Caring for Your Helmet

Any time you hop aboard your powersports vehicle, you throw on a helmet. This crucial piece of gear helps keep you safe, but it gets its fair share of grime along the way. Eventually, the time will come for you to clean your helmet. It's important you use the proper process. Otherwise, you could end up damaging your helmet! Here at Langston Motorsports, we strive to make your life easier. That's why we created a beginner's guide to washing your powersports helmet below. If you have any questions or want to look at motorcycles and gear for sale, come visit our dealership. We proudly serve those in Temecula, Orange County, and San Bernardino, California.

Cleaning

Keeping your gear clean is about more than aesthetics. Leaving all that gunk on it can eventually cause damage to the gear itself!

Preparation

Before you begin, it's important to know the proper technique for cleaning your helmet. Avoid scrubbing too hard. It'll get the gunk off, but damage your helmet in the process. Start off light. You can always increase the pressure if needed.

Second, prepare your helmet. If it has any accessories, you'll want to remove them. For example, take off the Bluetooth communicator units so they won't get damaged by the water.

Liners and Cheek Pads

Sweat, hair products, makeup, and weather can all make your liners and cheek pads gunky. You'll want to wash these by hand as it will be gentler on the fabric, which can help it last longer. If you have to wash them in the washing machine, set it to a gentle cycle and put them in a washing bag.

To hand wash, fill a bucket with water and a mild cleaner. Baby shampoo works great. Use a damp microfiber towel to gently wash them. Let them air dry since using the dryer can break down their ability to absorb impact in a crash. You can dab them with a towel to help remove moisture and speed up the drying process.

The Outer Shell

Proper helmet maintenance also includes cleaning the outside of it. While it's a solid material, it still can't handle the force of a hose. You'll want to soak a microfiber rage in water and let it sit on top of the helmet for a few minutes. This should be enough to loosen the grime so you can wipe it right off. Use a toothbrush or cotton swab to get the gunk out of the vents.

The Visor

Your visor is a crucial part of your gear - it's how you protect your eyes. It needs to be clean to avoid hurting your visibility. Consult your owner's manual for the best way to remove your visor. Use a soft microfiber towel and a cleaning product specifically made for your visor material. 

Other Helmet Maintenance

Cleaning is a good step in extending the life of your gear. But it's not the only proactive step you can take! Wear a bandana when you ride to prolong the time in between washing your line. When you return from a ride, give it a quick rinse to help prevent debris from hardening (and being harder to clean later). Store your helmet in its storage bag to help prevent scratches and dents. Taking care of your gear helps ensure it's ready to take care of you on the road!

We hope you found these tips helpful. For all your motorcycle needs, visit Langston Motorsports. Our friendly staff is ready to help you with whatever you need. We proudly serve those in Temecula, Orange County, and San Bernardino, California.