My helmet came with extra pads so if I so chose, I could take off the pads and wash them and let them dry while I wear the replacements. I commute each day so wet pads don't always have enough time to dry out before the next ride.

Having said that, I have only washed my pads once in the 3 years I've owned it, usually it rains enough that it gets washed out naturally every now and then...

If you think my helmet is smelly, you should smell my bike shoes.... I think it would have people running to the nearest fallout shelter if it ever got loose.

Jay