Helmets gather dirt and debris just like other riding gear. Accelerated wear and tear, visibility problems, and poor aesthetics are hallmarks of dirty helmets. Thus, all the top-rated helmets on Helmet Gurus need regular cleaning. Unfortunately, many motorcyclists don’t know how often they should clean their helmets. Below is an honest review of helmet cleaning frequency.
Clean the Helmet Whenever It’s Dirty
Most people clean their houses, clothes, or cars when dirty. After all, you wouldn’t want to clean a clean item or leave a dirty thing unwashed. The same logic applies to motorcycle helmets. You must clean the helmet every time you suspect it’s dirty.
For example, you should clean your helmet if it has obvious signs of dirt or grime. Maybe the shell is dirty, the visor has streaks of dirt, or the helmet has stains or discolorations. Such signs show up after prolonged helmet usage. You might also notice the signs after using the helmet in a dirty environment, like a dusty trail.
Lastly, you should suspect the helmet is dirty and clean it if it emits a foul odor. Remember, not everything that makes the helmet dirty will give it obvious discoloration. Say you have just enjoyed a long summer ride in hot and humid weather. The helmet might begin to smell because its liner and padding absorb your sweat.
➔➔➔ Read more: Modular motorcycle helmet on helmetgurus
Clean the Helmet Regularly
Besides cleaning the house whenever it’s dirty, you probably have a schedule for when to clean it, even if it doesn’t look dirty. For example, some people thoroughly clean their houses every weekend. Again, the same logic may apply to helmet cleaning – you should clean the helmet regularly, even without confirming that it’s dirty.
Don’t wait until the helmet you bought on recommendation from the Helmet Gurus is visibly dirty because it might start harming you by then. For example, some people are sensitive to irritants like dirt, pollen, and bacteria. All these can clog your helmet’s liner without your knowledge. If you don’t clean the helmet in time, you might develop skin irritations and itchiness.
➔➔➔ Read more: Top rated modular motorcycle helmet review guide on helmetgurus
Consider These Factors
Until now, we still have not answered how often you should clean a helmet. Well, there is no definite answer because the frequency depends on multiple things. First, consider how much you use the helmet. That is, how long are your rides, and how often do you go for the rides?
People have different riding schedules. Some ride every day to work, others ride every weekend, and some only ride once a month. The more you ride, the more your helmet gets dirty, and the more frequently you should clean it.
You should also consider the riding environment and weather. For example, a helmet that spends much time on dusty trails on off-roading adventures needs more frequent cleaning than someone who sticks to the tarmac. In addition, your long summer rides call for frequent cleaning because of the inevitable sweating.
The good news is that you don’t have to dismantle and thoroughly clean the helmet whenever it shows a little dust. You can just wipe it and space out the thorough cleaning sessions. Otherwise, you will soon be checking out Helmet Gurus for recommendations because your helmet has suffered damage. Overaggressive helmet cleaning accelerates its wear and tear.