Cleaning helmets?

[Tillers_Rule]

What have you guys/girls used to clean the insides of your helmet? I'm talkin bout ones without removable padding.

I was thinkin maybe Febreeze, but I think that's just a freshner, and not really a cleaner.

[cf828]

Soapy water, and then 24 hrs in front of a fan to dry.

[dsv1000]

Soak it in woolite and rinse well it worked great for me, made may arai like new after 3 years.
Dan

[BioTek]

Theres a product by Motorex that's in Cycle Gear, a helmet foam cleaner, good shit and smells ok too.

[Silver6]

Originally posted by dsv1000
Soak it in woolite and rinse well it worked great for me, made may arai like new after 3 years.
Dan


Eww, dude... you waited 3 years to clean your helmet?

Hahaha... I have removable padding in mine so it's not a huge concern for me.

[Aeteocles]

Bring it into the shower with you. Shampoo. Squish Squish. Dry right side up so that the water drips out, and squish regularly to squeeze the water out. A fan helps to prevent mildew.

[soulofadra6o]

i use febreeze haha..maybe i should try soap and water?

[speedy619]

http://leeparksdesign.com/catalog_product_detail.asp?sid=&CatalogCode=530&LevelCode=3637&PartHeaderNumber=33209&ManufacturerCode=0&ProductCategoryCode=&CatalogTypeCode=&Second=

Or goto the bottom of the home page at:
http://leeparksdesign.com

on the right is the helmet cleaner and it rocks. I have used 2 other european brands, but they are more expensive and not any better.

Mike

[Silver6]

I thought that Lee Parks stuff was more or less just like Febreeze?

[speedy619]

I have used febreeze and its not bad but it has a freshner in it. The lee parks stuff has a disinfectant in it. I have also used a foaming helmet cleaner that works pretty well. I can't remember the brand, but they have that at cycle gear in a blue and silver can. Unfortunately, I suffer from skunk head!

Mike

[BioTek]

Originally posted by BioTek
Theres a product by Motorex that's in Cycle Gear, a helmet foam cleaner, good shit and smells ok too.

This is it.

[soulofadra6o]

i was wondering what everyone used to clean the dirt buildup in and around vents? i may resort into just dumping my helmet in soapy water (thank god for a spare) and just letting it dry...but i tried using a wash cloth, but couldnt get to all the fine cracks, then i tried compressed air but it didnt do anything...anyone have any problems with this?

[MoreMyk]

Use Q-tips. Then break them in half to get in the cracks. That does it for me.

[mojojojo27]

how about cleaning the helmet visor? is windex a good option or just warm water and a piece of cloth?

-shoei rf1000 voltage

[mojo mofo]

I would watch out for products mean to clean glass. I know that the windshield I just installed on my cruiser specifically says to avoid those products on plastic.

[chrdog]

if it looks clean after you use it, it works. we have alot of "orange power" cleaners at work, they do a good job. windex is fine, water is ok.

[SdGix]

I use honda cleaner on my visor

[curley]

visors, windscreens, headlight lens - Gel Gloss at Home Depot - about $5 in a (a Very PINK) can ( Bathroom Fixtures and shower stall dept.)- both liquid and aerosol - has some solvent in it to get off the stubborn bug guts off - would not apply it when surface is hot.
Interior - an old dirt bike trick - - shampoo and shower - but now -most new helmets have removable interiors - hand wash in Woolite.

[J.Moto]

Visors: Run under warm to hot water and use dish or hand soap and hands to clean. Pat dry with (paper) towel. Do not use a sponge (even a soft one) to clean shields as this will scratch it as well as using a (paper) towel and rubbing it dry.

[newbe]

How do you guys clean your helmet???? I used Fabriz inside my helmet and it seems to help. Is there a better way to do that??

Alex

[Shizznid]

Yeah. I was gonna say something about that smell, but I didn't wanna be rude...

[sandie]

take it in the shower with you, lather it up inside, rinse it out good, and leave it out to dry in the daytime sun for a couple of days!

[Shizznid]

Originally posted by sandie
take it in the shower with you, lather it up inside, rinse it out good, and leave it out to dry in the daytime sun for a couple of days!

Damn, Sandie. I think I want you to do that to me

[newbe]

I like sandi idea. If i could just get sandi to wash my helmet :love: .

Shizzind next time ride faster so you can pass me heck i just might fart to go faster :D


Alex

[bigpig]

there's a foam spray I use that I buy at cycle gear. i would bet wherever they sell helmets they sell helmet cleaner. spray it in, let it foam up. pat dry with clean towel. i forgot who makes it but they make 611 and 211 (chain cleaner and lubricant). I think it's a company called MOTOREX. It takes care of that stinky lid.

[mwhitney]

Yeah, I’ve always used foam upholstery/carpet cleaner available from PepBoys. I could check the brand later when I get home, but I think it is just Turtle Wax brand. I’ve used several brands though and they all seem to be the same. None of them have ever caused any kind of reaction with my skin or anything. They do make it smell a bit too good at first, but it dissipates over a couple of days. I also use it to clean up spills on my apartment’s carpet.

- Mark -

[Punkbrad]

get a helmet with removable liner. best thing evar, and oh yeah, shower more often - with a partner to conserve water of course.

[dsv1000]

I always wash mine with Woolite in the sink. You can let it soak for a while and see how dirty is actually is. Then just rinse it a few times and put it out to dry.

[MotoDave]

honda makes a very effective helmet de-funker

[stringzz]

hmmm, I use one of those microfiber skull caps that wick moisture. I wonder if that helps keep my helmet from stinking.

I also wear the cap because it covers the top of my ears, so when I put my helmet on, they don't fold down.

[Dominus]

Originally posted by stringzz
hmmm, I use one of those microfiber skull caps that wick moisture. I wonder if that helps keep my helmet from stinking.

I also wear the cap because it covers the top of my ears, so when I put my helmet on, they don't fold down.

A do-rag??

[racinteach]

the honda helmet cleaner spray works the best..have also tried lysol...(sp) but the smell stays too long and is too strong...


oh yeah also wash your hair once in a while....:p

[quiklids]

Yeah, the removeable liners are nice, but when you're stuck without, it is a pain!

When I was with Bell, the guy in customer service used to whip up a batch of 'D-Funk'. Stuff worked wonders, you wouldn't believe the lids some people will put their heads in...YUK!

Beware, this stuff can wreck havoc on materials that are not colorfast. DO A SMALL INCONSPICUOUS AREA FIRST, let it dry 24 hours...if it's ok, you can proceed.

1 cup hydrogen peroxide
1 tsp baking soda
1-2 drops dishwashing soap

A spray bottle is easiest, but DO NOT SHAKE OR STIR QUICKLY...it'll quickly do a volcano on you. Don't store it an an airtight container, either. Gently swish it around until the baking soda is dissolved. Just thoroughly saturate all the material and padding. Toss any remaining solution. Let it dry 24 hours, if it's still wet, you can blot it and let it finish drying...that's it!

They won't smell ya before they see ya anymore!

[racinteach]

Originally posted by quiklids

1 cup hydrogen peroxide
1 tsp baking soda
1-2 drops dishwashing soap



haha this is the same stuff my kids in class used to make their volcanos explode in class

[NukleoN]

Any ideas on how to clean funky leathers or boots? I have the bootdogs (flannel filled with cedar chips) but I'm thinking something more effective is in order.

For the helmet...I just clean the removable pads and use Febreze in the areas which could store funk....I don't notice smells in the helmet unless the venting around the mouth gets wet...especially around the pull-down chin guard.

[quiklids]

Originally posted by racinteach
haha this is the same stuff my kids in class used to make their volcanos explode in class

While you're safely hiding behind the desk, no doubt! ;)

[NiteQwill]

I use that Motorex helmet cleaner foam... works well.

[stringzz]

Originally posted by Dominus
A do-rag??


Yeah, seems to work for me so far. We'll see during the summer.

[Darth Lefty]

Originally posted by racinteach
haha this is the same stuff my kids in class used to make their volcanos explode in class
Well, but they use higher concentration peroxide for that... the 3% stuff is only going to fizz.

I saw a demo once on Letterman, the kid mixed 50% peroxide with soap and then tossed in some silver powder. Foom!

[sdlnxgk]

I think the first thing to fight odor would be to make sure you wash your hair first ;)

Originally posted by stringzz
hmmm, I use one of those microfiber skull caps that wick moisture. I wonder if that helps keep my helmet from stinking.

I also wear the cap because it covers the top of my ears, so when I put my helmet on, they don't fold down.

+1

I have the same thing made by http://www.buff.com.au/ that I bought at the Long Beach Bike Show and just wash it every so often... but the + also is that my Scorpion Raider helmet the inside cushions are washable :D

just my two cents worth of jabber..

Originally posted by NukleoN
Any ideas on how to clean funky leathers or boots? I have the bootdogs (flannel filled with cedar chips) but I'm thinking something more effective is in order.

For the helmet...I just clean the removable pads and use Febreze in the areas which could store funk....I don't notice smells in the helmet unless the venting around the mouth gets wet...especially around the pull-down chin guard.

Dan some cleaners offer leather cleaning, not sure on prices but I know my cleaners down the road in Santee offer this service...

[newbe]

I think im going to wash it with with some soap and let it dry. But cause i ride my bike every day im going to use my old Half helmet for a few days. Just had my jacket dry cleaned and boy oh boy does it look good now.

Alex

[DDELFIERRO]

The current (Jul 06) issue of Motorcyclist has an article about this very thing. One person did make a suggestion that sounded pretty good. Use Johnson's baby shampoo instead of soap. The shampoo should get rid of the oil, sweat, etc. really well and should there be any soap residue left over then when re-liquified along with your sweat it won't sting the eyes. It also smells pretty nice.

[curley]

Aerostich - Helmet Dog - $12 - check it out - being follicle-ly challenged - I only know too well about "Helmet odor".

http://www.aerostich.com/catalog/US/Aerostich-Helmet-Dog-p-18202.html

In the early days - the method described by sandie worked best - currently I have two helmets ( of medium price range (HJC SyMax & AC11) and trade off daily...once the heat is on.

[o4trix]

Originally posted by Tillers_Rule
What have you guys/girls used to clean the insides of your helmet? I'm talkin bout ones without removable padding.

I was thinkin maybe Febreeze, but I think that's just a freshner, and not really a cleaner.


I'll bet yours smells like poo poo.