How to wash a helmet?

[carlbiker]

Sounds stupid but basically I bought a Bell helmet second hand and it stinks of perfume or some shiz.....I’m posting it tomorrow but can I submerge it or will the pads and helmet get damaged from doing so?

 

[Dirtnvert]

I wash my helmet and pads daily in the shower with shampoo lather. All good. Alternate between 2 sets. Wear one set while one set is hanging to dry

 

[Zimmerframe]

I wash my helmet and pads daily in the shower with shampoo lather.

This could be so taken the wrong way ....

 

[Zimmerframe]

I’m posting it tomorrow but can I submerge it or will the pads and helmet get damaged from doing so?

Remember that the pads will take wayyyy longer to dry from soaking than from sweat so make sure you air it/dry it well before posting or someone will open a stinky pile of mould and wish it stank of perfume .. also, stop wearing perfume - it's not you .

 

[carlbiker]

Okay so shower rinse/lather dry with the hair dryer maybe ?

 

[simonk]

Or just spray with Fabreeze or some such?

 

[CBSTD]

Bung it in the dishwasher

 

[R120]

Surely you can just remove the pads and out them in the washing machine? thats what I do with my helmets, the actual helmet shell just wash down with a wet cloth and fairy liquid

 

[steve_sordy]

I used to remove the pads and put them inside a sock and then the washing machine. But over time, the pads disintegrated and the velcro stopped working. What I do now is just dump it in the washing up bowl filled with cold water. I leave the pads in place but squeeze them and the straps (don't forget them) with my fingers several times to rinse the water in and out, taking the sweat with it hopefully. Squeeze the water out and then dry the pads, straps, and helmet with a towel. Leave on the radiator to dry completely.

Every week or so, I put some laundry disinfectant in the water. It is the same stuff I put in the washing machine with all my kit (except the stuff with a DWR).

For the kit going in the washing machine, I use a 30degC program so as not to damage the knee and elbow guards, but the bugs don't get killed at 30degC, hence use of the laundry disinfectant. It works in cold water too.

@Zimmerframe will be pleased to know that my helmet always smells nice and clean, and so far neither my head nor the pads have grown any mould, nor have they deteriorated in any way.

 

[Dirtnvert]

Haaa mouldy helmet = bad . Check! Very educational thread

 

[jk-]

Small amount of shampoo with a soft brush and stick it on a radiator hanger

 

[Gary]

I'm surprised someone obsessed with finding the ultimate safety equipment would buy a second hand helmet

 

[Darren]

It's getting more like mumsnet every day in here

 

[Hobo Mikey]

I wash my helmet in the shower, it’s mine and I will wash it as fast as I like. ??

 

[leftside]

Similar here. My helmet sometimes comes in the shower with me

 

[Zimmerframe]

There's only one way lazy e-bikers should wash their helmet ...

 

[carlbiker]

There's only one way lazy e-bikers should wash their helmet ...

View attachment 42951

Please tell me this isn't real!!!

 

[carlbiker]

I'm surprised someone obsessed with finding the ultimate safety equipment would buy a second hand helmet

Hey I can be Scottish frugal you know....... (hidden secret damage aside)

 

[Gary]

If you consider 16 full face helmets, 45 items of body armour and 16 pairs of shoes frugal lend us £10k for a new 15kg Eeb will ya?

 

[R120]

There's only one way lazy e-bikers should wash their helmet ...

View attachment 42951

I find that only works if you tumble dry afterwards

 

[carlbiker]

I find that only works if you tumble dry afterwards

Im lazy, explain your dark arts please!!! Show me the way

 

[Zimmerframe]

Im lazy, explain your dark arts please!!! Show me the way

It's important to use a 1400 spin - otherwise they bounce around and damage themselves I'm only joking, everyone knows that to stop the helmet getting bashed around too much in the washing machine, you get in with it on.

Quick drying can be achieved in the microwave .. Actually, many many many years ago I did try microwaving a pair of boots I'd washed as I was about to go on a date and needed them ... I ended up in a pair of very hot wet boots - which fortunately for some reason didn't metal react in the microwave ?!?! maybe someone wiser than us morons can explain why wet boots wouldn't metal react ? Maybe CAT's are microwave friendly ?

 

[carlbiker]

It's important to use a 1400 spin - otherwise they bounce around and damage themselves I'm only joking, everyone knows that to stop the helmet getting bashed around too much in the washing machine, you get in with it on.

Quick drying can be achieved in the microwave .. Actually, many many many years ago I did try microwaving a pair of boots I'd washed as I was about to go on a date and needed them ... I ended up in a pair of very hot wet boots - which fortunately for some reason didn't metal react in the microwave ?!?! maybe someone wiser than us morons can explain why wet boots wouldn't metal react ? Maybe CAT's are microwave friendly ?

Okay I’ll stick my mainline in the washer at 1400.....then the dryer?

 

[smtkelly]

just whack it in the microwave, you can charge your iphone at the same time too (if it has wireless charging)....



the internet told me

 

[Rusty]

WTF is all this fancy sheet?

Drive home with all your kit on then have wife/partner/offspring/dominatrix/handy homeless person give to a good blasting with your pressure washer. To ensure all smells nice and looks spiffing, once the grunge is all off you can mix a bucket or warm water with your favorite carwash - I recommend something like Meguirs Ultimate Wash & Wax and have them empty the contents over your head - ensuring arms etc all get a good coating.
After another hit with the pressure washer you can go stand in the driveway until dry. Once dry, not only will you be clean, but you will smell nice and have a lovely enhanced gloss and shine.

**Authors Note**
Please do not try this in England or any of the attached potentates ...... it is never fine long enough for you to dry out completely.
I also do not advise having the wife/partner/offspring/dominatrix/handy homeless person put you into the linen closest as they usually forget about you and dehydration due to lack of beer is not nice.

 

[GrandPaBrogan]

Dip the helmet in bucket of 'Napisan' (nappy bleach)... no scrubbing needed... give it a quick rinse in warm running water...

Then place the helmet inside a netting sack... Spin... but don't let go...

Alternatively... you can attach the helmet to anything that can be used as a centrifugal dryer...

 

[Nicho]

Haven't you lot heard of lateral thinking?
Just leave the helmet as it is and include a free noseclip in the box!

 

[RickBullotta]

Ride for 2 hours in the rain.

 

[jaggysnake]

Important to keep your helmet clean.