5 Helmet Care Tips
For most riders, the helmet is the single most vital piece of gear. Although we often spend plenty of time picking out the perfect helmet, too many people forget to take care of their lid after purchase.
Proper helmet maintenance not only extends the life of your investment, but also helps it keep you as safe as possible every time you saddle up. Here’s how to give your helmet the care it deserves.
Clean the Inside
Even if you always wear a balaclava or skullcap, sweat, skin oil, dust, and the occasional bug inevitably make their way into your helmet. Over time, the accumulated crud can cause funky smells and degrade liner materials. Most modern helmets have removable interior padding. Pop the liners out, wash them using mild soap, and air dry them completely before reassembly.
If your helmet doesn’t have removable liners, use a helmet-safe spray cleaner and a microfiber cloth to wipe the interior. I highly recommend buying a helmet with a removable liner, though. A regular interior cleaning schedule will keep your lid fresh and help it last longer.
Polish the Outside
The exterior of your helmet goes through a lot—sun, bugs, rain, and road grime all take their toll. Clean the shell and visor with warm water and a microfiber cloth. Avoid harsh solvents or glass cleaners, especially on visors or any antifog coatings. To remove bug guts, lay a damp cloth over the affected area for a few minutes to soften the mess before gently wiping it clean.
Remember to always clean your visor with vertical wipes instead of horizontal ones. If you happen to scratch the visor, your eyes will look through vertical lines, whereas horizontal scratches may distract you.
Regular cleaning doesn’t just keep your helmet looking sharp, but also helps preserve the integrity of the materials and ensures your visor remains clear for every ride. After cleaning, you might choose to use a polishing product made specifically for helmets to reduce UV damage and prevent splattered bugs from sticking.
Use Odor Absorber Bags
Between washes and after any particularly sweaty ride, toss a charcoal odor absorber into your helmet. It’ll soak up moisture and eliminate odors without sprays or chemicals. Odor eliminators are inexpensive, reusable, and help keep your helmet from turning into a musty swamp after a hot day on the road. Consider doing this for your boots, too. I usually have a few of these with me while on RoadRUNNER tours.
Proper Storage
Where you store your helmet matters more than you might think. Avoid tossing it in a hot garage, hanging it on a hook, or leaving it in direct sunlight. Heat and UV rays can degrade the helmet materials over time, while hooks or other sharp objects can dent the impact liner.
Instead, keep the helmet in a cool, dry, and clean place, ideally in a helmet bag or on a dedicated shelf. Keeping it safe from accidental drops and moisture buildup will go a long way to maintain both the lid’s appearance and safety performance.
Know When to Say Goodbye
Even the most beloved and well-cared-for helmet has an expiration date. Most manufacturers recommend replacing your helmet every five years, even if it looks perfectly fine. Materials break down over time, and safety standards improve. If you’ve crashed or dropped your helmet from a significant height, it’s smart to replace it sooner rather than later. Remember, your helmet’s job is to protect your brain. If there’s even a shred of doubt about its structural integrity, don’t roll the dice—get a new one.
Taking care of your helmet isn’t just about aesthetics. It’s about protection, longevity, and respect for the gear that’s keeping your head protected. A little regular TLC can help your helmet perform the way it was designed to, every time you ride. Take care of your helmet, and it will take care of you.
Click here to check out our buyers guide for keeping your helmet clean.