Can We Wash Helmet With Water? Helmet Care Tips

Once you read the guides on Helmet Gurus and buy your favorite helmet, you will want to keep it clean. Whether you buy a bike, motorcycle, or football helmet, keeping it clean is mandatory. A clean helmet is safer and lasts longer than a dirty one. However, many don’t know how to clean their helmets. Some don’t even know whether cleaning with water works.

Factors Determining Helmet Cleaning

Different factors determine the best way to clean a helmet. First, note that manufacturers use different materials for their helmets. Even the same manufacturer can use different materials for different helmet models. The outer shell usually features polycarbonate (thermoplastic), carbon fiber, Kevlar, and other materials. These materials have different wash requirements.

Water temperature matters a great deal. For example, hot water can deform some plastics or fabrics. You can rarely go wrong with room temperature or lukewarm water, especially on the outer helmet shell.

Different helmet parts may have varying cleaning instructions. There are different methods for cleaning the helmet’s shell, padding, visor, and accessories. For example, many manufacturers agree that water is generally safe on the helmet’s outer shell. However, the same water might be unsafe on the helmet’s inner liner.

Lastly, helmet manufacturers issue instructions for the care and maintenance of their products. The manufacturer’s guide is the best to follow. The manufacturers test their products under different conditions to learn the material’s weaknesses.

Helmet Cleaning Instructions

Choosing the right liquid is just one piece of the puzzle regarding helmet cleaning. You should also know the other cleaning products you need and the appropriate cleaning instructions. Otherwise, you might damage your beloved helmet and be forced to replace it.

For many helmets, you will need warm water, a soft sponge, a soft-bristled brush, and mild detergent. Detach the removable parts of the helmet before you begin cleaning. Detaching these parts allows you to reach all the nooks and crannies. The detachment also protects vulnerable helmet parts. Different helmet models have different parts, as you can see on Helmet Gurus.

The next step is to brush off obvious dirt on all the helmet parts you wish to clean. Then, wash the helmet with water and detergent solution, rinse it, and wipe it dry. Allow the helmet to air dry in a well-ventilated area to discourage mold growth. In addition, you should only reassemble the helmet once it dries.

Further Instructions for Helmet Care

You obviously want your helmet to last as long as possible. After all, a high-quality helmet doesn’t come cheap. Regular helmet cleaning is only part of the solution. You must care for the helmet in other ways. For example, you should:

Store the helmet in a clean area where it doesn’t come into contact with corrosive chemicals
Keep the helmet away from strong weather elements when not using it
Handle the helmet gently to limit scratches and dents

A helmet is primarily a safety gear. Treat the helmet as you treat other safety gear. Say you play football and have a mouth guard, cleats, and kneepads. You want the gear in its best condition for maximum protection. Have the same expectation for your helmet.

In conclusion, water may be safe for helmet cleaning, depending on the factors mentioned above. This variation in cleaning needs is one of the reasons to read guides and reviews on Helmet Gurus before buying a helmet. That way, you know what you are getting into before purchasing a helmet.

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