can you / how do you wash a helmet

[rallycrosscraig]

its been a bit sweaty in the helmet this year, how do you clean the inside anyone tried? dont want to ruin the lining...

[NAC]

I would do a search on the manufacture of the helmet for instructions first

If no joy there try these
http://sportbikeguy.com/garage/floor...ide-clean.html

http://www.flamesonmytank.co.za/helmets.htm
Look up - Care of your Helmet

[Eddy V]

I think we had a similar thread a while ago in the racers forum.
I wouldn't really wash a helmet if I were you, that looks a bit dodgy when you see a helmet covered with soap, with all the special add ons they have nowadays.

I guess best thing to do is, if you can, take the lining out (even parts) and air them as much as possible.
There are also sprays you can get to dissinfect. Maybe you can put something that smells fresh inside the helmet for a while, but don't overdo it.

[MGDavid]

...and having cleaned it, buy a balaclava.. so it stays clean...

[bdwoody]

i have washed my agv lineing a number of times in the sink with warm water and soap and let it dry naturally at room temp and have found no probs. my motox lid used to get full of mud and sweat and i used to presure wash it with the bike and had no probs.now i wouldn't suggest doing that with a 400 quid helmet but they are pretty robust if you buy a good one.i certainly wouldn't leave it for 3 months without doing something and then plonk it on yer sweed come race day....yuck !

[rallycrosscraig]

thanks for the advice (and yes I already wear a nomex balaclava)

washed it in the bath last night seems ok, (looked a bit daft wearing it in the bath though)

[Chris Y]

Demon Tweeks (+ others probably) sell something called a Shock Doctor helmet airing thing, which also circulated ozone-ated air around your lid. Don't know how it works, but it's a possibility for keeping your helmet lining 'fresh'.

[Eddy V]

Or a money making device for the retailers. (damn, that's me too )
Isn't bad, but that is more for somebody who does long distance racing. You would like to have a dry lid when back in the car after afew hours or so.

[BertMk2]

Or use the technique of having several balaclavas and putting a dry one on before you go out (leaving the 'wet' one hung up to dry). There's nothing worse than putting on a damp sweaty balaclava

[bdwoody]

Originally Posted by BertMk2

There's nothing worse than putting on a damp sweaty balaclava

i think there is bert putting on a damp sweaty helmet, even worse someone elses...

[Eddy V]

I've asked one of my suppliers about washing a helmet.
His reply: don't do it like the first link shows. I.e. no bathing of helmets.

[carrera]

I use Febreze. Spray on lining, leave to dry. Keeps the hat smelling fresh.
Couple of quid in Tesco for about 500ml.

[Eddy V]

Not a bad idea Gary.
Mind you, depends a bit on what fragrance you use.

[BertMk2]

Originally Posted by Eddy V

Mind you, depends a bit on what fragrance you use.

Whatever fragrance it is it's got to smell better than "sweaty head"

[graham bahr]

Originally Posted by carrera

I use Febreze. Spray on lining, leave to dry. Keeps the hat smelling fresh.
Couple of quid in Tesco for about 500ml.

so do i.

i find it works well, although when discussing this with a scruit one day he did say to go easy on its use, apparently large quantities can effect the polystyrene inside the helmet