General Cycling Discussion - Washing your skid lid

All the latest discussion about helmets has inspired me to well... clean mine. I noticed the smell coming from my noggin-shield has become pretty overwhelming. How do all of you clean your helmets? I usually just take the pads out and soak them in a solution of Woolite and warm water for a bit with some hand-massaging. Then I use a few squirts of Fabreeze on the inside of the helmet and straps. Anyone else want to share their cleaning methods?

I used to.

Fill a bucket with cold water and the recommended dose of Dettol (don't know if you have it in the US -- brown liquid that smells very... um... antisepctic) or similar topical first-aid antiseptic liquid. Dunk the helmet complete with pads, shake off and let dry. Don't use anything akin to solvents or undiluted anything else.

Otherwise as khuon says.

Or use H2O2. I don't think you need to soak the lid but use plenty and wipe it.

Joe

Washing machine, delicate cycle.

Just dunk it in the swimming pool and let dry.

I prefer the Dishwasher. Put it in with a bit of soap and be sure the DRY CYCLE (HEAT) IS OFF.

I know other folks that take it into the shower and clean it up with shampoo.

I don't wash the helmet or pads after EVERY ride, so to increase the time between washings I hang the helmet and gloves out in the direct sunshine for a few hours after a ride. It helps.

Every couple of weeks I shampoo the straps and pads, rinse well & let dry in the sun. Head & Shoulders works well (it's Dan's shampoo, not mine). I threw them into the washing machine once, but decided I just wasn't sure that that didn't count as an impact, and haven't done it again.

Smell? What smell? :)