Keeping your motorcycle helmet clean is an essential part of riding safely and comfortably. Over time, dirt, sweat, and grime can build up both inside and outside your helmet. Not only is this unpleasant, but it can also impact visibility and potentially helmet performance in a crash. That's why it's important to periodically deep clean your motorcycle helmet. In this article, we'll walk through the key steps to clean your helmet interior, visor, exterior shell, and leather components. We'll share tips on using the right motorcycle helmet cleaning products for glossy or matte finishes. Follow our straightforward advice to keep your helmet fresh in between rides!

In a rush? Check out our tips and tricks below the article to get a quick summary: Motorcycle Helmet Maintenance

Cleaning the Helmet Interior

The inside of your helmet takes the brunt of sweat and oils from your head. Over time this can lead to bacteria build up that causes undesirable odors. Start by spraying an antibacterial helmet interior cleaner like the Motul Helmet Interior Clean inside your helmet. Make sure to coat all the padding surfaces. Then let the cleaner sit for the recommended time to work its magic before the inside is dry to the touch. The antibacterial properties will sanitize the lining while leaving behind a fresh scent.

For a deeper clean, consider removing the cheek and comfort padding pieces. Refer to your helmet manual on how to properly remove and install them. Once out, you can hand wash the padding with warm soapy water, rinse thoroughly, and let air dry before putting back in. Getting the liner fully dry before reassembly is critical for comfort and avoiding mold growth. Take your time with this more extensive helmet interior cleaning, and soon you’ll be rewarded with a fresh interior environment for all-day riding.

Cleaning the Visor

Your helmet's visor takes abuse from bugs, dirt, mud, and road debris. Keeping it clean is critical for ensuring good vision and reaction times while riding. Start by spraying visor cleaner on both sides of the visor surface. Use a microfiber cloth designed specifically for visors to wipe away grime, smudges, or dried bug remains.

If your helmet has a pinlock anti-fog insert, remove it before cleaning by bending the visor to pop out the insert. Clean the pinlock with visor cleaner just like the main visor surface. It's important to let it dry fully before reinstalling, as moisture inside can lead to fogging issues. Wipe down the main visor as well while you have it off.

Be sure to get all visor surfaces - inside, outside, and the pinlock insert if equipped. Good vision starts with a clean visor!

Cleaning Pinlock Visors

If your helmet has a pinlock anti-fog insert, regular cleaning is imperative to keep the air gap moisture-free. Otherwise fog can form, diminishing visibility. Start by removing the pinlock insert by bending the visor slightly and use your fingertips to pop out the edges. With it removed, clean the pinlock with helmet visor cleaner just as you would the main visor. Pay special attention to fully drying it before reinstallation. Any moisture left inside can lead to internal fogging or condensation issues.

To reinstall, bend the visor again and hook one edge of the pinlock insert into place. Then snap the other side in until the silicone seal makes full contact again. Take a test look through the visor to ensure proper optical clarity and no distortion. Periodically cleaning your pinlock this way takes little time but keeps the anti-fog performance working optimally in all weather conditions. No more surprise fogging to reduce reaction times!

Cleaning the Helmet Exterior

The outer shell of your helmet takes the brunt of weather and road debris while riding. Keeping the surface clean not only makes it look better, but also allows you to closely inspect for any hairline cracks or damage from minor impacts. Use the proper cleaning technique for your helmet's glossy or matte finish. Taking good care of the exterior ensures your helmet continues providing reliable impact protection for many miles down the road.

Cleaning a Glossy Helmet

For glossy helmets, using a dedicated helmet cleaner is recommended for the exterior shell. Avoid dish soaps or other cleaners as they can damage the protective coatings. Spray helmet cleaner liberally over the entire outer surface of your glossy helmet. Let it sit for a minute before gently wiping clean with a fresh microfiber cloth.

Be careful not to let the helmet surface dry out too much during cleaning, as wiping a dry surface can lead to fine swirl scratches. Reapply more cleaner if needed as you wipe. Pay special attention to air vents, spraying cleaner into the openings and using a soft-bristle brush to dislodge compacted bugs or dirt.

A good cleaning session gives you an excellent opportunity to thoroughly check over your helmet for any underlying issues. Inspect closely for any chips, cracks, or dents during cleaning. Even a minor impact can compromise safety!

Cleaning a Matte Helmet

Matte helmets require some special care since harsh cleaners or improper wiping can cause shiny spots and ruin the subtle matte finish. Use a dedicated matte surface cleaner and be sure to read the label for proper application. Typically you'll spray the cleaner on, allow it to penetrate for a few minutes, then gently buff with a microfiber cloth.

The matte cleaner will break down stuck-on grime and restore the original finish. It may take more than one application to get a heavily soiled matte helmet back to its original glory. But take your time and let the cleaner do the work. Proper matte helmet cleaning keeps the stealthy, low-sheen appearance riders love while getting rid of lingering dirt or oily residue.

Caring for the Leather Parts

Many premium helmets incorporate leather elements into their design, such as padded trim or neck roll comfort panels. Keeping the leather conditioned ensures it remains supple and avoids drying out and cracking over time.

Use a dedicated leather care product to gently clean and condition leather helmet components. Apply a small amount of leather cleaner to a microfiber cloth, then wipe the leather sections in a circular motion. Let the cleaner sit for 2-3 minutes before buffing the leather with a clean dry microfiber. This helps the conditioners fully penetrate while lifting away dirt or grime. The result is smooth, refreshed leather that looks great while retaining its natural protective oils.

And now on to visually enjoy your next ride!

I really believe that keeping your motorcycle helmet fresh and clean should be a regular part of your riding routine. The Motul cleaning products that we've used today, are the M1 Helmet and Visor Clean, the M2 Helmet Interior Clean, the M3 Perfect Leather and the E11 Matte Surface Clean and then I've used those with the pro works microfiber cloth and the Proworks Microfiber Visor Cleaning Cloth.

Remember to use proper techniques based on whether you have a glossy or matte finished helmet. Taking the time to deep clean and inspect your brain bucket ensures optimal protection and comfort mile after mile. So show your helmet some love! Keeping it clean improves safety, visibility and also pride in your key riding accessory. Now get out there and enjoy the ride with your fresh, hygienic helmet!

Quick Motorcycle Helmet Cleaning Tips

Keeping your motorcycle helmet clean is crucial for safety and comfort. Here are some quick tips for cleaning key areas:

Interior: Spray with antibacterial cleaner. For deep clean, remove padding and hand wash.
Visor: Use visor cleaner on inside and outside. Pop out and separately clean pinlock insert.
Exterior - Glossy: Use helmet cleaner, wipe gently with microfiber cloth. Brush vents if needed.
Exterior - Matte: Use matte-specific cleaner. Let sit before buffing clean.
Leather: Apply leather conditioner. Wipe and let sit before buffing.
Inspect: Check for any cracks or damage during cleaning.
Products: Motul cleaners and microfiber cloths simplify the process.

Regular helmet cleaning ensures safety, visibility and pride in this key riding accessory. Follow these tips to keep your helmet fresh for miles of comfortable protection.

Author info:

My name is Vanessa Ruck, and you may have seen me in one of the many YouTube video's produced for XLMOTO & 24MX. I am a TEDx & award-winning motivational speaker, motorcycle racer and adventurer, rally driver, content creator and presenter.