Written By: Jonathan
Fact Checked By: Caroline Dezendorf
Reviewed By: Matt Tanner
A clean bicycle is really very important to maintain hygiene, comfort and even cleaning bicycle helmet is also very important for safety purpose.
As we all know it is natural over time that a lot of sweat, skin oil, dust and of course bacteria accumulate inside your helmet and if we look specifically at the inner padding and straps these things have made their home.
Plus, bacteria commonly found on sporting goods like Staphylococcus aureus and Pseudomonas aeruginosa can thrive in moisture, so a dirty environment like helmet padding is a safe place for them, according to a study published in The Journal of Athletic Training.[¹]
If you do not clean on a regular schedule, it may cause problems like skin irritation, bad odor and even infection.
And there are many riders who don’t actually know that excessive moisture and grime can actually slowly deteriorate the materials of the helmet as well, especially the foam liner which actually absorbs the impact during a crash can become less effective if they continue to deteriorate over time.
Not only that, but helmets are only designed to last 3 to 5 years, so this lifespan can be even shorter if you maintain them poorly.
Therefore, it becomes important to know How To Clean a Bicycle Helmet, and in this guide you will learn the safest and also the most effective way.
Tools
| Item | Purpose |
|---|---|
| Mild soap or baby shampoo | It is helpful to clean gently without damaging the foam or padding. |
| Warm water | This will help in easily removing dirt and sweat from the surface of the helmet. |
| Soft cloth or sponge | These are used to safely wipe down the helmet shell. |
| Toothbrush or soft-bristle brush | These really are the ideal tools for cleaning padding, vents, and hard to reach spots. |
| Microfiber towel | It is a soft, non-abrasive drying tool that prevents scratching. |
| Spray disinfectant (helmet-safe) | It is used to kill germs and bacteria on padding and interior surfaces. |
| Optional: Ventilation-safe deodorizing spray | It really keeps the helmet smelling fresh without clogging up its vents. |
NOTE: You should always check if your helmet brand has any specific care recommendations, as some higher-end models actually have removable liners or unique foam compounds that actually require specific types of care, so make sure before cleaning.
How To Clean a Bicycle Helmet (Ste-by-Step Guide)
In this guide you will learn the safest and most effective ways to clean your bicycle helmet without causing any damage.
1. Remove Interior Padding and Straps
If your bicycle helmet has removable inner padding and straps, remove them and if the design of your helmet actually allows it, begin gently removing the inner padding and chin straps.
As most modern bicycle helmets come with Velcro-attached or snap-in padding, which can be easily detached from the helmet.
Removing these parts separately will help you clean each component thoroughly and actually prevent moisture from getting trapped inside the foam.
Note: You should always refer to your helmet’s user manual or manufacturer’s website before attempting to remove any type of part, because some helmets have certain types of straps or special liners that should not be removed.
2. Clean the Helmet Shell
Now, you have to clean the outer shell, as it provides you protection during impacts and also withstands environmental influences like dirt, dust, and sweat.
Simply use a soft cloth or sponge soaked in warm, soapy water, but only add mild soap.
Now gently wipe the entire surface including the top, sides and back.
You’ll need to pay special attention to the vents, as these are areas where dust, insect debris, or sweat residue often gets trapped.
You can easily clean it with a soft toothbrush as it works great for cleaning these tiny pores.
NOTE: You should always avoid using bleach, alcohol or any harsh cleaning chemicals as they can literally damage the EPS which is the expanded polystyrene foam that is available underneath the shell, which actually weakens the protective capability of the helmet as well.
3. Wash the Padding & Straps
You should place the padding in a bowl of warm water with mild soap or baby shampoo added, then let it soak for a few minutes which really helps to loosen up the grime and sweat.
You then need to gently rub the pads with your fingers or a soft cloth can be used to clean them.
To clean the chin straps you will need to use a damp cloth or a soft brush with mild soap so that you can remove the build-up of sweat, sunscreen, and bacteria.
In fact, odors tend to get trapped in the leash area, especially after rides or long journeys in summer.
Furthermore, unwashed helmets had significantly higher bacterial and fungal growth, showing 86.8% more bacterial and 83.3% fungal presence compared to clean helmets.[²]
NOTE: You should first rinse everything with clean water and then allow them to air dry completely before placing them back into the helmet, as moisture left inside the padding can cause mold or odors to develop over time.
4. Disinfect and Deodorize
Once you have cleaned everything, it’s time to disinfect your helmet by killing bacteria and preventing odors.
So, you can use a helmet-safe disinfectant spray, as it is non-corrosive and specifically designed for sports equipment.
Just spray lightly on the inside surface and you can even spray over the removed padding.
If you want to go for a natural option then you can mix equal parts of white vinegar and water in a spray bottle and then spray it on the inside of the skin, as vinegar is actually a natural disinfectant that actually kills odors and bacteria as well.
To give your helmet that extra freshness you can easily apply a ventilation-safe deodorizing spray that is specifically made for helmets or athletic gear, because they are designed to neutralize odors without leaving residue on the interior of the helmet or clogging the vents.
5. Dry Thoroughly
Now that you have successfully cleaned and disinfected the helmet and its internal parts, it is time to allow all the helmet parts to dry in a cool, shady place.
Make sure you don’t use a hair dryer, radiator or place your helmet in direct sunlight, as this can cause excessive heat, which can warp the shell or badly damage the EPS foam.
So, the best way is to hang the helmet upside down or you can place it on a clean towel in a well-ventilated room. But you must make sure that every part especially the padding and straps are 100% dry before reassembling them so that you can easily avoid moisture build-up and mildew.
Read More:
How Often Should You Clean Your Bicycle Helmet?
It’s not just about the obvious appearance, it’s also directly linked to hygiene, comfort and can even impact long-term performance.
It all depends on how often you cycle, what the weather conditions are like, and how much you sweat, and you need to clean them accordingly.
1. Weekly Wipe-Downs for Frequent Riders
If you actually cycle 3 or more times a week, and particularly in hot or humid weather, it’s a good idea to give your helmet a quick wipe down once a week.
Just use a damp cloth with mild soap and then clean the inner lining, straps, and outer cover as well.
This will remove fresh sweat, dirt and bacteria before they can accumulate in large amounts.
Also, bacteria grows really fast on sports equipment because of the warm, moist environment which is ideal for quick multiplication and it is really important to avoid skin rashes or odor when you clean regularly.[³]
2. Deep Cleaning Every 1 to 2 Months
You should have a deep cleaning done every 4 to 8 weeks, which is also recommended for most cyclists, even if you don’t cycle daily.
And what this actually involves is that you have to remove the inner padding, wash the straps thoroughly and disinfect the entire helmet according to the cleaning guide.
So, basically a proper deep cleaning is essential because it helps in keeping your helmet fresh and it actually increases the life of the padding and it literally prevents any mildew or mold from forming, specially if you store your helmets in enclosed spaces like a gym bag or car trunk, it’s really important to deep clean them every 1 to 2 months.
3. Clean After Heavy Sweating or Rain Exposure
If you have really sweated it out or gotten wet in the rain, it’s best to clean your helmet immediately after your workout.
Because sweat is salty and acidic, that can really break down padding materials and cause it to really smell bad.
In addition, rainwater, especially in urban areas, can also contain pollutants and dust that can settle into the vents and foam, so wiping it down and drying it properly actually helps to prevent physical damage as well as preventing bacterial growth.
IMPORTANT: If your helmet actually stars to smell bad, feel sticky or shows some visible grime in it, then it is also the sign that a cleaning is overdue by now, so a consistent maintenance actually ensures your helmet to stays comfortable, hygienic and most effective in protecting your head.
Things to Avoid When Cleaning a Bicycle Helmet
Yes, there are some things you should avoid doing when cleaning your bicycle helmet, but this is actually very important as doing so incorrectly can actually damage the material and reduce the helmet’s ability to protect your head in the future.
1. Avoid Strong Solvents or Bleach
You should never use any harsh chemicals, such as bleach, acetone, alcohol-based cleaners, or all-purpose household sprays, as these can chemically destroy the EPS foam liner, as this is the important part of the helmet that actually absorbs the impact during a crash.
So, you could be looking at a serious threat to your safety, as damaging this foam could seriously reduce the safety performance of the helmet, even if the shell looks perfectly fine.
Now, the thing is that you only need to use a mild soap or baby shampoo that works gently on all the ingredients.
2. Don’t Submerge the Helmet Fully in Water
Yes, this also comes with mistakes as it may seem much easier to just dunk your helmet in a bucket of soapy water, but in reality when you immerse the helmet in water the water can seep into places where it can’t drain properly, such as: inside the liner or deep into the foam.
So, trapped moisture can actually cause mold, odors, or even degradation of the material over time.
So, instead, you can clean it with a damp cloth or sponge and just focus on cleaning the surface and rubbing it gently.
3. Never Scrub the EPS Foam Harshly
So, the inner foam is much softer and delicate than the outer cover, so rubbing it with a rough brush or an abrasive sponge may cause it to break or even lose its shape.
And this really reduces its ability to support your head if you fall.
If the foam looks dirty, use a soft cloth or soft bristle toothbrush with mild soap and gently pat or wipe the area, but do not press too hard, as this can be damaging to the EPS foam.
4. Don’t Use Washing Machines or Dryers for Pads
Again, the padding for most helmets is actually removable and washable, but do not put them in a washing machine or dryer, as the high speed spinning and heat can badly damage the foam of the padding, as well as damage the stitching and Velcro attachments.
Instead, one thing you can do is soak the pads in warm soapy water and then wash them by hand and let them dry naturally on a towel, this way they will become odorless again and dry properly without any kind of damage.
Conclusion On How To Clean a Bicycle Helmet
It is not just about hygiene as it is actually a safety device that ensures the protection of your head every time you ride but it is also about how to keep your bicycle helmet clean, fresh and well maintained.
So, you need to use the right kind of cleaning methods, and avoid harmful ones so as to maintain safety and comfort.
When you perform regular period care it actually prevents the build up of bacteria, keeps bad odors away and also actually prolongs the life of your helmet material.
So, it becomes very important to know How To Clean a Bicycle Helmet, because a clean and well-maintained helmet not only keeps you comfortable, but also ensures that you remain safe on every ride.
Now, this is all about this guide and if you still have confusion about anything, then we are just a comment away from you.
FAQ’s On How To Clean a Bicycle Helmet
Q1. Is it okay to use disinfectant sprays on my helmet?
Answer: Yes, definitely, but you must make sure that the disinfectant should be non-corrosive and also safe for plastic and foam that can degrade materials over time.
Q2. Is there a way to keep my helmet smelling fresh longer?
Answer: Yes, you should let it air dry after every ride, as long as you keep it in a well-ventilated space and you might also consider using a ventilation-safe deodorant spray that should be made for helmets or sporting equipment and keeping the interior completely dry is the key to odor prevention, it’s as simple as that.
References:
[1] Journal of Athletic Training; hygiene studies on sports gear
https://meridian.allenpress.com/jat/article-pdf/50/6%20Supplement/S-1/1455854/1062-6050-50_6_s1.pdf
[2] Sapkota S, Khadka S, Adhikari S, Parajuli A, Kandel H, Regmi RS. Microbial Diversity and Antibiotic Susceptibility Pattern of Bacteria Associated with Motorcycle Helmets.
https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC7803264/
[3] Callewaert C, De Maeseneire E, Kerckhof FM, Verliefde A, Van de Wiele T, Boon N. Microbial odor profile of polyester and cotton clothes after a fitness session.
https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC4249026/
Jonathan, the passionate owner of Bicycle Time, brings a lifelong love for bikes and automotive craftsmanship, that reflects into every corner of the shop. With deep passion in both cycling and automotive accessories, Jonathan is more than just an expert.