To clean a dirt bike helmet, first pull out the inner dirt bike helmet pads and throw them in the washing machine using a low washing machine setting. A high spin cycle can decrease the life of the lining, so go easy with this. Also, avoid using a spin dryer as the intense heat and violent movement can also break down the foam padding. Instead, leave it out in a dry warm place and let them dry naturally. Then, grab a brush and some light detergent and scrub the outside of the helmet to remove the dirt. I like to grab the hose and spray water through the air vents to clean them out. After the helmet is washed, leave it out in a dry warm place and let it dry naturally.
You can also use a dirt bike helmet cleaning foam such as Motorex cleaning foam. This stuff can be used on both the outer shell and inner lining and it also deodorizes the inner lining which is really helpful against the musty helmet smell.
Summary
#1 Keeping your dirt bike helmet clean keeps it in top shape and extends the life of the helmet.
#2 Waxing your helmet will bring it back to that brand new look.
#3 Sanitizing your helmet will kill the fungus and mold that causes helmets to smell.
#4 Using a dirt bike helmet bag protects the helmet from damage and lets the helmet breathe.
#5 Regularly inspecting your helmet for cracks and dents is really important!
#6 Make sure you use a helmet lock if you are leaving your helmet unattended so it doesn’t get stolen.
#1 Keep Your Dirt Bike Helmet Clean.
There’s heaps of reasons to keep a dirt bike helmet clean.
a. Dust and dirt in the air vents stop the helmet from ventilating properly which increases rider discomfort.
b. Moisture from sweat and rain slowly breaks down the inner lining and shock absorption system, decreasing its shelf life.
c. Helmets begin to stink really fast and become unhygienic with the growth of bacteria.
d. A clean helmet looks great!
How to Clean a Dirt Bike Helmet
To clean a helmet, first pull out the dirt bike helmet pads and throw them in the washing machine using a low washing machine setting. A high spin cycle can decrease the life of the lining, so go easy with this.
Also, avoid using a spin dryer as the intense heat and violent movement can also break down the foam padding. Instead, leave it out in a dry warm place and let them dry naturally.
Then, grab a brush and some light detergent and scrub the outside of the helmet to remove the dirt. I like to grab the hose and spray water through the air vents to clean them out.
You can also use a dirt bike helmet cleaning foam such as Motorex cleaning foam. This stuff can be used on both the outer shell and inner lining and it also deodorizes the inner lining which is really helpful against the musty helmet smell.
After the helmet is washed, leave it out in a dry warm place and let it dry naturally.
#2 Keep Your Helmet Shiny.
Helmet wax is more of a cosmetic process but still important. Waxing your helmet will bring back its original showroom shine and make it look like new.
I think it also can be a good idea as wax repels water and protects the outer shell.
Waxing isn’t a necessity but it’s still worth mentioning. If I want my helmets to look like new, I use Maxima speed wax.
You can also use Maxima on any plastics on your bike and they will come back to that shiny new look.
#3 Keep it Fresh
The annoying problem with helmets is that they begin to get really musty after a few weeks of use.
I found the best way to keep your helmet fresh is by using helmet sanitizer.
Helmet sanitizer kills the mold and bacteria that builds up inside the inner linings.
I use Mountval helmet sanitizer. I keep a bottle in my gear bag and spray my helmet after I have washed it and sometimes when I’m really lazy, I use it straight after a big days ride.
Tip #4 Keep it Bagged.
If you have just purchased your helmet, you may have a received a bag that came with your purchase.
This bag isn’t just a fashion accessory, it’s an essential part of keeping your helmet in top condition.
Why? Firstly, helmet bags protect your helmet from the elements and stops mold from forming by keeping it dry and fresh.
It also stops the helmet from getting scratched up when it is rolling around in the back of the truck when driving to the track.
Also, a bag lets the helmet breathe which extends the life of the shock absorption and lining systems.
Additionally, a helmet bag will stop insects from getting in and making a home inside your helmet.
Insects love dirt bike helmets as they are dry, dark, warm and contain plenty of hiding spaces.Wasps especially like building nests in the air vents if you leave your helmet in the shed without protection.
Personally, I use the Ogio Head Case helmet bag. It is tough, and well padded.
I have other helmet bags but I found that some were a bit too small for certain brands of helmets. The Ogio Head Case fits all sizes of helmet I know of.
If you are travelling by plane and are taking your dirt bike helmet, you can use the helmet bag to carry your helmet on board with you as carry-on luggage.
The cargo hold of an airplane can be a rough place for helmets and it is not uncommon for helmets to get damaged during transit.
#5 Inspect Your Helmet.
This is an important one. During the cleaning process, take your helmet out in the sun or a bright light and inspect your helmet for scratches, dents and cracks.
Even if you have not had a crash, damage can happen from your helmet simply rolling off the back of the truck or falling off the handlebars.
Cosmetic scratches are okay but dents and cracks indicate structural damage to the helmet.
If there are dents and/or cracks in the helmet (especially the mouth guard), you will need to replace your helmet.
Also, take a look at the inner shell of the helmet after you have removed the inner lining.
This area is designed to absorb all the impact of a crash. If it is permanently compressed or looks different in any way then you should be looking at replacing your helmet as soon as possible.
According to a study performed by Professor Harry Hurt (appropriate name lol), 35% of the time, the point of impact in an accident will be on the riders mouth guard.
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This means that you should be paying close attention to the mouth guard and looking for cracks. As this is where most of the damage will most likely be.
This study also demonstrates that you should never wear an open face helmet if you value your jaw!
Don’t compromise with helmet damage as it means that the helmet is now far less effective at protecting your head.
In this case it is time to buy another one and throw the damaged helmet in the bin.
#6 Keep it Safe.
Helmet theft is a thing, it’s a big thing in fact.
Helmets are easily stolen because they are virtually unidentifiable and resold on the second hand market for quick cash.
Don’t become a statistic. When you are leaving your helmet unattended, throw it in your car and lock the doors.
If a car isn’t available I recommend buying a helmet lock.
A helmet lock is simply a cable or carabiner with a locking mechanism that will lock your helmet to your bike.
Simply thread the lock through the D shackle of your helmet and lock the helmet to your handlebars or frame.
A good helmet lock should be able to fit both D shackle and quick release style of helmet buckles and should be a combination lock.
There aren’t too many helmet locks on the market but I use the Bristol Designs Heavy Duty Combination Lock.
It’s made of stainless steel and is super tough and won’t rust. It is a really well thought out design.
If you really want to go heavy duty, get yourself the Kryptonite New York Noose!!
If you can break this one, you deserve to take my helmet as a trophy! Good luck.
You can also use this one to lock an entire bike by feeding it thru the break disc and wheel.
Conclusion
Your dirt bike helmet will probably be the the most valuable part of your dirt bike gear kit so it pays to take care of it.
If you take care your helmet, it will take care of you when you need it most.
Helmets get dirty really fast. After a long days ride a helmet is exposed to dust, mud, sweat, mold, insects and other filth.
This dirt can quickly mess up your dirt bike helmet and also it reduces your performance in the saddle.
Don’t just throw your most valuable piece of gear in the corner until you use it next! Make sure you spend time on it to bring it back to showroom condition for future rides.
It is worth the extra time doing this and your head will thank you for it.
Next, I will be talking about motocross goggles. in this article I will be looking at the best goggles to suit your riding style as well as some handy usage and maintenance tips.
Happy riding!
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