Maintenance for Your Powersports Helmet
Every powersports rider needs a helmet. But after you find the perfect fit, how do you take care of it? Proper maintenance can help prevent damage and prolong the life of your helmet (those things aren’t cheap, after all). We created a beginner’s guide to caring for your helmet below. For all your powersports needs, visit Peak Powersports LLC. We proudly serve those in Sheridan and Buffalo, Wyoming.
Cleaning Your Helmet
Proper maintenance starts with keeping your helmet clean. No one wants to ride with a grungy helmet.
Before You Begin
First, approach the cleaning process with care. Scrubbing too hard can scrape or damage your powersports helmet. Second, remove any accessories and disassemble your helmet. You don’t want products such as the Bluetooth communicator units getting damaged in the process.
Liners and Cheek Pads
These components get gross due to the buildup of sweat, hair products, makeup, and so on. They are usually removable, which makes for an easier cleaning process. Try to wash by hand because it’s gentler on the fabric. If you feel the need to use a machine wash, put the pads and liners in a washing bag and set the machine for a gentle cycle.
For hand washing, fill a bucket with water and a mild cleaner (such as baby shampoo). Get a microfiber towel damp and gently wash the material. Always let them air dry! Putting lining in the dryer can break down its ability to absorb impact (which you need to help stay safe in a crash). You can speed up the drying process by patting them with a towel to remove excess moisture. Wait until everything is fully dry before you put it back in your helmet.
The Outer Shell
The outside of your powersports helmet sees its fair share of grime. You need something powerful enough to remove caked-on gunk, but not so hard that it’ll damage your helmet shell. A hose, for example, is too high-pressure. Instead, soak a microfiber rag in water and place it on top of the helmet. Let it sit for a few minutes to loosen up the grime. If you notice any gunk in the vents, use a toothbrush or cotton swab to get it out.
The Visor
Carefully remove the visor if you can to help get a closer clean. Look at your helmet care instructions for guidance on how to best take it off without damaging the visor. Then use a soft microfiber towel and a cleaning product tailored for the visor material. It’ll get the bug splatter and other gunk right off.
Helmet Maintenance
There are a few steps you can take to help maintain your helmet and prevent damage. Wear a bandana when you ride. It’ll help extend the time between washing your liner. When you return from a ride, let your helmet air out before storing it. If you have the time, you can also clean away any bug guts and debris then and there. That way, it won’t harden and be more difficult for you to clean later.
Storage
Always store your helmet in the storage bag it came with. It’ll help keep your gear safe from scratches and dents as well as keep bugs and dust at bay. Some riders invest in a helmet carrying case, which offers even more protection during storage and transportation. However you choose to store your helmet, make sure you keep it away from your other gear. If you store them all together, the smells and gunk on your items can rub off onto your nicely cleaned helmet!
We hope you found our guide helpful! For everything related to powersports, visit the friendly staff at Peak Powersports LLC. We proudly serve those in Sheridan and Buffalo, Wyoming. Stop by today!