How To Clean A Dirt Bike Helmet: What You Need To Know!

The dirt bike helmets are much different from those you use while riding motorcycles. The main reason remains their open-faced construction. This allows proper airflow and ventilation. However, this construction is also responsible for weather exposure and enhanced contamination. 

This is where you need to know how to clean a dirt bike helmet. Using contaminated and dirty bike helmets leads to infections, irritations, and even respiratory issues. The following sections will take you through the cleaning methods, techniques, additional expert suggestions, and much more.

Read the following article to learn everything you must know about cleaning a dirt bike helmet. No more adventure with a dirty or contaminated bike helmet as you have everything covered here.

What Is A Dirt Bike Helmet?

A dirt bike helmet is also known as a motocross helmet or off-road motorcycle helmet. It is a type of helmet designed for use in off-road motorcycle riding. Dirt bike helmets come in many different shapes and sizes to meet the needs of different riders.

They usually have a hardshell or plastic exterior and a foam liner that protects the head from impacts. Dirt bike helmets are not generally legal in most places, but they are highly recommended because of the risks involved in riding an off-road motorcycle.

Why Does It Need Different Cleaning Than Ordinary Motorcycle Helmets?

The construction and usage of dirt bike helmets are different from ordinary motorcycle helmets. This is one of the major reasons why you need to focus more on its cleanliness and maintenance. Here are some other factors that contribute to the same:

• Material Differences: Dirt bike helmets are typically constructed with materials more prone to absorbing moisture and grime, such as expanded polystyrene (EPS) foam and fabrics. Ordinary motorcycle helmets often have a harder outer shell and different inner padding materials.
• Exposure to Elements: Dirt bike helmets are frequently subjected to muddy, dusty, and wet conditions due to off-road riding. This exposure can lead to a buildup of dirt and debris that requires specialized cleaning methods.
• Ventilation Systems: Dirt bike helmets often have more extensive ventilation systems to keep riders cool during intense off-road riding. These vents can accumulate dirt and require thorough cleaning to maintain optimal airflow.
• Internal Padding: Dirt bike helmets may have removable and washable internal padding to absorb sweat and provide comfort during long rides. Cleaning these pads properly is essential for hygiene and extending the helmet’s lifespan. 
• Removable Parts: Dirt bike helmets may have additional components, such as detachable visors and chin guards, that need separate cleaning to ensure they remain functional and debris-free.
• Impact of Off-Road Riding: Off-road riding can involve more frequent falls and impacts compared to regular road riding. Dirt bike helmets may need more thorough inspection and cleaning after such incidents to ensure they remain effective in rider protection. 

How To Clean A Dirt Bike Helmet: Walkthrough The Process

Though dirt bike helmets cleaning often remains overlooked, having a proper scheduled cleaning can keep your helmets tidy. Learning how to clean a dirt bike helmet not only incorporates cleaning steps but also the cleaning supplies, the right cleaning approach, and much more:

Gathering The Tools

Gather all of the essential items before you begin the cleaning process. The list of required cleaning tools and supplies includes the following:

• Microfiber Clothes
• Soft Brushes
• Mild Soap 
• Helmet Cleaner 
• Warm Water 
• Bucket 
• Helmet Sanitizer 
• Helmet Deodorizer 
• Helmet Visor Cleaner 
• Protective Gear 

The Cleaning Steps

Cleaning your dirt bike helmet regularly is essential for maintaining its performance, hygiene, and durability. Follow these detailed steps to ensure thorough cleaning without compromising the dirt bike helmet’s integrity:

• Foremost, start with filling a basin or a bucket with warm water. Now, add a small amount of mild soap or a helmet cleaner to it.
• Keep the prepared cleaning solution separate and remove the detachable components from the helmets. These components include chin curtain, cheek pads, visor, etc. 
• Now inspect the interior surface and the outer shell to identify the severity of the residual particles. Focus more on the ventilation holes, padding areas, and crevices. 
• To clean the outer shell, rinse it first to remove mud and dust particles. After that, take a microfiber cloth and dampen it with the prepared cleaning solution. Use this cloth to wipe the outer shell. 
• Scrubbing is the only ultimate solution to remove stubborn stains and spots. Be gentle while scrubbing and allow more attention to the hard areas. 
• To clean the interior surfaces of the dirt bike helmet, take a soft cloth and dip it into the same prepared solution. Wipe down all of the components like straps, padding, interior lining, etc. 
• If you notice hard and stubborn stains, consider using specialized helmet cleaners to deal with them. Always adhere to the manufacturer’s recommendations for the same. 
• After you’ve cleaned both the exterior and interiors of the dirt bike helmet, it’s time to rinse the helmet appropriately. Ensure that no residual components or their traces are left on either side of the helmet. 
• Now, take a soft, dry cloth to pat dry the interiors and exteriors. Begin with the interiors and work on the entire helmet’s surface. Always allow natural drying for the helmet. Never use heat sources, direct daylight, or drying products, etc. 
• Once all of the components are cleaned and dried, go for reassembling the helmet parts. You can consider taking help from the user manual or manufacturer’s guidelines to ease up the process. 
• After everything is done, take a final inspection of the entire dirt bike helmet. This will let you know if you have made any errors. This can also help you determine any leftover residue or water traces. 

Additional Maintenance Tips 

Here, we’ll elaborate on some golden rules and additional tips. These tips will help you keep your dirt bike helmets debris-free and well-maintained:

• Always prefer using warm water during the cleaning process. Avoid the use of hot water as it can damage the materials. Also, they can loosen the adhesive and delicate components of the helmet. 
• You are suggested to use appropriate and recommended methods only. Using any unauthorized method will impact the helmet’s integrity and deteriorate its material. 
• Accurate storage is another necessity to keep the dirt bike helmet in good condition. Never leave it in any open place, instead, invest it in a protective covering for it. 
• Inspect your dirt bike helmets regularly for signs of deterioration or contamination. Check for wear, damage, cracks, loose padding, dents, etc. Address any of these issues immediately to maintain further safety and performance.
• No matter how sturdy your dirt bike helmets are, they have a limited lifespan. Natural wear and degradation can impact performance and durability. You should replace your dirt bike helmet every five years. 
• You must clean the visor of your dirt bike helmet regularly. This remains necessary to maintain clear visibility. Always use mild cleaners to remove bugs, dirt, and debris from the surface without causing damage. 
• Avoid exposing your helmet or its components to extreme chemicals, gasoline, insect repellents, and solvents. All such substances will only cause damage to the dirt bike helmet. 
• You also need to keep the helmet’s ventilation openings clear and obstruction-free. This will allow for proper airflow while riding the bike. Use soft brushes for cleaning such parts. 

Also Read : How To Clean Spark Plugs

Final Conclusion: How To Clean A Dirt Bike Helmet

Now that you know how to clean a dirt bike helmet, you don’t have any excuse for leaving it contaminated.  Keep in mind that cleaning and maintaining the dirt bike helmet is extremely vital for enhanced safety, durability, and visually appealing shine.   The simple method including mild soap and water is the best way for cleaning dirt bike helmet effectively. 

However, you need to abide by the manufacturer’s guidelines and safety precautions for safe cleaning and further use. Never forget to use the protective gear during the cleaning process. You may keep your helmet ready for the next ride with the most effective cleaning methods.