Your head is without a doubt the most important part of your body, and fortunately, helmets protect it in the event of an unplanned catastrophe. In addition to providing protection from debris and insects, helmets safeguard your head and face from high winds. Although they are made to withstand a lot of strain, helmets will ultimately break from misuse and abuse. A helmet has to be maintained, just like any other piece of equipment, since most problems arise from poor or nonexistent maintenance.
You are probably more inclined to handle and take better care of your pricey helmet. However, if you’re not doing it correctly, you can be hurting it more than helping it. Your helmet requires maintenance even if it is an affordable piece of equipment in order for it to effectively protect your head and face.
Let’s discuss some fundamental helmet cleaning and upkeep:
1. Cleaning the shell and visor
Using petroleum distillate or Colin cleaning chemicals to clean the shell of a helmet is the first error a rider commits. When the visor and shell of a helmet are cleaned with glass cleaners or any other ammonia-based cleaner, the polycarbonate in the helmet is gradually broken down and loses its integrity. Always use regular water or specialized cleaners for helmets and visors. This will shield your helmet from unseen damage, prevent paint peeling, and preserve the coatings on your visor that are meant to repel fog and scratches.
When wiping the helmet shell, only use a soft microfiber cloth or soft tissue; never use abrasive materials. All you have to do is let a damp cloth sit on the bugged region for thirty to sixty seconds to get rid of it.
You could see instructions to wipe the visor to ensure there are no swirl marks. If you don’t have a soft tissue on hand or visors without the scratch-resistant coating, this also applies. To remove dust and bugs from the visor, we recommend giving it a quick wash under running water. Next, clean the outside first, followed by the interior, using a soft tissue.
When going on a long ride, always have a pack of tissues and a water bottle with you to prevent damaging the visor if the need arises midway.
2. Pin lock shield cleaning
Because pin lock shields lack a scratch-resistant coating, proceed with extreme caution when cleaning them. Even if they won’t be very noticeable, improper cleaning will inevitably leave scratches that will make your nighttime riding less enjoyable. Just give them a quick wash and wipe with a soft tissue.
3. Cheek pads and inner liners
These days, the majority of excellent helmets include detachable cheek cushions and inner liners. Even though most of them have anti-microbial coatings to prevent odor, cleaning them occasionally when dust gathers will always help your helmet smell nice and feel new. Steer clear of fabric softeners and strong detergents as these can harm coatings and hinder their ability to wick away moisture. And try your best to hand wash them in warm water. Instead of using a dryer, let them dry naturally.
If the liner on your helmet isn’t detachable, apply internal sanitizers. Simply mist and wipe to clean.
4. Put on a liner or a balaclava
Make it a practice to wear a balaclava to protect the helmet liner from perspiration and body oils. Additionally, it keeps perspiration from dripping into your mouth and eyes when you’re riding.
5. Vents
As time goes on, you’ll notice that insects frequently lodge themselves in the vents on your helmet, obstructing ventilation and airflow and causing perspiration. They may be cleaned extremely well with pressurized air and other techniques like using cotton swabs.
6. Lubricating any moving parts
You may have noticed that the visor mechanism or inner shades of certain helmets gradually become noisy or less free to move. All of the moving components can be kept in good working order and will move smoothly if you lubricate them with a decent lubricant.
7. Storage
After a ride, let your helmet air out for a day or more to release any moisture and avoid odors. To keep the helmet dry and odor-free while keeping it in your helmet bag, use some extra silica gel packets.
8. Hydrophobic visor sprays
Having water droplets on your visor during a downpour is one of the most irritating things that may happen. Using gloves to clean them will eventually cause the visor to become scratched, so avoid doing that. To prevent water droplets from forming on your visor, use an excellent hydrophobic spray.
9. Keep your helmet locked inside your bike
It is never a good idea to leave your helmet out in the open. Not only does it attract thieves, but your helmet just sits there gathering dust and deteriorating more quickly.
If you take the best possible care of your helmet, it will certainly appreciate and return the favor when the time comes. To everyone of you, safe travels!
