Last Updated on January 17, 2022
Helmets are an important part of mountain biking because they protect our body’s main command center safe and sound.
Aside from that, it’s also a great way to boost our confidence knowing that we are well protected against the elements especially that anything can happen to us when we are mountain biking on trails.
However, what many riders forget to do is to maintain proper hygiene on their bike gears most especially their helmets.
In this article, we are going to show you the correct way of washing your mountain bike helmet. Not only will this keep you clean and smelling fresh, but it’s also an effective solution to lengthening your helmet’s lifespan.
Step-by-step guide on the washing helmet liner
Step 1
The first thing you need to do when washing your helmet liner is to know its parts. The hard shell of your bike helmet is usually made of plastic.
This plastic then has an internal shell that adds a layer to your head. The part that comes in contact with your head’s skin, hair, and face, is called the EPS foam liner.
This is the part that you need to clean thoroughly as it can get soggy with all the sweat, oils, and dirt it has accumulated. Remove this by simply pulling it off from the bike helmet’s interior which is usually connected via a Velcro strap.
Step 2
After that, it’s time for you to prepare a tub of water. You can also just use your kitchen sink and close the piping hole to fill it with water.
Add liquid soap into the water. You can also use baby shampoo on it if you have one because this has a gentle mild soap formula that will ensure that your liner won’t change its texture after it dries up.
We also recommend that you use moderate-temperature water for optimal cleaning effect without any texture complications.
Step 3
Soak your bike helmet liner on the water and dunk it in a couple of times. This will suck away any dirt and grime that are stuck on it, just like how a washing machine does it.
Then slowly rub the liner using your hands, but just enough to wash away any dirt, mud, and grime that has accumulated on it.
You can just place the liner of the bike helmets directly on the washing machine, but using a washing machine will increase the likelihood of the bicycle helmet liner and pads being damaged. Hence, it is best to do this manually.
Be sure that you don’t overdo this or rub the bike helmet liner so hard because this can damage the fabric.
There are even cases when entire bike helmet liners are torn. Aside from using your hands, we also recommend that you use a microfiber cloth to remove any dirt from the bike helmet pads and bike helmet straps.
Note that you also need to clean bike helmet straps as well as clean bike helmet pads or cheek pads with mild soap. Or if possible the entire helmet. You can also use a wet sponge.
Step 4
Once you have already washed the liner, it is now time to rinse it with water. But be sure you drain off or pour the water with the soap and dirt off.
Then fill the tub again with water while your faucet is running. This gets rid of any excess shampoo or soap you used on the liner.
Brush the straps using a dry brush with soft bristles. Then soak it again in the water with soap for 15 to 30 minutes.
This dissolves any dirt that has not been removed from your initial washing. This also loosens any remaining grime that has already stained the fabric.
Step 5
Another way you can wash the liner is by placing the straps directly below the faucet. Turn the faucet on and make sure that a gentle stream of water flows from it.
Then rub mild soap on the helmet liner and use your hands to rinse off any dust, oils, and dirt from it. You can also use a toothbrush to remove any dirt that still sticks to it.
Make sure, though, that you slowly rinse it off because there are some cases when the outer fabric of the liners peel off because of the sharp and hard bristles of the brush used to clean it.
Step 6
Then place the liner again on a tub of water for another 20 to 30 minutes for it to fully remove all the stans. You will be surprised to see that the clear water you placed on the tub will now turn brown or beige due to the dirt residue from the liner.
Step 7
Then rinse the liner again with running water from the faucet to remove the remaining dirt and rub it off gently using your hands.
Step 8
Make sure that you remove all the soap residue. If you think that it’s already clear from any soap and that there are no more white color stains on it from the soap or shampoo, then you’ve just finished washing it.
Step 9
Now, it is time for you to dry the bike helmet liner. You can place it under the direct heat of the sun if you need to use it in an hour or so.
However, we don’t recommend this because it can damage the texture of the liner and bike helmet pads and cause it to become too crispy and dry. Instead, it is best if you just hang the liner and helmet pads outside, but not directly to the sun’s heat.
Just let natural air and wind flow blow through it and dry the liner. It might take an hour or two, but it’s worth it because it will extend your bike helmet liner’s lifespan significantly.
Conclusion
Knowing how to wash your mountain bike helmet liner is crucial to maintaining hygiene and ensuring that your helmet functions at its best.
Follow the tips we have discussed here and carefully implement them step-by-step so you will know the right mountain bike maintenance tips.
When you do, then in no time you’re going to have a pleasant-smelling and clean helmet for your next mountain biking adventure.
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