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Cleaning helmet liners

B

bikey

New member
Joined
Mar 27, 2020
Location
SL
Moto(s)
SV
Hi guys,

Need help please. I've had my helmet for a couple years. I clean it once a week by soaking in laundry detergent then rinsing and force blowing dry with a fan to prevent growth.

For some reason it still stinks and I need some advice what to do (i am ordering new liners).

For now do I....
soak with a lite dilution of bleach and clean?
or
vinegar?

TIA
 
What is the make and model of the helmet?

In the past, when I wasn't able to remove the liner, I only used shampoo to clean the liner. I would never use vinegar or bleach. In the worst environment, I've washed the insides of my helmets once a year. There is a good chance that your frequent 'washing' is contributing to the problem / smell.
 
Enchanter said:
What is the make and model of the helmet?

In the past, when I wasn't able to remove the liner, I only used shampoo to clean the liner. I would never use vinegar or bleach. In the worst environment, I've washed the insides of my helmets once a year. There is a good chance that your frequent 'washing' is contributing to the problem / smell.
Click to expand...
HJC FG-17 with removable cheeks & top head cushion.

Ive sniffed my helmet up and down, the inside foam is fine but the bottom of the cheekpad where it's vinyl is where its a bit stinky
 
laundry detergent might be a bit strong... try dish soap...
I've only attempted a helmet wash on a really hot day... washing the helmet and then going on a long ride to allow it to dry quickly...
if it doesn't completely dry out in a day or two there might be some issue with bacteria growth deep down in there...
you might just need a new helmet at this point?...
 
I usually throw it in the washing machine with other clothes and let it air dry. I don't clean my helmets often because I always wear a headsock/balaclava when I wear it. So I just clean the headsock often.
 
I did find some "No Stink" type of final rinse in a Big 5, for tennis shoes, after the Dawn sudsing & rinse.
Your aroma may vary,
Az heat works very well against mold production.
 
I have never cleaned a helmet liner. Mine don’t seem to get dirty. I do wear a head sock. Hmmmm.
 
My liners get pretty funky as I don't wear a head sock. They make it too difficult to put my glasses on.
I've always used baby shampoo to clean them. Very mild soap.
 
bikey said:
Hi guys,

Need help please. I've had my helmet for a couple years. I clean it once a week by soaking in laundry detergent then rinsing and force blowing dry with a fan to prevent growth.

For some reason it still stinks and I need some advice what to do (i am ordering new liners).

For now do I....
soak with a lite dilution of bleach and clean?
or
vinegar?

TIA
Click to expand...
Have you considered buying a second liner so one can dry out completely between uses?

I should probably clean my helmet liners, can't remember the last time it happened...
 
Head sock.
No regular cleaning.
Replace pads if necessary.
They are not very expensive and take 2 seconds to change out.
 
I wore a beanie/headsock for years without realizing it was contributing to tension headaches on rides over an hour. I think it was how the seams lined up with pressure points on the helmet combined with my large head :laughing
 
I always wear one of these liners to catch most of the oil, salts, sweats. They work well enough in cooler climates like the bay area.

They can't do enough for heavy sweating (+100°F days, desert crossings, tropical tours). After those trips, the liners stink and must be popped off for cleaning.
a.jpg
 
I use a headliner to keep grease head outta my helmet. If you really have to clean it, a handheld steam cleaner would be my choice as it doesn't use detergent, just water.
 
Blankpage said:
Once a week cleaning 😲
Click to expand...
Yeah, no OEM recommends this schedule. If the helmet is used a lot it’s not drying out completely. Freeze the helmet overnight and let it sit out in the sun the following day. Until it’s hot and dry.

If the OP resides in humid environs, they can bag it with a container of Damp Rid overnight and it will draw every last molecule of moisture out of the lining. Storing an activated charcoal bag inside between uses draws out odors too.

Are you a new rider OP? Helmets have smell, hopefully yours. It varies with climate, use, and weather. Try not to overdo it and overthink it.
 
I’ve never cleaned my liner on any helmet I’ve ever owned.
I guess if it developed a stink I’d do it.
Maybe it’s my shampoo :unsure:
 
ratsblast said:
I use a headliner to keep grease head outta my helmet. If you really have to clean it, a handheld steam cleaner would be my choice as it doesn't use detergent, just water.
Click to expand...
That's a really good idea let me try that
 
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