Anyone know of a way to clean the materials inside your helmet?

Jiu Jitsu Player · March 16th, 2009, 11:54 PM

I was wondering if anyone knew if there was a way to remove some of the pads and stuff inside the helmet to wash them some how. Its starting to get alot warmer now and I don't want it to smell bad from sweat, etc.

zartan · March 17th, 2009, 12:05 AM

I just bought a can of foam helmet cleaner. you spray it in and it foams up and you wipe it dry. It is safe and not to fragrant. You wipe it out and good to go!

MOTOREX HELMET CARE SPRAY

Description

Cleaning foam and care for helmet shells and inner padding
Cleans, deodorizes and protects
Effectively removes dirt fast
Brightens up colors
Protects the helmet surfaces
Can also be used on removable inner padding
Leaves a pleasant, fresh fragrance

Verus Cidere · March 17th, 2009, 12:07 AM

Depends on the helmet. You should've gotten a few little guides with your helmet that tell how to take out the pads. Some helmets don't have completely removeable pads. Mine only detaches some of the pads. Just depends on your helmet. Check to see if you still have the stuff that came with the helmet. If you do, I bet it's in there somewhere.

miks · March 17th, 2009, 02:01 AM

Try look for something that is antiseptic to kill all them nasty germs that touch your head every time you wear a helmet.

TrueFaith · March 17th, 2009, 07:35 AM

Or do what us old-timers do and wear a SLIKS helmet liner and wash that instead.

http://www.cyclegadgets.com/slik/

Broom · March 17th, 2009, 08:01 AM

some helmets have a removable liner, some don't... if it doesn't there is cleaner you can use.

i've used fabreeze on my gear before, but not my helmet. not sure how it'd react to my face, but might be fine. obviously let it dry before wearing.

one thing you can do is always lay out your gear after getting it sweaty so that it can dry quickly. i usually lay everything out and put empty toilet paper rolls in my gloves and turn on a ceiling fan.

zartan · March 17th, 2009, 08:15 AM

Becareful not to use something that will break down the foam and react bad with the hard interior shell.

Jiu Jitsu Player · March 17th, 2009, 09:33 PM

Thanks for the tips. I'll definitely check that spray out. Im not too worried about gear, just mainly my helmet.

DirtyBoy · March 17th, 2009, 11:13 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by zartan

I just bought a can of foam helmet cleaner. you spray it in and it foams up and you wipe it dry. It is safe and not to fragrant. You wipe it out and good to go!

MOTOREX HELMET CARE SPRAY

Description

Cleaning foam and care for helmet shells and inner padding
Cleans, deodorizes and protects
Effectively removes dirt fast
Brightens up colors
Protects the helmet surfaces
Can also be used on removable inner padding
Leaves a pleasant, fresh fragrance

I have that product, however I was told by someone at Arai not to use it because it can break down the adhesive they use.

zartan · March 17th, 2009, 11:24 PM

what the heck!! I was told it was safe . Please, can you let me know where you found that out , did you call Arai directly?

I should call the place where I got it and let them know.

Jiu Jitsu Player · March 17th, 2009, 11:35 PM

Damn. Ixnay on the spray I guess until someone can confirm....

zartan · March 17th, 2009, 11:41 PM

I just logged on to arai and did a support ticket to ask . will post reply but I believe you dirtyboy. Just want to confirm.

Sound Wave · March 18th, 2009, 12:28 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by TrueFaith

Or do what us old-timers do and wear a SLIKS helmet liner and wash that instead.

http://www.cyclegadgets.com/slik/

my helmet has padding that completely removes.... still, i do have something like that too. i have a couple, so like you said, i just throw that in the wash. easier that way... plus it helps reduce "helmet hair"

click here

DirtyBoy · March 18th, 2009, 11:29 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by zartan

what the heck!! I was told it was safe . Please, can you let me know where you found that out , did you call Arai directly?

I should call the place where I got it and let them know.

Yes, I called Arai directly.

zartan · March 20th, 2009, 08:07 PM

confirming Dirtyboys post

Talked to a tech also. He said ok to take helmet into the shower. I Live in WASHINGTON. NOTHING DRYS HERE. I told him... we live in a wetland pond in this state. He said that people over use the chemicals. Did not say it was necessarally horrible for the helmet but did not elaborate.
But would only suggest the following.

Directly from Arai:
Thank you for your request about recommended helmet cleaning procedures.
For the inside, please remove the cheekpads and headliner (where applicable). Remove cheekpad covers and wash individual items by hand in the sink using a small amount of mild shampoo or Woolite. No dish soap or any other product with aggressive grease dissolving agents. The shell of the helmet can be cleaned in the shower with a small amount of shampoo and lots of water. If a large enough sink is available, the helmet can also be cleaned in this manner. Remember, lots of water and a the smallest amount of shampoo necessary to clean the material inside the helmet. When clean, shake the helmet to help expell water caught in the air channels, and rest the helmet upside down to air dry for a day or two. Under no circumstances use a hair dryer or any other heat source to dry the inside as this may have a negative effect on the EPS liner. It may also be necessary to make some provision to keep your canine friends away while it dries- we’ve had a customer or two whose dog has mistaken a helmet for a chew toy…

For the outside, more of the same- water. Use a clean, soft towel and water to clean the outside of the helmet as well. Warm water will help remove bug debris, and if necessary a warm towel may be put over the shield to clean it easier. Under no circumstances use glass cleaner on the shield (or any other part of the helmet, for that matter). This is the most significant cause of chemical embrittlement that leads to side pod failure and shield deterioration. The other mistake we often see is too much of a cleaner or polish. It too much polish is left to soak on the helmet, it can creep under the adhesive that holds the vents in place, and cause them eventually to become loose or even fall off. If one wants to use an exterior polish, we recommend spraying just a whiff of it onto a cloth, and then applying it to the helmet. The less, generally, the better.

Once clean, use a dab of the silicone provided with the helmet to keep the eyeport gasket soft, and you should be good to go. Please consult your owner’s manual for more information. If you have any additional questions about cleaning or maintenance, please let us know, and we’ll be happy to point you in the right direction.

Best regards,

Rob Lefever

Arai Technical Services

komohana · March 20th, 2009, 08:20 PM

thats some good info zartan, thank you very much

noche_caliente · March 28th, 2009, 05:56 PM

arai just got major bonus points with that reply as well!

00v_Lucky · March 28th, 2009, 08:14 PM

thx zartan for that post, no more windex for me! :/

March 16th, 2009, 11:54 PM	#1
Jiu Jitsu Player Live 2 Ride Forced 2 Work Name: Chris Location: Guam Join Date: Mar 2009 Motorcycle(s): 2008 RED 250r Posts: 386	Anyone know of a way to clean the materials inside your helmet? I was wondering if anyone knew if there was a way to remove some of the pads and stuff inside the helmet to wash them some how. Its starting to get alot warmer now and I don't want it to smell bad from sweat, etc.

March 17th, 2009, 12:05 AM	#2
zartan ninjette.org certified postwhore Name: zartan Location: spam la Join Date: Oct 2008 Motorcycle(s): 08 250 R Posts: A lot.	I just bought a can of foam helmet cleaner. you spray it in and it foams up and you wipe it dry. It is safe and not to fragrant. You wipe it out and good to go! MOTOREX HELMET CARE SPRAY Description Cleaning foam and care for helmet shells and inner padding Cleans, deodorizes and protects Effectively removes dirt fast Brightens up colors Protects the helmet surfaces Can also be used on removable inner padding Leaves a pleasant, fresh fragrance __________________________________________________ "Don't let adverse facts stand in the way of a good decision" Colin Powell

March 17th, 2009, 02:01 AM	#4
miks I'm lovin' it. Name: Mike Location: Melb, Australia Join Date: Feb 2009 Motorcycle(s): '09 Black 250R Posts: A lot.	Try look for something that is antiseptic to kill all them nasty germs that touch your head every time you wear a helmet. __________________________________________________ Son: When I grow up I want to ride a motorbike. Father: You can't do both son.

March 17th, 2009, 08:01 AM	#6
Broom Track Junkie Name: Jon Location: Dallas Join Date: Dec 2008 Motorcycle(s): '08 Ninja 250r Track Bike, DR350 commuter, KDX220 woods bike Posts: 602	some helmets have a removable liner, some don't... if it doesn't there is cleaner you can use. i've used fabreeze on my gear before, but not my helmet. not sure how it'd react to my face, but might be fine. obviously let it dry before wearing. one thing you can do is always lay out your gear after getting it sweaty so that it can dry quickly. i usually lay everything out and put empty toilet paper rolls in my gloves and turn on a ceiling fan. __________________________________________________ Las Escobas -- Track Bikes Save Lives JonBroom.com

March 17th, 2009, 08:15 AM	#7
zartan ninjette.org certified postwhore Name: zartan Location: spam la Join Date: Oct 2008 Motorcycle(s): 08 250 R Posts: A lot.	Becareful not to use something that will break down the foam and react bad with the hard interior shell. __________________________________________________ "Don't let adverse facts stand in the way of a good decision" Colin Powell

March 17th, 2009, 12:07 AM	#3
Verus Cidere ninjette.org certified postwhore Name: Michael Location: Southern NM Join Date: Feb 2009 Motorcycle(s): '91 Honda CBR600 F2 Posts: A lot.	Depends on the helmet. You should've gotten a few little guides with your helmet that tell how to take out the pads. Some helmets don't have completely removeable pads. Mine only detaches some of the pads. Just depends on your helmet. Check to see if you still have the stuff that came with the helmet. If you do, I bet it's in there somewhere.

March 17th, 2009, 07:35 AM	#5
TrueFaith ninjette.org sage Name: Wayne Location: Brookfield, MA Join Date: Nov 2008 Motorcycle(s): 2011 Honda CBR250R Posts: 585	Or do what us old-timers do and wear a SLIKS helmet liner and wash that instead. http://www.cyclegadgets.com/slik/

March 17th, 2009, 09:33 PM	#8
Jiu Jitsu Player Live 2 Ride Forced 2 Work Name: Chris Location: Guam Join Date: Mar 2009 Motorcycle(s): 2008 RED 250r Posts: 386	Thanks for the tips. I'll definitely check that spray out. Im not too worried about gear, just mainly my helmet. __________________________________________________ SAVAGE MODE: [ON] OFF www.7milesdown.com

March 17th, 2009, 11:24 PM	#10
zartan ninjette.org certified postwhore Name: zartan Location: spam la Join Date: Oct 2008 Motorcycle(s): 08 250 R Posts: A lot.	what the heck!! I was told it was safe . Please, can you let me know where you found that out , did you call Arai directly? I should call the place where I got it and let them know. __________________________________________________ "Don't let adverse facts stand in the way of a good decision" Colin Powell

March 17th, 2009, 11:35 PM	#11
Jiu Jitsu Player Live 2 Ride Forced 2 Work Name: Chris Location: Guam Join Date: Mar 2009 Motorcycle(s): 2008 RED 250r Posts: 386	Damn. Ixnay on the spray I guess until someone can confirm.... __________________________________________________ SAVAGE MODE: [ON] OFF www.7milesdown.com

March 17th, 2009, 11:41 PM	#12
zartan ninjette.org certified postwhore Name: zartan Location: spam la Join Date: Oct 2008 Motorcycle(s): 08 250 R Posts: A lot.	I just logged on to arai and did a support ticket to ask . will post reply but I believe you dirtyboy. Just want to confirm. __________________________________________________ "Don't let adverse facts stand in the way of a good decision" Colin Powell

March 20th, 2009, 08:07 PM	#15
zartan ninjette.org certified postwhore Name: zartan Location: spam la Join Date: Oct 2008 Motorcycle(s): 08 250 R Posts: A lot.	confirming Dirtyboys post Talked to a tech also. He said ok to take helmet into the shower. I Live in WASHINGTON. NOTHING DRYS HERE. I told him... we live in a wetland pond in this state. He said that people over use the chemicals. Did not say it was necessarally horrible for the helmet but did not elaborate. But would only suggest the following. Directly from Arai: Thank you for your request about recommended helmet cleaning procedures. For the inside, please remove the cheekpads and headliner (where applicable). Remove cheekpad covers and wash individual items by hand in the sink using a small amount of mild shampoo or Woolite. No dish soap or any other product with aggressive grease dissolving agents. The shell of the helmet can be cleaned in the shower with a small amount of shampoo and lots of water. If a large enough sink is available, the helmet can also be cleaned in this manner. Remember, lots of water and a the smallest amount of shampoo necessary to clean the material inside the helmet. When clean, shake the helmet to help expell water caught in the air channels, and rest the helmet upside down to air dry for a day or two. Under no circumstances use a hair dryer or any other heat source to dry the inside as this may have a negative effect on the EPS liner. It may also be necessary to make some provision to keep your canine friends away while it dries- we’ve had a customer or two whose dog has mistaken a helmet for a chew toy… For the outside, more of the same- water. Use a clean, soft towel and water to clean the outside of the helmet as well. Warm water will help remove bug debris, and if necessary a warm towel may be put over the shield to clean it easier. Under no circumstances use glass cleaner on the shield (or any other part of the helmet, for that matter). This is the most significant cause of chemical embrittlement that leads to side pod failure and shield deterioration. The other mistake we often see is too much of a cleaner or polish. It too much polish is left to soak on the helmet, it can creep under the adhesive that holds the vents in place, and cause them eventually to become loose or even fall off. If one wants to use an exterior polish, we recommend spraying just a whiff of it onto a cloth, and then applying it to the helmet. The less, generally, the better. Once clean, use a dab of the silicone provided with the helmet to keep the eyeport gasket soft, and you should be good to go. Please consult your owner’s manual for more information. If you have any additional questions about cleaning or maintenance, please let us know, and we’ll be happy to point you in the right direction. Best regards, Rob Lefever Arai Technical Services __________________________________________________ "Don't let adverse facts stand in the way of a good decision" Colin Powell

March 20th, 2009, 08:20 PM	#16
komohana ninjette.org certified postwhore Name: Steve Location: Kekaha, Kauai HI Join Date: Jan 2009 Motorcycle(s): 05 GSX-R 600 2003 EX250: Woodcraft Bars, Levers, Mirrors, Shim'd Mixture, Synthetic, '08 Rear Shock Posts: A lot.	thats some good info zartan, thank you very much __________________________________________________ Remember when sex was safe and motorcycles were dangerous?

March 28th, 2009, 05:56 PM	#17
noche_caliente ninjette.org certified postwhore Name: Kim Location: mundo de ensueño Join Date: Nov 2008 Motorcycle(s): '08 250 Posts: A lot.	arai just got major bonus points with that reply as well!

March 28th, 2009, 08:14 PM	#18
00v_Lucky ninjette.org sage Name: Howard Location: Cypress, So. Cal. Join Date: Feb 2009 Motorcycle(s): '09 Candy Thunder Blue Ninja 250R Posts: 618	thx zartan for that post, no more windex for me! :/

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