A dirt bike helmet is an essential part of your safety gear that protects you from head injuries. Since you wear it on your head, and see and breathe through it, this part of your equipment needs proper care and cleaning.
Here we are to share the best tips on how to clean a dirt bike helmet properly.
Contents
Why is it important to keep your helmet clean?
A dirt bike helmet is a type of protection that prevents head injuries and helps in bad weather conditions.
The other names of a dirt bike helmet are an off-road motorcycle helmet and a motocross helmet. It is popular with many cyclists as it is very comfy to travel with.
Since this type of helmet is not heavy and provides you with proper ventilation, most people don’t have problems with having it on.
Dirt bike helmets are full of benefits. In comparison to a common motorcycle helmet, a dirt bike helmet is more lightweight and ventilated. They are specifically designed for long bike trips when you can breathe freely, don’t have much excess weight on your head, and can clearly see the road through the movable visor.
Most dirt bike helmets are equipped with detachable parts, such as inner pads and liners that can be easily removed and cleaned separately. That’s why dirt bike helmets are so handy to clean and maintain.
Generally, such a helmet stays approximately 8 years if not injured. Once having an accident, this helmet can serve for about 3 years more.
Dirt bike helmet maintenance is not a science. However, you have to know several crucial points that can help your helmet to live a long life.
Never forget to clean a dirt bike helmet regularly, as it can affect both your safety on the road and your health as well.
On the one hand, you have to keep the exterior part of your helmet well-maintained. As a clean visor is essential for seeing the road, you should maintain it properly to avoid any road accidents. Dirt and debris on the visor create an additional risk while you are wearing it.
Besides, the dirty surface looks disgusting, so you must keep it clean and neat. As you clean your dirt bike helmet, seal it with a protective layer of helmet wax that makes it smooth and shiny.
To prevent dirt accumulation while not in use, always keep your helmet in the gear bag.
On the other hand, the inner part of your helmet is crucial for your health. Sweat and grime accumulating on the helmet liner create a breeding ground for harmful bacteria. As a result, both the liner and the cheek pads that touch your hair and skin in the helmet can become potentially harmful too.
In addition, the dirty inside of the helmet makes your clean hair greasy. So, don’t skip the regular cleaning of your helmet!
Here are the most important tips on how to keep your helmet clean that you should always consider.
Cleaning agents
So, how to clean a dirt bike helmet? The main tip to a clean dirt bike helmet is to use mild cleaning agents. Since the helmet’s surface is sensitive to any harsh cleaners,
Clean and wash the shell and liner of your dirt bike helmet with the help of mild soap or non-abrasive cleaners so as not to damage any parts of it.
Don’t apply any harsh chemicals or cleaners on your dirt bike helmet! Never opt for harsh chemicals such as window cleaners or dish soaps for cleaning the visor of your dirt bike helmet. Avoid petroleum- or ammonia-based substances for cleaning a helmet as you can seriously damage it.
Tools and items
As you can guess from the point above, you can clean your dirt bike helmet only with the help of soft items.
Opt for a soft and clean microfiber cloth to clean the helmet shell, liner, and visor.
For the vents or any other small nooks and crannies, use cotton buds.
Avoid excessive force that can damage the helmet liner. In more stubborn cases, don’t scratch the surface! A good idea is to use a soft brush to remove stubborn stains and traces.
Drying tips
- The natural way is your best choice! After cleaning, let your dirt bike helmet air-dry completely. However, remember not to leave your dirt bike helmet air-dry in direct sunlight!
- If you are short of time, you can use a fan. However, don’t hold it too close! Avoid the right heat exposure on dirt bike helmets. Don’t use such appliances as heaters, electric stoves, or clothes dryers to dry your dirt bike helmet.
Aftercare and storage tips
To keep your dirt bike helmet in tip-top condition, take proper care of it.
- Cover your clean and dry helmet with a protective layer of helmet wax, including all the outer detachable parts. For the moving parts, use mild lubricants such as silicone spray.
- While not in use, place your dirt bike helmet in a well-ventilated area. To protect it from dust, dirt, and spider web accumulation, keep your helmet in the special gear bag. If you have a spare mesh laundry bag, it is also good to go.
- Don’t store your gloves inside the helmet! Since they are pretty dirty, you don’t need them inside the freshly cleaned helmet.
How do you clean a dirt helmet?
You can choose from various ways of cleaning dirty helmets. Some of these hacks are suitable both for a traditional motorcycle helmet and for a dirt bike one.
Most of these methods are suitable for the outer parts of the helmets. However, some of them include cleaning the helmet’s interior. You can clean it either detached or separately, depending on how your helmet is designed.
#1. Helmet cleaner
If you can afford it, opt for a special cleaner that is designed for bike and motorcycle helmets.
You can get such a cleaner at your local sport store, or order it online. Always read the instruction on the package, and be sure to follow it correctly.
After cleaning your dirt bike helmet, rinse it thoroughly with plenty of clean water.
#2. Professional cleaning kit
One more professional option is to get a special cleaning kit for dirt bikes and motorcycle helmets. As a rule, they consist of a cleaning agent and a piece of microfiber cloth.
Before you start cleaning your helmet, read the instructions carefully. If you do everything right, your helmet will be perfectly clean and shiny!
#3. Mild soap and gentle detergents
If you are looking for easier and cheaper cleaning solutions, you can find some of them at home! The easiest and safest way to clean a dirt bike helmet is to use some soap and clean lukewarm water.
- Take a damp cloth and wipe the outer shell of your dirt bike helmet as it should be wet enough.
- With a help of a sponge or a piece of clean microfiber cloth, apply some mild soap on the helmet. Clean all the surfaces in gentle scrubbing motions.
- As soon as you see that your helmet’s surface is clean, rinse it thoroughly with a lot of clean water.
- Wipe the clean helmet dry with a help of a soft clean cloth.
A good alternative to the special cleaners for motorcycle helmets is your mild household detergents. Make use of shampoo (baby shampoo is definitely your best bet, as it can’t cause any allergies) or any other mild cleaner such as dish soap.
However, keep in mind that household detergents can be too harsh for the surface of dirt bike helmets. While cleaning, avoid applying too much detergent and scrubbing too eagerly. Use a soft microfiber cloth or towel to gently scrub the dirt away from the helmet’s surface.
After cleaning, rinse your helmet thoroughly to remove any soapy residue.
This cleaning method has a drawback as you should clean your dirt bike helmet more frequently than after other cleaning agents.
#4. Baking soda
Baking soda is a well-known and all-purpose household cleaning agent. And guess what – you can use it for cleaning your dirt bike helmet as well!
Step 1: Mix some baking soda and water into a thick paste.
Step 2: Apply the paste on the piece of clean damp cloth. Gently scrub all the dirt away from the helmet’s surface. Don’t be too eager so as not to damage the outer shell!
Step 3: Rinse the surface well with a lot of clean warm water.
If your dirt bike helmet is too dirty, then make a thicker version of the paste. Cover the affected area with this paste. Then, let it sit and work for a while to lift the grime and dirt from the helmet’s surface. Now you can gently scrub and rinse it away. Avoid scrubbing too much so as not to make more harm to your helmet.
#5. Vinegar
Vinegar is one more popular and versatile household cleaning agent.
To clean your helmet, mix some vinegar and clean water in a ratio of 1:1. Take a sponge, a piece of clean cloth, or a microfiber towel to saturate in this cleaning solution. Then, gently scrub the helmet with a dampened cloth or sponge.
As soon as you are done, thoroughly rinse your helmet with plenty of clean water. Wipe it dry with a soft cloth or a paper towel. If one cleaning session is not enough for the helmet, you can repeat it until you will be pleased with the result.
#6. Wet wipes
One more way to deal with the dirt on your helmet quickly is wet wiping. If you are short of time and your helmet is not too dirty, you can make use of wet wipes or baby wipes.
With the help of this super-easy hack, you can easily clean both the exterior and interior areas of your dirt bike helmet. Wipe all the surfaces thoroughly. and let the helmet fully dry afterward.
Opt for the non-fragrance wipes, as you will feel the extra smells left on the helmet’s inner side. You just need to clean and sanitize all the surfaces of your helmet.
#7. Sanitizers
You hardly will be surprised to find out that hand sanitizers or anti-bacterial agents are good not only for your hands or any household surfaces but for helmets as well. These popular sprays and liquid solutions can easily delete dirt and bacteria from the surface. In addition, they are made to kill harmful bacteria, which makes it a healthy option.
Spray this cleaning agent on the outer shell directly, or apply some liquid sanitizer on the clean rug.
Now, wipe all the surfaces thoroughly, paying special attention to the stubborn stains.
You can also clean the inner pads in the same way. As in the previous tip, opt for non-fragrant antibacterial cleaners. Be sure that your inner pads won’t smell too much when you put the helmet on and close the visor.
FAQ
Can you wash a dirt bike helmet?
As a whole unit, you can also try to wash your dirt bike helmet by soaking it in water. However, if your helmet has a removable liner, a good idea is to wash it separately.
Take the main helmet liner and the cheek pads out of the shell. Then, you can either hand wash them or opt for machine wash. Just read the instructions for your helmet and make sure that its inner pads are suitable for machine washing.
However, always remember that helmet liners and cheek pads should be washed on a gentle cycle with mild detergent. It is always better to wash the inner pads by hand than place it in the washing machine. For some types of padding, even the gentle washing cycle can be too much.
After washing, let the soft detachable parts dry completely. Don’t place them in the dryer as it will affect the padding properties.
If you can’t take the padding out, soak your helmet in the soapy water. It is a good way to soften and lift the dirt on the surface. Place your helmet in the sink, bathtub, or just in the bucket full of soapy water. Let it sit and soak for a while before you clean it with a soft rug or sponge.
Don’t worry as full soaking is absolutely safe for your helmet! Moreover, it will be much more difficult to wash the surface when the road dirt and other debris will lift in the soapy water.
However, be sure to dry the helmet completely as the excess moisture can destroy the parts of your helmet or lead to moldy issues. Wipe the nooks and crannies with the cotton buds to remove any excess water.
What should I clean my bike helmet with?
Here is a list of the best dirt bike helmet cleaning solutions:
• Helmet cleaner
• Soapy water
• Mild shampoo or dish soap
• Baking soda
• Vinegar
• Wet wipes
• Professional cleaning kit
Final thoughts
Now you know different tips on how to clean a dirt bike helmet. You can try any of them that you find the most suitable for you. Just be responsible and don’t skip the regular cleaning of your helmet!
If you need to read about how to clean a dirt bike helmet, please read our article.
