How to Clean Your Motorcycle Helmet: The Ultimate Guide

Updated at: 09/05/2025

Your motorcycle helmet is your first line of defense on the road, protecting your most valuable asset – your head. But a dirty helmet isn't just aesthetically unappealing; grime, sweat, and bugs can build up, creating a breeding ground for bacteria and potentially impacting the helmet's integrity over time. A clean helmet is a safer helmet, offering optimal hygiene and ensuring clear visibility through a clean visor. More than just a cosmetic concern, proper helmet cleaning maintains its protective qualities and extends its lifespan.

Regular cleaning isn't just about appearance; it’s about safety and hygiene. This ultimate guide will take you through a comprehensive, step-by-step process to effectively clean your motorcycle helmet, leaving it sparkling and ready for your next ride. Let's get started!

Preparation and Safety Guidelines

Tools Needed
  • Cheap folding table
  • Hose with nozzle attachment
  • Soft brush
  • Nail brush
  • Motorcycle helmet cleaner (e.g., Motel Moto Wash)
  • General washing stain remover
  • Optional: Helmet shine spray
Safety Guidelines
  • Never use harsh chemicals, abrasive cleaners, or solvents on your helmet's visor or shell. These can damage the polycarbonate or other materials, compromising its structural integrity and safety.
  • Always ensure your helmet is completely dry before storing it. Moisture trapped inside can lead to mold growth and damage the liner.
  • Regularly inspect your helmet for any cracks, scratches, or damage to the shell or visor. A damaged helmet offers reduced protection and should be replaced immediately.

Step-by-Step Instructions

  1. Prepare the Workspace

    • Prepare your workspace. Use a cheap folding table for easy access and to protect your helmet.
    Prepare your workspace. Use a cheap folding table for easy access and to protect your helmet.
    Prepare the Workspace

  2. Pre-Clean (if necessary)

    • If your helmet is heavily muddied, hose off the mud first.
    If your helmet is heavily muddied, hose off the mud first.
    Pre-Clean (if necessary)

  3. Apply Cleaner

    • Spray your helmet with motorcycle wash (or other suitable cleaner).
    • Let the cleaner sit for a few minutes.
    Let the cleaner sit for a few minutes.Let the cleaner sit for a few minutes.
    Apply Cleaner

  4. Scrub and Clean

    • Spray the chin strap with a cleaner, focusing on stain removal. Use a soft brush to scrub the helmet and a nail brush for stubborn areas.
    Spray the chin strap with a cleaner, focusing on stain removal. Use a soft brush to scrub the helmet and a nail brush for stubborn areas.
    Scrub and Clean

  5. Rinse

    • Thoroughly rinse the helmet and chin strap.
    Thoroughly rinse the helmet and chin strap.
    Rinse

  6. Dry and Finish

    • Hang the helmet to dry in the shade.
    • Once dry, spray with helmet shine for an extra-clean finish.
    Once dry, spray with helmet shine for an extra-clean finish.Once dry, spray with helmet shine for an extra-clean finish.
    Dry and Finish

Read more: DIY Ski Goggle Snap Repair: A Quick Fix for Broken Helmet Snaps

Tips

  • Don't use a pressure washer on your helmet; a hose with a nozzle is sufficient.
  • A folding table is useful for cleaning other gear too, like body armor and knee braces.
  • Use a stain remover on white chin straps or other delicate parts.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

1. Using Harsh Chemicals

Reason: Strong detergents, bleaches, and solvents can damage the helmet's shell, visor, and lining, compromising its structural integrity and safety.
Solution: Clean your helmet with mild soap and water, or a specialized motorcycle helmet cleaner.

2. Using a Washing Machine or Dryer

Reason: The high heat and agitation can deform the helmet's shell, damage the EPS liner, and ruin the comfort liner.
Solution: Always hand-wash your helmet liner and clean the shell by hand with a soft sponge or cloth.

3. Ignoring the Visor

Reason: A dirty visor reduces visibility and can be a safety hazard. Many riders neglect proper visor cleaning.
Solution: Clean the visor regularly with a designated visor cleaner and a microfiber cloth, ensuring it's completely dry before riding.

FAQs

Can I put my helmet in the washing machine?
No! The washing machine's harsh agitation and high spin cycle can damage the helmet's shell and interior lining, compromising its safety features. Always hand-wash or use a gentle sponge and mild detergent.
Proper helmet hygiene is crucial for both safety and comfort, regardless of whether you're riding a motorcycle or hitting the slopes. Just as maintaining your ski helmet's luxurious interior is key to a pleasant experience (as discussed in our guide on high-end ski helmets with superior padding), keeping your motorcycle helmet clean is essential for preventing the buildup of bacteria and maintaining optimal visibility. This guide will walk you through the ultimate cleaning process for your motorcycle helmet.