A helmet works every time you ride, even when you do not fall. Dirt flies up from the wheels, fine dust settles from the air, and the inside soaks up sweat and skin oils. Without care, the pads become unpleasant against the skin and the plastic ages faster.
Regular cleaning and inspection make a helmet more hygienic and more reliable, and correct storage noticeably extends its service life. Care takes a few minutes and comes down to five simple steps.
What you will need
- WD-40 Specialist Silicone 250 ml for the outer shell
- A bucket of warm (not hot) water
- Mild washing-up liquid and gentle laundry detergent
- A soft cloth or sponge and a laundry bag
- A dry microfibre cloth
Important: The shell and impact-absorbing liner are sensitive to harsh chemicals. Do not use bleach, acetone, solvents, petrol or other oil-based products, and never apply any product to the inner foam liner. Do not dry the helmet on a radiator or in direct sun.
Step 1
Check the helmet's condition
First decide whether the helmet is still worth looking after or due for replacement. Most manufacturers recommend replacing it every 3-5 years depending on use, because the protective properties of the material weaken over time. After any crash involving an impact, replace the helmet immediately, even if no damage is visible.
Inspect the outer shell, straps and buckle. If the buckle is cracked or a part is missing, the helmet could come off in an impact, so it must be repaired or replaced.
Step 2
Wash the pads
Remove the inner pads. They collect dust, sweat and skin oils, which can irritate the skin. Ideally, hand-wash them in warm water with a little gentle detergent and rinse in clean water. You can also machine-wash them, but only in a laundry bag on a delicate 30 degree cycle.
Step 3
Clean the outer shell
Wipe the shell with a soft cloth dampened in warm water with a drop of washing-up liquid. There is no need to scrub; light strokes are enough. Clean the vents with a soft sponge. While washing, check the surface carefully for cracks and dents.
Step 4
Dry it properly
You can wipe the helmet with a dry cloth, but it is best left to air-dry naturally in the shade. A dish rack or a shelf indoors works well. The pads must dry completely after every wash and every ride, otherwise odours develop. If a smell remains after washing, a textile disinfectant will help.
Step 5
Protect the shell and store it correctly
To restore shine to the outer shell and make the next wash easier, put a little WD-40 Specialist Silicone on a dry cloth and wipe the outer plastic only. The thin film repels dirt and water. Keep the product away from the inside of the helmet, the pads and the straps.
Store the helmet somewhere cool and dark. Heat from the sun or a radiator makes the shell brittle. Do not add stickers or paint the helmet, as adhesives and paints can weaken the material. Replace the pads from time to time as well.
Tip: Never leave your helmet in a car or on the parcel shelf in summer. The heat there can do more damage than several years of normal use.
What next
Clean the shell monthly or after muddy rides, and wash the pads every 2-4 weeks during the active season. Replace the helmet after any crash and every few years: it is the cheapest insurance your head can have.
These uses come from the experience of WD-40 users in many countries. Always follow the instructions and warnings on the product label.
More guides in «How to use».