Cleaning a smelly helmet

[Username]

Why do you do? I use cleaning wipes. Not sure if these are particularly effective tho.

[Redvee]

The smell will be stale sweat in the pads and strapping. The pads can be washed when removed but put them in a small fabric bag that can be sealed otherwise you'll be looking for pads amongst the rest of the washing. The straps can be dealt with by washing them under the shower or similar with soap.

[mjr]

Cleansing fire.

[Mick F]

I didn't do it, but considered it, and I don't see why it wouldn't work.

Put your cycle helmet in a pillow case and wash it in the washing machine.
Gentle wash, and slow spin.

[gaz]

I think it will be hard to improve upon mjr's suggestion.

You could try this, no personal experience, appears suitable for use at both ends .

[thirdcrank]

Along the same lines as gaz's suggestion there's this.

https://www.amazon.co.uk/Motorex-Helmet ... B001GNEHVI

I was given a can, which I've never used, when I bought a helmet from Chevin Cycles.

It says something about how long I've had it that the price label says £6.99 and it's now nearly twelve quid at Amazon.

Too late for anybody who has already bought a helmet, but, for reasons to do with the shape of my bonce, Specialised is the only make I have ever owned, with pads held in place with velcro and straps which can be removed for washing - so long as you keep a re-threading guide.

[rmurphy195]

I didn't do it, but considered it, and I don't see why it wouldn't work.

Put your cycle helmet in a pillow case and wash it in the washing machine.
Gentle wash, and slow spin.

It would still bang on the inside of the drum and compromise the helmet's effectiveness

[Vorpal]

I take mine in the shower with me & use a bit of shampoo on the pads.

[ratherbeintobago]

Fnarrr.

More seriously, MucOff Foam Fresh?

[ChrisButch]

I've always dunked the whole thing, straps, pads and all, in a large bucket of warm soapy water and left to soak overnight with a weight to hold it down. Next day rinse copiously in the sink. It all dries off very quickly. Rinsing is the key, since the main purpose is to remove the salt ingrained in the straps and lining. As well as dealing with the smell, this also helps prevent the excruciating pain of salt washing down into your eyes if you've been riding in heavy rain.

[RickH]

I take mine in the shower with me & use a bit of shampoo on the pads.

Probably a wise move to wear it there - there are, I believe, more accidents resulting in head injuries in showers & bathrooms than from cycling. It just might save your life!

[Vorpal]

I take mine in the shower with me & use a bit of shampoo on the pads.

Probably a wise move to wear it there - there are, I believe, more accidents resulting in head injuries in showers & bathrooms than from cycling. It just might save your life!

I only have the helmet for organised rides that require them.

[landsurfer]

I only have the helmet for organised rides that require them.

I only wear a helmet at the start and finish of organised rides that require them.
Rest of the event its in my pannier.
Never been questioned.

[thirdcrank]

... this also helps prevent the excruciating pain of salt washing down into your eyes if you've been riding in heavy rain.

Yes. And the first time I experienced that wasn't during rain but when struggling up a steep hill had me sweating so much that it washed the salt out of the pads just as much as if it was raining.

[Audax67]

I usually find my morning shower quite sufficient, thank you.


Oh, a bicycle helmet...