Helmet cleaning - fnarr, fnarr
Discussion
My straps are minging and don't appear to be easily removed from the helmet (Bell Sweep).
I was going to give them a good soak in Persil tonight but I've searched the web and a few forums suggest sticking the entire helmet in the wash with the rest of your gear.
Has anyone ever done this?
Obviously, you then let it air dry rather than put it in the tumble drier...
Steve
I was going to give them a good soak in Persil tonight but I've searched the web and a few forums suggest sticking the entire helmet in the wash with the rest of your gear.
Has anyone ever done this?
Obviously, you then let it air dry rather than put it in the tumble drier...
Steve
Steve vRS said:
My straps are minging and don't appear to be easily removed from the helmet (Bell Sweep).
I was going to give them a good soak in Persil tonight but I've searched the web and a few forums suggest sticking the entire helmet in the wash with the rest of your gear.
Has anyone ever done this?
Obviously, you then let it air dry rather than put it in the tumble drier...
Steve
No, no no no no no no no.I was going to give them a good soak in Persil tonight but I've searched the web and a few forums suggest sticking the entire helmet in the wash with the rest of your gear.
Has anyone ever done this?
Obviously, you then let it air dry rather than put it in the tumble drier...
Steve
Move the helmet away from the washing machine.
It doesn't matter if you stick on the most delicate wash, one spin and it's fit for the bin.
Just use a cloth and some mild cleaning solution that won't irritate your skin.
Hand washing is the way to go, use some DAZ on the tough bits again just use a sponge or fingers and it will come out eventually.
I use the Muc Off foam for when I have been out on the MTB and get covered in crap then soak and wash the straps in the sink, you can use more aggressive cleaners with a small amount of bleach in which worked on a child's high chair straps but only after lots of brushing and rubbing to get it out.
I use the Muc Off foam for when I have been out on the MTB and get covered in crap then soak and wash the straps in the sink, you can use more aggressive cleaners with a small amount of bleach in which worked on a child's high chair straps but only after lots of brushing and rubbing to get it out.
I put my Fox mtb (openface) to soak in a bucket of soapy water with a Milton tab and it still stank. I changed the pads for a new set and it's little better.
There is a high-note of stink and a sort of meaty, oily finish to it, which could be best replicaded by heating fatty ham and a very strong-smelling Gorgonzola in a pan.
Is there something wrong with me?
There is a high-note of stink and a sort of meaty, oily finish to it, which could be best replicaded by heating fatty ham and a very strong-smelling Gorgonzola in a pan.
Is there something wrong with me?
One way I've found of preventing the helmet getting stinky in the first place is to buy a big microfibre towel/cloth and stuff it in the helmet after every ride, making sure that the straps are wrapped in the folds. The microfibre wicks out the sweat from the straps and pads, and keeps everything dry. I haven't washed my helmet in about 6 months and it's not even smelly in the slightest.
I know this is going to seem even more 'wierd and fetish...' but bear with me 
I've found by far the best methods of washing my helmets (k-yack, k-yack) both bicycle and motorbike, is to just take them into the bath with me!
You can then sit in a warm bath with your helmet resting on your lap (hubba hubba) and soap them up to a very foamy level (kweep kweep!)
Lol, but seriously, having them in the bath means you can sit and comfortably get your fingers and knuckles inside them to give the linings a good scrub, with plenty of water to keep dipping it into. I use a basic hair shampoo to wash them with (NO! NOT one with conditioner in it!) and you'd be amazed how much dirt comes out. The shampoo is good because most of the gunge is your own sweat and natural oils, which shampoo is obviously designed to remove without being too harsh.
I then pop them in the airing cupboard after a good rinse with clean water from the showerhead, and having been left to stand for a couple of hours to drip-dry the majority of water.
They come out beautifully soft and smelling lovely.
HTH
I've found by far the best methods of washing my helmets (k-yack, k-yack) both bicycle and motorbike, is to just take them into the bath with me!
You can then sit in a warm bath with your helmet resting on your lap (hubba hubba) and soap them up to a very foamy level (kweep kweep!)
Lol, but seriously, having them in the bath means you can sit and comfortably get your fingers and knuckles inside them to give the linings a good scrub, with plenty of water to keep dipping it into. I use a basic hair shampoo to wash them with (NO! NOT one with conditioner in it!) and you'd be amazed how much dirt comes out. The shampoo is good because most of the gunge is your own sweat and natural oils, which shampoo is obviously designed to remove without being too harsh.
I then pop them in the airing cupboard after a good rinse with clean water from the showerhead, and having been left to stand for a couple of hours to drip-dry the majority of water.
They come out beautifully soft and smelling lovely.
HTH
I cleaned the straps on my helmet and the (removable) inner padding in a mild soapy water (Persil or whatever) and a little bleach.
Left the straps hanging in the water for a couple of hours, agitating them occasionally.
An astonishing amount of crap came out of them. But then again I did do about 5000 miles of London commuting in the helmet without ever washing it......
Left the straps hanging in the water for a couple of hours, agitating them occasionally.
An astonishing amount of crap came out of them. But then again I did do about 5000 miles of London commuting in the helmet without ever washing it......
nammynake said:
Given the tendency in the cycling industry to double the price of anything remotely marketed as 'cycling related', they should maybe release a "Helmets and Shoulders" shampoo. Stick a picture of a bike on the front and sell for £5 per 100ml.
Dot 5.1 Brake Fluid @ Halfrauds. No LBS to me sells it. Bikehut £5.99 for a tiny bottle with a picture of a bike on, Downstairs £5.99 for a drum of the [identical] car stuff.It doesn't store well once opened.
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