Stinky helmet chinstraps
07-30-14, 09:53 PM
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Stinky helmet chinstraps
The title says it all. I've been riding with this helmet for 5200 miles this past year. Now that the weather is warm it is pretty raunchy. The straps disappear into the body; how do you folks wash them?
Thanks, Rich
Thanks, Rich
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07-30-14, 10:48 PM
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I fill up my kitchen sink with hot water and a very small amount of dish soap. Then I simply dunk the entire helmet in the sink several times, and hand scrub the straps. Rinse off and let dry.
5200 miles since the last time you cleaned them? I'm surprised you don't have worse issues with acne break outs. I went 15 rides and started getting a bad acne breakout. Now I clean everything every 2-3 rides and no issues since.
5200 miles since the last time you cleaned them? I'm surprised you don't have worse issues with acne break outs. I went 15 rides and started getting a bad acne breakout. Now I clean everything every 2-3 rides and no issues since.
07-30-14, 11:56 PM
#3
apocryphal sobriquet
I rinse my helmet under running water, pads, shell, straps, and all, every single time my head sweats when I ride. I figure it's already wet with sweat so it'll take the same amount of time to dry but at least it will be clean.
07-31-14, 09:14 AM
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I spray with any handy non-solvent spray cleaner (kitchen counter cleaner, simple green, etc.), massage straps and pads, then rinse thoroughly.
07-31-14, 09:52 AM
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07-31-14, 09:56 AM
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07-31-14, 12:27 PM
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Excellent suggestions. Thanks!
Rich
Rich
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..life is like a roll of toilet paper. The closer it gets to the end, the faster it goes. ― Andy Rooney ...enjoy what's left!
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07-31-14, 12:54 PM
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And give you the refreshing scent of pickles as you ride. 
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08-01-14, 05:38 PM
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Washing the entire helmet may cause problems w/the foam padding, like causing it to peel away from the helmet styrofoam.
This works for us:
Find a bowl (such as a casserole) that the helmet will sit atop, i.e. smaller than the length of the helmet. Put some very warm water w/soap (dish soap or hand soap) in the bowl. Place the helmet so that the straps soak. Leave overnight. Rinse straps by soaking in clean water.
It's surprising how dirty the water becomes.
This works for us:
Find a bowl (such as a casserole) that the helmet will sit atop, i.e. smaller than the length of the helmet. Put some very warm water w/soap (dish soap or hand soap) in the bowl. Place the helmet so that the straps soak. Leave overnight. Rinse straps by soaking in clean water.
It's surprising how dirty the water becomes.
08-01-14, 08:57 PM
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Agree with the above vinegar suggestion.
Add a couple healthy galumphs of white vinegar to a bucket of clean water, put the helmet in the bucket, with a weight on top to keep it submerged. Let it soak for a while, then hang the helmet up to drip dry.
Add a couple healthy galumphs of white vinegar to a bucket of clean water, put the helmet in the bucket, with a weight on top to keep it submerged. Let it soak for a while, then hang the helmet up to drip dry.
08-01-14, 09:25 PM
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Wash in hot soapy water, rinse, and let dry in the sunshine. Such a simple and basic function cleans and freshen nearly everything.
08-01-14, 09:33 PM
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Spray Lysol on it until wet. Let dry. It will smell good and all bacteria will be killed.
It's what they do to rental bowling shoes, right?
It is my opinion that washing or soaking a helmet may not be a good idea- or at least I am not willing to test and see!
It's what they do to rental bowling shoes, right?
It is my opinion that washing or soaking a helmet may not be a good idea- or at least I am not willing to test and see!
08-02-14, 07:31 AM
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That's a bit silly, IMO. Helmets certainly get soaked riding in the rain, and stand up to sweat and oils exuded by your head. They're made out of EPS, polycarbonate, nylon, and acetal, all of which will stand up fine to water and detergent (and even vinegar, if you must).
08-02-14, 08:13 AM
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I dunk mine in warm water occasionally - the straps get dunked/sprayed more frequently.
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08-02-14, 09:01 AM
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Bacteria is what causes the odor. Vinegar, hydrogen peroxide, tea tree oil and sunshine are simple and safe ways to kill the bacteria.
08-02-14, 03:52 PM
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That's a bit silly, IMO. Helmets certainly get soaked riding in the rain, and stand up to sweat and oils exuded by your head. They're made out of EPS, polycarbonate, nylon, and acetal, all of which will stand up fine to water and detergent (and even vinegar, if you must).
08-02-14, 04:03 PM
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I ride in the rain, and have never washed mine.
08-02-14, 08:51 PM
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My helmet never stinks - nor do I. 
In my case, the straps become encrusted with salt.
Wearing a skullcap almost every ride helps keep the helmet more civilized.
Should I wash the skullcap seasonally?
In my case, the straps become encrusted with salt.
Wearing a skullcap almost every ride helps keep the helmet more civilized.
Should I wash the skullcap seasonally?
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