How To Wash Your Motorcycle Helmet | MC GARAGE

Your helmet has a removable liner for a reason-so you can wash it! In this video from the MC Garage, we show you how to give your helmet a deep and thorough cleaning.
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It’s summer. That means bugs in the air and sweat on your brow, and those two things combined can leave your helmet dirty on the outside and smelling foul on the inside. When your helmet gets funky, it’s time to give it a wash. Here’s how.
First, pop off your visor and set it aside. Then use a sponge or a damp cloth to wipe down the exterior of your helmet. For really stubborn stuff like splattered bugs, let the crud soak and soften under a moist cloth and then wipe it off. Once the shell is clean, spray it with some polish and buff it out with a clean rag.
The faceshield deserves special attention since you don’t want to scratch it. All helmet makers warn against using cleaners with ammonia in them (that means no Windex!) since there’s a chance it might damage the visor’s hard coating. If you want to go by the book use a solution of warm water with just a drop of dish soap in it. If your visor has an anti-fog coating on the inside, stick with pure water. Then rinse it and dry it with a clean cloth, preferably a microfiber.
Now for the interior. When it gets ripe, rip it out! Most helmets these days have removable liners that snap out. And they snap out so you can wash them.
To do that, fill a container with warm water and a little bit of soap. Baby shampoo is the best stuff to use since it doesn’t leave behind any residues or aromas. Swish and squeeze those pads to get them good and clean, then rinse them with fresh water and gently squeeze them out. Then just lay them on a towel to air dry. If you’re in a hurry, a fan will help speed up the process.
Once they’re dry, reinstall them. If you helmet doesn’t have a removable liner, you can dunk the entire helmet in the sink and wash the liner in place. Make sure you rinse it really well. It’ll take longer to dry but prop that fan up and sit tight.
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[@MrNinfofan]

Also remember to remove your bluetooth unit and speakers before dunking the helmet in water, live and learn

[@orgami100]

This what happens at a Dive shop... Diving Helmet. .:)

[@dragonmaid1360]

Oh no lol

[@sovsemnetot]

and then they will stay dirty... not so good advice

[@ryvoltz]

LOL, LMAO and ROFL!

[@krisostomoyabarrera2255]

It seems like this happened to you

[@lemster101]

1:41 was definitely the best bit. Thanks for these awesome videos!

[@stefanarndt43]

I agree 100%

[@floydian25]

I miss Ari

[@88namiller]

I've heard that it's good to wipe the visor with verticle strokes instead of horizontal because if you accidentally scratch it a verticle scratch is easier to ignore than a horizontal one as it will only be seen with one eye.

[@billcarson1966]

My tip: Place pads in a laundry bag (used for delicates, bras, etc.) Wash on a delicate/ speed wash cycle, Woolite and cold water. Works extremely well and doesn't beat up or damage the pads. No time to wash but need fast deodorizing? Hit the inside (not the visor) with Lysol scent of your choice. Works REALLY well on stanky sneakers/boots too.

[@disruptivegarage]

i wore my helmet for 4 years and didnt feel or smell dirty, but then i washed the thing. i didnt think the water would get that brown, after the 5th rinse

[@Surpriseify]

Thats how modern liners work, they trap the nasties inside and keep them off your skin... I'v had my helmet for 2 years, never cleaned except gently with a wet cloth now and then. Smells like nothing (confirmed by friends) I dread what will happen if i actually wash it...

[@disruptivegarage]

@@Surpriseify you should, you'll be amazed at how many rinses it takes before it doesnt look like coffee anymore

[@GT6SuzukaTimeTrials]

@@disruptivegarage You crashing in the dirt or what? I went 3 years and it wasn't that dirty.

[@disruptivegarage]

I use it every day, and yeah its probably all kinds of dust.

[@dinhdatVN]

Ha. You are not exactly alone. First time washing after 3-4 years of wearing, takes several washes for the water to be clear.

[@sixtenwall1876]

Head and shoulders dandruff shampoo will act as anti-fogging if you polish the visor with it. Cred to Ryan F9.

[@palmcoastadventures6613]

Shaving cream will also do the same function.

[@scandinerdian1961]

@@palmcoastadventures6613 And toothpaste, as it is commonly used for the same effect in scuba masks.

[@gwot]

Windex has an ammonia free version. it's written on the bottle or labeled as "automotive" I find it works just as well as the ammonia version

[@Death666wish]

Finally a good use for q-tips since they're bad for your ears!! I never clean the inside of my helmet, never really smelled funky to me, I did it once on my Shoei GT-Air, was a hassle to put everything back together so I decided not to do it again unless it really did get smelly!

[@omfgwtfbbq90]

keeping the inside of helmet clean is easily achieved by simply using a motorcycle balaclava. not just that, but it also protects your neck against bugs and sometimes from chilli evening wind or slightly colder weather altogether. I have also had good luck with just having clean normal water in a sprayer like that windex, just after every ride (while bugs still fresh) spray the whole front of the helmet with water and let the droplets there for. like a minute and then just wipe off several times with a paper towel or tissues, then repeat it because bugs usually leave residue after the first wipe. and after that dry up with paper towel and then buff out with a cotton towel and voila like new ;) no risk of corrosion of paint nor the visor from amonia

[@idk8964]

for really stubborn stuff stuck to pads, i found that grabbing the nearby bar of lava soap and using it as a scrub brush will take that crap right out!

[@TheRealJohnMadden]

Haven't ridden a bike in a little over 2 years which means my helmets have been chilling in the garage for all the spideys to get to. Time for a good wash before another bike or two accompanies them in the garage.

[@hejmuesli]

Lovely. Please do many more of these :) And could you do a series on cheap, used bikes that are recommended buys? Where I live bikes are expensive, so I am sifting through ads for bikes from the 90s. Would be awesome if you did a series on that. You could buy one, Zack could buy one and do supersports, enduros, cruisers, naked bikes, etc. for each episodes.

[@steveottavaino3804]

Excellent vid, thanks for sharing. Never taken the guts out of my Arai's for fear of not getting them back in correctly, you made it look easy for sure. Perhaps I'll tear apart one of the oldies for practice!! Cheers.

[@Rowdy_Bikes]

Even though I'm a Kawi man, I find the Honda spray cleaner/polish is superb for bugs and helmets.

[@cygorn]

Scooterider1 I was a Honda spray guy too, but I found lemon pledge worked just as good, it's not wax it's oil so no buildup and great for bugs, did I mention it is also cheap

[@Porsche996driver]

Useful vid Ari! 👍🏼 I used to use Invisible Glass but found this stuff at Ralphs non-ammonia called "Sprayway" it's great and non-streaking. Works great on the visor and instruments, headlight etc.

[@DonutLord32]

Thanks for sharing. Took me a year for my helmet to start to smell and thankfully i have a spare helmet i can use.

[@Daniel-dj7fh]

axe black to clean the pads was the best desicion in my life hahaha

[@dileepkumarreddychadive997]

I liked the presentation, crisp and clear 👍

[@XxWakeboarder911xX]

Try "Plexus plastic cleaner" (amazon carries it) for your visor... it's a bit pricey but once you use it, you will never use anything else. The stuff was designed for cleaning fighter plane cockpit canopies. I also use it to clean my helmet shell and sunglasses. New subscriber, I enjoy the vids Thanks P.S. they sale a 4oz can that is about the size of a breath mint spray that is perfect to take with you on rides

[@gctdonyre]

I use LCD Monitor cleaner to clean my whole helmet, including visor, because if it's gentle enough for an delicate lcd panel, it's sure as heck gentle enough for the finish of the helmet.

[@saisr1]

I also have a Corsair V and I just use plexus on the visor and the shell. Works great.

[@ChrisGuthrie]

For the visor, use meguires (with microfiber towel for both) quick detail to clean and quick wax it to keep things from sticking to it

[@rajabisaacs7396]

As a quick visor clean, i use a alcohol pad from a first aid kit, since it thoroughly cleans the helmet visor

[@LeaveYouOnRead]

God I miss him.

[@justexploring6979]

What happened to him?

[@LeaveYouOnRead]

Taariq Boomgaard he got another job elsewhere...

[@sc5691]

Here in our place we literally sun-dry helmet liners like we do for pillows and mattresses. Dries faster and could kill mold and bacteria.

[@alexvasquez-pz4cg]

Believe there is spray foam for helmets which not sure if it helps the inside but it’s able to be used inside the helmet for cleaning

[@nineofoto]

i nearly choked on my drink laughing at the first few seconds of the video.

[@motomonstrosity447]

You are really having a good time there wiping your visor. XD 1:42

[@mmnorton1]

And re cleaning the pinlock - warm soapy water with sponge and then air dry standing it up. Do not use a cloth/rag. In fact try not touch the pinlock with anything but water, they scratch very very easily.

[@davidherringgo]

Plexus spray is made for visors . ❤️ the stuff .

[@zach_waltonn]

To clean the visor use rainx 2 in 1 automotive glass cleaners are ammonia free no need to overcomplicate or use ammonia products and potentially damage coatings

[@iandavies6620]

That was worth a like for the bugsplat alone!

[@afletra]

always love the tips that let use daily item such as that shampoo but still work effective. nice.

[@kwatters63]

They make glass cleaner without Ammonia, works great. I use it on my wind screen on the bike too.

[@impc2505]

I like to wax my helmet and visor using Meguiars #21 Synthetic Sealant and use Meguiars Last Touch spray detailer to clean between waxes. Bugs just about wipe right off.

[@TheMotoShaman]

My helmet has started talking to me... Time for a clean!

[@rubberneckrides5940]

Been using windex for years also. No issues

[@nabiji]

Mr Sheen and a microfibre cloth for the outer shell and visor. Inner liner, as per video.

[@LT_Dangles]

I used windex on my mirrored visor on my first helmet and it ate through the film. It left a big section in the middle of the visor in horrible condition. This happened after using windex multiple times

[@ezymedianetwork193]

Thanks men.

[@ezbeemer]

Forget using Windex, You will get better results with a spray polish like Honda Pro cleaner or Originals. They also prevent bugs from sticking making cleaning much easier.

[@MikeSilv]

I love Yellowcard

[@miltonbarnes4049]

Nicely done sir, short and to the point, good video

[@slowjack73]

thank you, very informative. for cars, i sprayed rain-x on my windscreen so that during heavy downpours, the water deflects quickly thus better vision. however, for motorcycle helmet visors, u can't use it as it left a foggy and scratchy look on it. do you have any advise on what kind of solution or anything that can be used as similiar as rain-x on car windscreen?

[@Sathya_1996]

Thank you

[@scottkessler186]

No mention of the treachery that is pin lock. And wear a cheap $2 balaclava to cut your internal padding cleaning in half. I wear a balaclava in 40C heat and it's more comfortable than helmet alone and my helmet doesn't smell at all and is cleaned only twice a year.

[@kavanaghreeves8807]

Scott Kessler agreed! I wear my helmet daily and not had to clean the inside yet - i've had it 6 months!

[@AnthonyJohnston1]

Definitely need to get this done

[@tuananhphamcong344]

My friend often use baby wipes for cleaning his visor (AGV K5) on the go, but only after few trips he can see some kind of coating coming off from the visor. I'm not sure what it is, could be the anti UV or anti fog coating i think.

[@Pancake6934]

Thanks you it really helped!

[@shawnsimon1022]

Please make a video of how to remove the pads of LS2 Helmet ...and also how to put it back on.....Please

[@alexhamilton4084]

I have a VCAN bluetooth helmet in a sort of dull finish that has gone sticky. So every time I put it in the bag or on something like soft cloth, it gets some of the fibres stuck to it. I have tried all sorts on none solvents to clean it but nothing works. I'm scared of damaging it so can anyone suggest something that will clean it without damaging it?

[@ryvoltz]

Always excellent videos with excellent tips! Thank you, guys!

[@dolmancec]

Easy, precise, excellent, thank you!

[@hollywood84660]

Can you do a what to look for when buying a used motorcycle

[@TheRouteShow]

Best presenter

[@illsuspect]

Great vid. Can you guys do a video on leaking fuel? ... I don't know what's the deal with my bike intermittently leaking fuel. Last time it dumped a bunch of fuel into the oil. On top of dripping on the outside. Already rebuilt the petcock and carbs...

[@matt420740]

If its dumping fuel into the oil it is certainly not a hose. Its most likely a stuck carb float.

[@Vissnujadhav]

Can we wipe inside the helmet with wet cloth after removing padding??

[@MuhammadWaseem-cw1qq]

Friend i have a problem with my bike wobbling feom rear when k make left turn especially what is the reason i had checked swing arm and it's fine. Installed new tyre but no different and also checked both front and rear shocks still not find any satisfactory result. Please help me out

[@robertpresti4366]

Just throw the helmet padding in the washing machine, it cleans them thoroughly and they dry much faster afterwords

[@robedmunds7163]

good vid, but not got hot enough in the UK to sweat yet:-(

[@smartbikers4550]

How is Foam cleaners? Motorex, liqui moly

[@angeloguting1856]

I have a rf 1200 and i have cleaned the removable liner but it still smells, can i just dunk the whole helmet to clean the hard Styrofoam

[@dubeyg80]

What about thermoacol which is there inside helmet

[@goodvibesonly474]

can u make a video about working of steering damper....I feel like u can explain me the best.... thankyou in advance

[@hacksawshouse4242]

good information. I am just about to wash mine!

[@adityadev9692]

what kind of Polish did u spray on top of ur helmet? after cleaning it??

[@MrBootsy666]

@ 0:53 you can see Ari used Bel-Ray Silicone Detailer and Protectant Spray - www.belray.com/silicone-detailer-protectant-spray

[@THEHOBBIEGRAPHER]

How can I get rid of mold In helmet. Please suggest

[@nikhilpandey9322]

1:41 lmaoo

[@motocruza4657]

Hey Ari. Can you please do a video on a Push rod and OHC motorcycle engine? I'm planning to get a Dirt bike but don't know what specifications should I get to have a better performance and less vibration and which runs smoother.

[@RikinLokhandwala]

Thank you Sir 😊👍🏻👍🏻 It's always very helpful and informative

[@user-lh2mk7uy5r]

To the point.

[@wrenchrat]

I got hit in the helmet by a chunk of roadkill flung up from a car the other day. Is there any way to wash a helmet under the sink with soap? Or will that damage the foam on the inside?

[@kamartaj]

I dump it in the washing machine, I like the sound it makes.

[@sugardaddy9721]

But, how do you wash that little bit of cloth material on the strap? Those part are the smelliest.

[@vibhsvlogs7105]

Thanks bro

[@jeffreyalexander5524]

Great video! Thank you!

[@AccurateShooter]

BAD advice! 1. Windex will ruin the anti fog coating on some face shields, including Scorpion. BTDT. 2. I do Not recommend common microfiber cloths for face shields -- they do not absorb moisture well. The border stitching can scratch the plastic and the microfiber will hold very fine road grime and oil making things worse. Best choice is a soft 100% cotton cloth with all polyester stitching and/or borders removed

[@HornyHusky47]

After washing my liner and cheek pad, my helmet got loose and does not fit me very well. Does anyone has the same problem or I just have the wrong helmet size?

[@soliderarmatang5664]

great video

[@sachinmb6479]

That's good info. Thanks Mc Garage

[@joncrich]

Thank you for the tips ill do that alwaya next time

[@rowgun5212]

Excellent vid thanks.

[@sennsir]

Ari is such a rebel!!! Haha 👍

[@kazifarzin5037]

Thanks. It was helpful.

[@wyattsullivant9615]

Thanks

[@prithvirajkanne3629]

This is awesome, thank you brother

[@sorrygtfo]

how do i get rid of visor scratches?

[@001Rupes]

+Motorcyclist Magazine Matte finished shells = no polish. Any other differences in cleaning method?

[@oldfartuk]

who don't love a shiny helmet ... my girlfriend certainly does lol

[@9823sai]

Thanks dear

[@ahmadi4853]

Thanks for the tips

[@quazifnatik]

Any videos on cleaning the motorcycle?

[@undecodable6145]

please tell us how do you stay attached to the seat on your cbr1000rr, i fly back when i fully accelerate, specially on naked powerful bikes?

[@johnjohnson1681]

imma have to disagree gotta use that dawns soap homie if its safe enough for penguins its safe enough for my helmet liner LOL

[@nombr]

Can you put the liner in a wash machine?

[@ElProfeMoto]

Is there a product specialized in helmet polish with UV protection to prevent discoloration?

[@caseywatkins4353]

Haha when he said dont use windex I shit but then he said I use it anyway and it works fine I had to change my pants.

[@s70driver2005]

I've used a rag soaked in super hot water and the bugs come right off!!!

[@faridhasbi1176]

i love this video thanks mcgarage

[@Ghostrider304]

I like it!!! Thanks for the tip!!!