Topic: Helmet smells like gym cloths...

[cleveland]

I'm sure I'm not the only guy who's helmet will begin to smell like gym cloths after riding a few weeks in hot weather.  Normally I take a rag with dish soap and wash the lining, then stick it in front of a fan to dry.  This works OK, but never completely does the job.

I have been thinking of making something to stick into my helmet that will absorb moisture.  At first I was going to use the gel pack, like the ones that keep my gun cabinet dry.  Then I figured a better idea would be to use cedar chips in a cotton bag and mix in some gel pack. 

What do you guys use to clean your helmets and keep them dry?

[bucky katt]

febreeze it, and you might try putting a small bowl filled with baking soda on a flat surface then put the helmet over it. thats how i descented my riding helmet

[MCRider]

there are several commercially available products like this: http://www.cyclegadgets.com/Products/product.asp?Item=HFRESH

Many helmets have removable liners for washing. Or you can wash them in place, and dry with hair dryer etc.

But I've found the deodorizers to work fine.

[Terry in Australia]

If your helmet smell is annoying you, you've probably got it on backwards.............

[kirkn]

a big +1 on the Febreeze.  Spritz it in until the padding is pretty damp.  Let the helmet sit upside down overnight until the Febreeze evaporates.  As it evaporates, it seems to take the smell with it, leaving a complete neutral, non-smell.  At least, it always does for me.

Kirk

[Steve F]

I was fairly successful with using WOOLITE to soak the parts of the helmet liner that aren't removable...soak, massage, soak some more and rinse in luke-warm water.  Lots of grunge and dirt came out and THAT surprised me!  It wasn't smelling bad (yet) but it sure helped with freshening up the liner.  I just bought a SHOEI helmet that has a totally removable liner and pads that can be cleaned and put back in.

[IAmCitizenMe]

When my shoes would smell so bad from skateboarding that I couldn't wear them in the house, I would put newspaper and baking soda in them and set them outside for a while. I don't know why, but it worked.

[mrblasty]

When my shoes would smell so bad from skateboarding that I couldn't wear them in the house, I would put newspaper and baking soda in them and set them outside for a while. I don't know why, but it worked.

I wonder if that would work for two week old pants?

[Raul CB750K1]

My helmet have removable liners. I have removed and cleaned them a couple of times, but it is not that simple, as a part of the helmet trim had to be unglued.

Then I tried the dry cleaning, a spray that will make a foam and you just rub and let dry. Sure, it smells better, but where did all the dirt go?

So I read about it in an spanish forum, tried and now it is my favourite way of cleaning the helmet. Just put it in the bathtub and clean it with lukewarm water and clothes washing soap. Clean, rinse, clean, rinse, until water gets out just clear -it is amazing the amount of dirt the liner can get-. Once cleaned, let it dry at air temperature for a couple of days.

Yes, I know, somebody will chime in saying that "water temperature will damage the styrofoam inside" etc. That is because your head never rises the styrofoam temperature to 37ºC or the Sun never rises the temp. either.

Lukewarm water, soap and you are good for some weeks or even months.

[Operator]

Wash your helmet?

I usually drop it in the driveway/garage so often I end up replacing mine every 2 seasons so it doesn't have time to stink up too much.  Mind you we don't ride year round up here.

Wearing a bandanna or beanie underneath works too, just toss it in the regular wash.

[cleveland]

Nice to see all the feedback!

I have a Shoei Multitech and only the cheek pads are removable.    I think I will try a combo of stuff I have read here.  I will use the baking soda & Frebreeze as a regular maintenance and then wash it in the tub every few weeks. Being someone that has Mediterranean heritage, I have quite a bit of oil in my perspiration and your scent is carried in you oils.  So regular maintenance is a must!  *disclaimer*  If you are of Mediterranean decent and the last statement offends you, suck it up!  You know your oily too!    

If your helmet smell is annoying you, you've probably got it on backwards.............

Why you son of a....

[MCRider]

Wash your helmet?

I usually drop it in the driveway/garage so often I end up replacing mine every 2 seasons so it doesn't have time to stink up too much.  Mind you we don't ride year round up here.

Wearing a bandanna or beanie underneath works too, just toss it in the regular wash.

yes I've taken to wearing a "Slik" brand helmet liner, which can be easily washed.
http://www.webbikeworld.com/r3/helmet-liner/

Another benefit is that on hot days, I soak the liner with water, put it on, and then the helmet, and the evaporation over the next hour or so keeps my brain cooler. By the time of the next gas stop its completely dry.

When putting one on, I always feel like a baby with a crib cap. But at my age who cares? it works.

[Operator]

"baby with a crib cap"

I'll have to try that!

[coldright]

Spray the liner with rubbing alcohol.  It kills bacteria, bacteria is what makes it smell.  You can use an alcohol solution on your underarms too, if your skin doesn't get dried out from it.  Mix it with a little essential oil of a scent that you like.

[Operator]

Have to try that one sometime.....