Your motorcycle helmet's primary job is to keep you safe. But there's nothing wrong with looking good at the same time!

Cleaning your bike regularly is an important part of keeping the engine running smoothly and all parts in tip-top shape. Knowing how to clean a motorcycle helmet is a close second.

Why?

Next only to your motorcycle itself, your helmet is probably the most expensive accessory you own. Proper cleaning guarantees your helmet not only looks good but functions as it's supposed to.

Not sure where to start? You've come to the right place!

Here we'll share a step-by-step guide on cleaning dirty helmets, including the best helmet cleaning tools, and which parts of the helmet need a little extra TLC.

Reasons to Clean a Motorcycle Helmet

Motorcycle life lends itself to being rough and tough. From street bikes and all-terrain helmets to offroading and even scooters, motorcycle helmets are meant to get dirty, right?

Well, yes and no.

While your helmet can take a beating, you should keep it clean and well-maintained, just like your bike.

Here's why.

Identify Noticeable Defects

When you clean a motorcycle helmet, it's the perfect time to give it a close once-over. Take notice of any marks, scratches, dents, or dings.

Although these minor imperfections shouldn't affect how well the helmet functions, long-term wear and tear could indicate it's time for a new helmet.

Be sure to check the helmet's interior and exterior. If the inner lining is torn or ripped, you may want to upgrade.

It Looks Good

This is one of the more obvious reasons to clean a motorcycle helmet. While some dirt and mud are like battle wounds for offroad riders, a clean, pristine helmet just looks better.

Give your helmet a facelift and renew its shine by giving it a simple clean after each ride. At least once a month, perform a more thorough cleaning.

Maintenance Promotes Safety

Just like your motorcycle, you need to maintain your helmet if you want it to last.

This is especially important for full-face and flip-up helmets with visors and other moving parts. Dirt, debris, and other materials can get stuck in the face shields and visor, making them difficult to open and close.

Cleaning your helmet ensures it remains in good working order.

Collect the Necessary Helmet Cleaning Tools

Now that you know why you need to clean your motorcycle helmet regularly, let's get down to business!

Start by collecting all the necessary materials to clean and polish your helmet's interior and exterior.

To get started, you'll need:

• Microfiber rag
• A toothbrush or small, soft-bristled brush
• Mild shampoo
• Warm water
• Air compressor (if you have one)
• Polish

Find a clean, flat surface to work on. A well-lit area is best to avoid leaving behind residue or streaks.

Before you start, familiarize yourself with the parts of the helmet. There are four main parts: the outer shell, impact-absorbing liner, chin strap, and padded comfort layer.

Each part serves a unique purpose and needs your attention during the cleaning process.

How to Clean a Motorcycle Helmet the Right Way

Now that you've collected all your materials and found a suitable workspace, it's time to get started.

Step One: Remove All Electronics

Be sure to remove any electronics from your helmet including antennas, microphones, batteries, or Bluetooth communicators. Failure to do so will result in damage to your valuable electronic equipment.

Step Two: Remove the Inner Liner

Next, you need to remove the interior liner and cheek pads. All motorcycle helmets are designed differently but most liners come out with a gentle yet firm tug.

Check for snaps, magnets, or hook-and-loop attachments. Remove the pads and liner and set them aside for now.

Step Three: Prepare and Clean the Outer Shell

Now turn your attention to the helmet's outer shell.

Soak your microfiber towel in warm water and use it to remove any obvious dirt or debris from the helmet's surface. This prevents you from scratching the face shield or shell during the cleaning process.

Lay the wet cloth over the helmet and let it sit as you move onto the next step.

Step Four: Clean the Interior

Now it's time to focus on those interior parts you removed before.

Even though the outside of your helmet is what's seen the most, the inside is what really needs the deepest clean. The inner pads absorb all your sweat, oils, and dirt, especially on those long, hot rides.

Start by filling a small sink or bucket with warm water and mild soap. Baby shampoo actually works best since it's gentle but designed to wash away hair oils and sweat.

Dunk each piece of the liner into the water, scrubbing and massaging it with your fingers. Once you've scrubbed each part of the helmet liner, set it out to air dry.

Never put the liner back wet. Not only is it uncomfortable but a wet helmet liner won't smell very good once you pull on your helmet and get ready to ride.

Step Five: Wash the Exterior of the Helmet

Remove the wet microfiber cloth from before and get a new, clean one. Use this rag and warm water to clean the entire exterior of the helmet.

Stuck-on dirt and debris should easily come off at this point.

Never use soap or cleaning agents on the exterior of the helmet. These products can remove and weaken the finish.

Use small, circular motions to remove any excess dirt that hasn't already worn off. A soft toothbrush is perfect for those hard-to-reach spots.

Take off the visor or face shield. These helmet parts are cleaned separately.

Step Six: Clean the Face Shield

Many face shields have a coating or UV-protective layer, which is why warm water is best for cleaning these parts of the helmet (not soap).

Use a microfiber cloth to remove any smudges, dirt, or markings from the face shield. Leave a warm, wet microfiber on the shield for several minutes to remove any stuck-on dirt particles.

Step Seven: Reassemble Your Helmet

Now that all parts of the helmet are clean, you can reassemble it. Just be sure that everything is clean, wiped down, and dry.

Extra Steps

For anyone wanting a little extra shine on their helmets, you can use high-quality polish or wax before reassembly.

You can also use an air compressor to clean any dirt, debris, or insects from the vents to ensure adequate airflow.

Cleaning Dirty Helmets Isn't a Dirty Job

A lot of variables go into motorcycle ownership from maintaining your bike to safe driving. Knowing how to clean a motorcycle helmet is as much about safety as it is about looks.

By following these steps, your motorcycle helmet will look, function, and shine the way it did on day one!

Are you in the market for a new helmet? Browse our sale and closeout items here.

We also carry eyewear, rain gear, gloves, and other accessories to meet all your biking needs.