Maintaining ATV helmet should top the list of your priorities as an ATV enthusiast or rider. The ATV helmet protects you from bad weather whenever riding an ATV and prevents tree branches from hitting your head and face. Besides this, it offers much-needed insulation whenever you are involved in an accident.
But a dirty or stinky helmet can ruin your ride, refuse to mount your camera mount on top of causing health issues. If you want to get the most out of your ATV helmet, you should keep it clean.
To clean your ATV helmet properly, start by removing any removable parts such as visors, cheek pads, or liners. Once you have thoroughly cleaned the exterior, move on to cleaning the removable parts separately. Hand wash them with soap and water or follow the manufacturer’s instructions for cleaning specific components. Allow all parts to air dry completely before reassembling your ATV helmet.
Here, we have the entire process of cleaning an ATV helmet broken into several steps and discussed every step elaborately for even a novice off-roader can clean his ATV helmet without hassle. Read on.
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Reasons why you should clean your ATV helmet
Before we delve into how you can clean your ATV helmet, you need to know why you should keep it clean in the first place. The key reasons why you should clean your ATV helmet include:
- Cleaning your ATV helmet helps to eliminate dirt, debris and dust that might have accumulated over time – ATV riding and visiting dusty places are synonymous. Dirt and dust can hinder air from penetrating the helmet, making it difficult to breathe well when riding.
- Eliminating the moisture accumulated due to rain and sweat will prevent the inner lining from breaking down. Unless you do that, it will cut the helmet’s life shorter than usual.
- Regular cleaning helps eradicate bacteria and other microorganisms that might grow inside the helmet. If these microorganisms are not removed quickly, your helmet might start stinking. Try to clean your helmet regularly to keep such smells at bay.
Besides the abovementioned reasons, cleaning the ATV helmets helps restore their aesthetic appeal. Thus, your helmet will keep the showroom shining even after many years of usage. A top-quality and properly sized ATV helmet may give you safety but not the desired comfort if it’s not cleaned properly and at regular intervals.
Steps on how to clean an ATV helmet
Now you know the prime reasons why you need to clean your ATV helmet; the time is ripe for you to make your hands dirty. Here you find the cleaning process broken down into 5 easy-to-follow steps:
1. Get the cleaning materials ready
Depending on the ATV helmet that you have at hand, the cleaning materials might vary. However, if you want optimal results, check the owner’s manual to know the correct cleaning product to use.
However, baby shampoo has proved to be efficient while cleaning ATV helmets. You will find it efficient in cleaning the sensitive fibres in the inner parts of the helmet. In fact, it works magic when it comes to oil and sweat removal.
Besides the baby shampoo, you might need to obtain a few microfiber rags. They can play an instrumental role in cleaning the outer part of your helmet. Additionally, these microfibers can help clean your helmet’s face shield if it comes with one. But if you want to use rags, ensure they are clean without any dirt particles on them.
Apart from the baby shampoo and the microfiber rags, arrange the following materials:
- A sink, bucket or sink
- Warm water. Unlike cold water, warm water will help eliminate grime, dirt and other unwanted elements on your ATV helmet.
- A toothbrush for cleaning the face shield gaskets and the vents of your helmet. Your toothbrush of choice should have soft bristles and be of high quality.
2. Detach removable parts from the helmet
To properly clean an ATV helmet, it is important to remove all the removable parts. This includes taking off the peak/visor, chin strap covers, cheek pads, and any other detachable components. Removing these parts not only allows for a more thorough cleaning but also prevents any damage or discoloration that may occur if they are left on during the cleaning process.
By removing these removable parts from your ATV helmet before cleaning, you can effectively eliminate any dirt, grime, or sweat buildup that may have accumulated over time. Additionally, this step ensures that every component of your helmet receives equal attention during the cleaning process and helps prolong its lifespan while maintaining its functionality and appearance.
3. Start cleaning the interior parts
Putting your helmet in a washing machine regularly might damage it in the long run – especially the fabrics of your helmet will be the worst hit. Heavy washing can even degrade your helmet unawares. Finally, high spin cycles can damage the foam padding present on the inner parts of the ATV helmet.
To be on the safe side, consider washing the inner lining of your helmet manually. Better, you remove the inner lining and then put them in soapy water. If you are having issues with removing the inner lining of your helmet, check your manual for guidance. Please stick to the correct procedure suggested by the manual; you can remove them within a few minutes.
After dipping the helmet’s inner lining in water, scrub it gently so that all the sweat, dirt and dust can be removed effectively. After this, let the inner lining dry on its own before returning it into your helmet. If you want the inner lining to dry fast, try to clean it during the afternoon when the sun is hot. If you wash the lining at night, ensure that your room has good ventilation so it can dry up fast.
Now, wipe the inner surface of the helmet thoroughly using a damp rag so that you can remove any dust, dirt and sweat stuck and trapped in. If your ATV helmet does not have an inner lining, you can put the whole helmet in water and start by first cleaning the internal parts. After that, set it out to dry well.
4. Clean the inner and outer surface of the ATV helmet
Once you are done with the removable parts of the helmet, now it’s the turn for surfaces (inner and outer) to be cleaned. Unlike the inner part that needs you to be more systematic, this inner one is quite simple.
To do away with the inner part, all you really need is a moist towel to clean the interior surface of the helmet. For an even more refreshing effect, many Motocross helmet cleaners swear by the Helmet Care spray. It is highly effective in eliminating odor-causing bacteria and mildew, and doesn’t require any rinsing.
and to clean the outside, place the rags on your helmet and let them soak for some time, then rub the surface gently. Do the same for the visor, and you will be all set. More importantly, do not scrub the surface using the microfiber, as you might end up making the helmet swirl.
Consider using a toothbrush to clean these crevices when it comes to vents. Additionally, you can use the toothbrush to clean other hard-to-reach areas on your helmet. Once you are done, wipe away any remaining debris and dirt using a wet microfiber towel. Thereafter, you can use a dry microfiber towel to dry the entire helmet.
If you want to make your ATV helmet shiny, consider applying a coat of automotive wax on the outer surface. This wax will improve its visual appeal and protect its outer surface from dust and dirt build-up. After that, you can reassemble the helmet for a few hours.
5. Dry and reassemble the helmet
Once you have thoroughly rinsed off all the soap residue from your ATV helmet, it is crucial to let it dry completely before reassembling it. Dampness can lead to mold and mildew growth, which can not only create an unpleasant odor but also compromise its structural integrity. Find a well-ventilated area or use a fan to speed up the drying process.
Before putting the helmet back together, double-check that all parts are fully dry. Start by reattaching any removable padding or liners that were removed during cleaning. Ensure they fit snugly and securely in their respective positions. Next, carefully reinstall the face shield or visor, goggles, and other safety accessories making sure it is properly aligned and locked into place.
Finally, reconstruct any other components such as vents or speaker systems according to your specific model’s instructions. Take your time with this step to avoid damaging any parts or incorrectly assembling them. Once everything is back in its rightful place, give the helmet a try.
Vital tips on cleaning ATV helmets
Here are a bunch of valuable tips to keep in mind while cleaning your any helmet be it a motorcycle, ATV or snowmobile helmet:
- Ensure that you utilize mild cleaners and soaps. Here, you can use a mild soap to clean the lining of your helmet as well as its outer surface.
- Get a soft toothbrush in order to clean the hard-to-reach surfaces on your helmet. In case you do not get this toothbrush, consider using cotton buds
- When wiping the ATV helmet, ensure that you use a soft piece of cloth. Additionally, ensure that you do not apply a lot of pressure when undertaking this exercise.
- Let the ATV helmet dry well before use. Moreover, its inner lining should dry well before you can return it back into the helmet.
- In case the ATV helmet has some moving parts, lubricate them right away.
- Consider applying a helmet or automotive wax after cleaning the helmet.
- Store the gloves separated from the helmet as they can get sweaty in the long run.
- Try to clean the inner liner after every ATV ride. This way, your helmet will remain clean and free of sweat. Be sure that your helmet will remain in a pristine condition thus.
FAQs
What can I use to clean my helmet?
When it comes to cleaning your helmet consider using mild soap or baby shampoo and a microfiber piece of cloth. Additionally, use a soft toothbrush to clean the vents of the helmet. Once you are done with the cleaning, use a soft microfiber piece of cloth to dry the helmet.
Can I wash the inside of my helmet?
Yes. All you need to do is to remove the inner lining of the helmet and put it in soapy water. Then, wash this lining gently and let it dry on its own. Once you are done, take a microfiber rag and use it to wipe the inner sections of the helmet. Finally, use a toothbrush to clean the hard-to-reach areas of the helmet. This way, you will be able to clean the inside of your helmet more effectively.
How do you prevent helmet fungus?
If you are not riding your ATV, ensure that you clean the helmet at regular interval. Thus, you can get rid of excess dirt and sweat that might accumulate over time. Remember that not taking care of your helmet while not in use promotes the growth of fungus and other microorganisms.
Can I use sanitizer to clean the helmet?
Yes, you can always use helmet sanitizer to clean your helmet. Here, you can use this solution to clean the visor and the helmet shell. Just spray the helmet sanitizer on the helmet lining and then rub it using a wet piece of cloth.
Why does my helmet stink?
Your helmet can start stinking due to the presence of natural bacteria that exist on your skin. Once these bacteria react to the proteins and lipids found in one’s sweat, the chances of encountering bad odor are very high. Unfortunately, this process will always take place unless post-ride cleaning is made a regular ritual.
Final Verdict
Cleaning your ATV helmet is crucial for the health of the rider and the helmet. It will improve your comfort and feeling when riding ATV. Besides this, cleaning your ATV helmet is an essential part of maintaining its safety and prolonging its lifespan. Regular cleaning not only helps remove dirt, grime, and bacteria but also ensures clear visibility while riding.
Apart from ensuring hygiene and visibility, cleaning your ATV helmet also helps maintain its structural integrity. Dirt particles can collect inside the helmet’s ventilation system over time, clogging up airflow and compromising your comfort. Additionally, sweat residue can accumulate on the padding, leading to unpleasant odors or even bacterial growth if left uncleaned for extended periods.
The 5-step method on how to clean an ATV helmet discussed above is the smart hack to keep your dirtbike, motorcross, snowmobile, motorcycle or ATV helmet in a pristine condition for long and health issues and smell at bay.