Helmet cleaning

[RichGrab]

Greetings all. I have a SHOEI RF-1100 with completely removable liner (cheek pads, strap pads and top pad also). They were pretty funky so all out now. I'm looking for ideas and / or feed back on cleaning the removed pieces. I was thinking a light wash in some baby shampoo, then a second wash with Woolite to keep them smelling nice and also to be soft. Also, planning to use some kind of wipes (maybe something anti-bacterial with a little bleach in it) to wipe down the interior surfaces, before reinstalling the cleaned up bits. This helmet has seen a couple pretty sweaty summers, so needs a good cleaning.

Any input greatly appreciated. Pro, con or otherwise, I'm open to suggestions. Would prefer not to by a helmet specific product, not sure how much better they can be than anything like I mention that has been around for many, many decades.

[copdocpvd]

Take your electronics out and just dunk the thing.  I use a Home Depot bucket, warm but not hot water, and woolite (an Arai rep told me about this) and it works great.

[banjobart]

Put it all out in the direct sun for a day, too. This works wonders.

[Brick]

Go to manufacturers web site they will list how to clean.


I must be out riding my Super Teneré'!

[touringman]

Thanks for asking this question Rich! I checked the HJC web site for my Sy-Max, and they recommend regular machine washing, and air drying!! Suits me just fine! Syd

[touringman]

Oh, by the way, that advice didn't include the entire helmet, just the Lining.:-)

[bcd]

Oh, by the way, that advice didn't include the entire helmet, just the Lining.:-)

Oh, great, NOW you tell us.

I've pulled the lining out of my Schuberth and just thrown it in the washer with a regular load, then just let it air dry in front of a fan. Worked a treat.

[PYG RYDR]

Another option-one I have not used-is to put your helmet in your dishwasher-without dirty dishes, and wash.

[RichGrab]

Take your electronics out and just dunk the thing.  I use a Home Depot bucket, warm but not hot water, and woolite (an Arai rep told me about this) and it works great.

No electronics, no worries.

[RichGrab]

Put it all out in the direct sun for a day, too. This works wonders.

Bart - SHOEI website video specifically said do not put it out in the direct sun to dry. They advise open, indoors in front of a fan.

[RichGrab]

Go to manufacturers web site they will list how to clean.


I must be out riding my Super Teneré'!

Thanks Brick. Your advice was the most right on, but all had good ideas. SHOEI recommends in a mesh wash bag, in the washing machine on gentle cycle. Think I'll give my option a try, see how it works and go from there. Just wanted to be sure I wasn't making some huge mistake - not in the $$ for a helmet if I muck it up.

[RichGrab]

OK, I opted for the mesh bag. Picked one up at Target (sweater size) for less than $4. It was a little large for my needs, but worked. Washed the liners in the mesh bag with a small load (couple T-shirts and pairs of riding specific socks) on gentle cycle with regular laundry soap. Then a second wash with Woolite. Out of bag and air drying at home now, but they smelled fresh as springtime. Tonight, clean / de-stink the interior and then clean up the outside. Reassemble all Thursday and ride on the weekend.

[stevegrab]

Oh, by the way, that advice didn't include the entire helmet, just the Lining.:-)

Oh, great, NOW you tell us.

I've pulled the lining out of my Schuberth and just thrown it in the washer with a regular load, then just let it air dry in front of a fan. Worked a treat.

Yeah, I'm trying to get all the scratches off mine. And I think I ruined my GoPro camera too, was I supposed to remove that first.
One of our local member swears by the "wash the whole thing in a bucket of water".  I might try that some day, with an older helmet so I know what to expect (how long does it take to dry, etc.).
My brother asked me and I told him I've mostly used a foaming helmet cleaner by Motorex (first won a can as a door prize and have bought more). My current Shoei (also an RF1000 maybe) has some removable part, just the cheek pads. So this works well to clean the inside and does leave it fresher smelling.

[RichGrab]

Well, it's all done and I'm quite pleased with myself. I used a few anti-bacterial wipes in the inside while padding removed. Then I washed up the outside with some typical car washing solution, and dried with a towel. Let the inside dry again for a couple hours and reassembled. Tried it on, and fit like new and smelled like springtime.

Lets see how long that last, but now that I've done it once, and seldom ride during the week, this is something I could do every few weekends during riding season. 

[RIDEMYST]

You make Martha Stewart proud! -JEP-


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