If you’re an experienced dirt bike rider, you know that your helmet doesn’t stay clean for very long. It will get dirty in a matter of minutes when you’re cruising over messy terrain. Mud and dirt will coat the outside of the helmet while sweat will stink up the inside. Cleaning your dirt bike helmet is about more than just sanitation. It can affect the way you ride. All that debris can block the air filter, making it harder to breathe. The inside of your helmet will also smell, which doesn’t exactly make for a pleasant ride.
You should get in the habit of cleaning your dirt bike helmet before and after every ride. Use this guide to keep your safety gear looking and smelling its best.
Inserts and Pads
Check your helmet to see if the inner pads and liners that rest against your head can be removed. The user manual will also give you instructions for cleaning the helmet. Find out if these inserts are machine washable. If they are, you can just throw the pads in the wash with the rest of your clothes. Wash the pads and inserts in a gentle warm cycle to prevent them from shrinking. If foam is in the pads, avoid using excess heat, which could melt the protective cushion. Let these parts dry naturally instead of putting them in the dryer where they could get damaged. You can also quickly wash the pads in the sink by hand with a little bit of mild detergent.
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Outer Shell
You can next move onto the dirtiest part of your helmet, the outer shell. Use a damp cloth with some detergent to wipe off the dirt.
If the inner pads can’t be removed, you will need to wash the entire helmet as is. Rinse off the inside and outside of the helmet with warm water to remove the debris. Try dunking the entire helmet in a wash basin, large bucket or even your bathtub. Put some detergent in the water and use a spare cloth or sponge to scrub off the dirt.
You can also use helmet spray, which is made from specialized cleaning agents with active ingredients. It will likely be more effective at getting rid of stuck-on mud and dirt than regular detergent, but it’s usually unnecessary.
Helmet Accessories
Don’t forget to clean your dirt bike helmet accessories, including your off-road communication headset that lets you communicate with your fellow riders. The device should be waterproof and designed to withstand everyday wear and tear, but you need to be gentle when cleaning it. Detach the headset and use a damp cloth to wipe it off. Avoid dunking the device in water, as this could ruin the equipment.
The same is true of your GoPro or action camera. Consider putting the camera in a waterproof case where it won’t get damaged. Clean the inside and outside of the case regularly to prevent damage.
Look for dirt bike helmet communication devices that can easily be cleaned so you don’t have to worry about damaging this equipment.
Wax and Protection
Last but not least, you can also use a special helmet wax to seal in the shine. It will also protect the helmet from additional wear and tear and make it easier to clean in the future. Use wax to protect any graphics or vinyl decals that are attached to your helmet. It’s the best way to preserve the color and design so you can show off your style for years to come.
Cleaning your dirt bike helmet regularly is an important responsibility — one that’s not to be taken lightly. A dirty helmet can affect the air you breathe and make it harder to see the trail. You should never try riding with a dirty helmet. It will make the ride less enjoyable and may even put your safety at risk. Keep these tips in mind to start every trip with a clean helmet.
