhere warm-ish not hot. Or in front of the dehumidifier.

[SMOKEU]

Problem is some of those cleaners could get you high, thus your helmet will need a good airing out.

How can that possibly be a bad thing? Surely anything that adds to the buzz has to be good.

[p.dath]

Sprinkle a pinch of baking soda in the helmet and leave it for 24 hours. The baking soda will kill the bacteria that cause the smell.

[one fast tl1ooo]

Go on. Go buy a new one You no you want to.

[wysper]

Advice from a UK Arai rep years ago: wash with hair shampoo. The helmet can't be affected by anything likely to be in your hair.

Put an old towel in the bottom of the laundry sink, to rest the helmet on without scratching it as they get real slippery when wet. Wash to your heart's content; massage the shampoo well in to the lining, and swill through all the air vents. To accelerate drying, use the same trick as with your boots: stuff with crumpled newspaper which wicks out the moisture, change the newspaper when it becomes damp. Leave somewhere warm-ish not hot. Or in front of the dehumidifier.

That sounds like a good plan. I would go with that.

Sprinkle a pinch of baking soda in the helmet and leave it for 24 hours. The baking soda will kill the bacteria that cause the smell.

Or this if you don't want to get your helmet wet.

[Jonathan]

Vodka in a spray bottle!

[hellokitty]

My husband races and therefore sweats a lot in his helmet. I wash his with dettol and tea tree oil and leave it upside down in the sun. Smells nice afterwards too (until the next race)