Helmet Cleaning

[RichP]

Went karting the other day - great time but got very hot n sweaty - as a result my helmet was rather damp and a bit whiffy by the end.

I'm wondering about how to clean it - it can't obviously be disassembled so the only option appears to be to submerge it and try to work soapy water into it and through the lining, and then rinse thoroughly.

I'm just concerned about whether being so wet will break down the lining or glues and ruin it.

Any tips?

(It's a Shoei XR-800 if that makes any difference)

Cheers

Rich

[pistonbroke]

I do mine in the bath , lots of soap  

[stephenh]

I wear a single layer nomex balaclava under my helmet so it doesn't get sweaty in the first place!        

[peterg]

Inside - spray Febreze in and leave it to dry naturally and the smell will disappear  

Outside - bit of soapy water and a flannel  

[RichP]

I did wonder about Febreze type stuff but can't use it as I have very sensitive skin (oh, bless.........) and my face'll come out like a beetroot if I use any chemically stuff to clean it.

[peterg]

QUOTE

I'm just concerned about whether being so wet will break down the lining or glues and ruin it.

Many years ago on our honeymoon at the Isle of Man TT    it rained virtually every day and the water wicked its way up the lining until even the top of my head was wet   each evening we put the helmets in the airing cupboard of the B&B where we were staying to dry them out before the next day, we had no problems with the lining or glues being affected (Arai helmets) but I wouldn't leave them to soak in the bath, just work a bit of soap into the lining, rinse thoroughly and then leave to dry

[barney]

peter.i dont think that was the same helmet..    

[peterg]