Cleaning my Helmet

Maybe a little OT, but I think it applies. After years of wearing
cheap helmets, I decided to plunk down a little cash and buy a nice
one. How should I clean it? Specifically, I want to make sure I can
clean the visor without scratching it. Any suggestions?

TIA,

Scott

 

I clean my face shield with paper towels and Windex. The key is soaking the
dirt, letting it loosen, and not rubbing hard. Make sure to switch to a
clean paper towel frequently so you don't wind up rubbing dirt all over.
Others will say use only cloth, but soft paper towels have never scratched
my face shields. As for the inside, I just take mine into the bathroom and
thoroughly wash the inside with some nice-smelling shampoo.


--

Later,

Charlie

fix the e-mail address and it will get to me

 

One of the best things I have found is shaving cream. I work in the
broadcasting field where we clean camera lenses and optics that cost
$20k or more. We use shaving cream like Barber pole, don't use a gel.
Works great and will not leave a film or residue when rinsed with warm
water. Dry with a lent free soft cloth or microfiber cloth if you can
find it.

--
Page

'01 FXDWG, NTXNS
"Happy Hour" starts one twist of the throttle past neutral!
Remove the 123 to reply.

 

I've always had good luck with better brands of glass cleaner like windex
and paper towels. the cheap stuff doesn't evaporate quickly and tends to
streak more. I've also had luck waxing my helmet with liquid turtle wax.
It leaves the helmet looking good and stuff doesn't stick to it as much. I
also frequently use the stuff in the bucket at the gas station and squeegee
it off, especially when I'm touring. The visors seem pretty resillient to
scratching and I've only replaced a couple over the years and then, onlyn
after a lot of use and abuse.

 

In a bath or deep sink. I use mild shampoo. Quick dip to soak it, rub the
shampoo in,
really good soaking to rinse in all.

No, No worries about that, as long as you don't use anything solvent based
you should be OK.

-Drew

 

Use Plexus with soft cloth and keep you helmet in a soft bag when it is not
on your head.
Derek

 

Yes, but possibly HIS manual details how to clean the helmets HE bought
(the OP didn't say what brand he bought only that he was looking for
information). I only cited the Symax's as an EXAMPLE. Also, HJC's web site
is very helpful in explaining how to care for them. Possibly the
manufacturer of HIS helmet has done the same thing.

Dave HD

 

thought...

Actually there was no manual. There was only a small booklet
explaining how to remove the liner and operate the vents. The sarcasm
is appreciated, however.

-Scott

 

Glad I could be of help. ;_)

Too many people post in the newgroups wanting someone else to do the work
for them when a little common sense and effort would fix most of the
problems (like reading the manual or digging up the web site of the
manufacturer). Why not see if your helmet manufacturer has a web site and
send them an email?

Dave HD

 

an email?

I was hoping for more general and "field tested" advice from actual
riders about helmet care and maintenance than just the standard
manufacturer spiel. For example, one person mentioned using WD40 to
remove bugs, and another person suggested using shaving cream to clean
the face shield. Not the sort of advice you'd get from a
manufacturer. So

-Scott

 

Keep in mind the WD-40 shouldn't harm paint or lexan face shields, but it
will eat the Styrofoam liner inside.


--

Later,

Charlie

fix the e-mail address and it will get to me

 

Yeah, and if someone said that they used gasoline would that make it
okay?? That's probably not something that you'd see on the Mfg web site
either. Geezze, I wonder why? ;-)

I use Honda's Hondabrite cleaner (also sold as S100) followed by a bit of
the cleaner/polish that they sell. Works great on both the bike and
helmets.

Dave HD

 

Time was I would say never touch the visor. Any cleaner would scratch
it. If I got rain spray on it that spotted, I would run water over it
but never touch it. These days though, they have cleaners for CRT's
that consist of a low abrasion spray and lintless soft cloth. That
works pretty well but realize that any grit on the visor will scratch
if it's removed wrong. I would run water over it while rubbing very
softly with my fingers (so I can feel any grit). Then I would use the
CRT or eye glass cleaner and the kits cloth. Otherwise your better off
just letting the dirt build up and replace the visor periodically.

 

I don't believe there is anything abrasive in Windex.
But you make a good point about wetting it down and letting it sit for several
seconds before wiping gently. I have a shoei clear visor. Micro scratches are
not much of a problem to me for day driving but I hate headlight glare at night.

Ben

Ben

http://autos.groups.yahoo.com/group/rockland_mc_riders

 

Note that CRT's are made of glass, and visors are made of plastic
(usually polycarbonate)

While the comments about grit are well taken, it's not really the grit
that you have to worry about. Chemical attack from your cleaners are a
potential problem, and unless you know what chemicals you are dealing
with, and what material you are applying them to, it's difficult to say
whether you are harming your visor.

Obviously, if the ammonia in your glass cleaner turns your visor yellow,
you can (eventually) tell, and replace the visor. However, your visor is
impact-resistant, and this property may (or may not) be affecter by your
cleaning agent.

So, what cleaners are safe? I don't know. Water is safe, and recommended
by the manufacturers. Other commercial products are sold for cleaning
visors, but it is difficult to know whether they have been adequately
tested. Case in point, Ride (the mag. from GB) had a short article where
they interviewed representatives from Autoglym, a manufacturer of a
visor cleaner and polish, and Arai UK. Autoglym claimed that thier
extensive testing (in a lab with a set-but not specified in the
article-protocol) showed that their product (reported to be a solution
of glycol and ether) is safe for motorcycle visors. The Arai UK rep
claimed that the Autoglym product led to the weakening of the visors and
recommended using only water to clean them.

Who's right? Is only one of them right? I don't know. If someone here
does know, get back to us. I'd be interested.

 

I use Universal Solvent on a weekly basis unless I ride at dusk during bug
season. Then I do it once I return home.
Remove the visor from the helmet.
Fill sink half full with warm US, stand visor on it's edge and soak 5
minutes. Longer time is required to break down larger bug gut deposits. Be
patient.
Gently swirl US around visor.
If required, rub gently with the balls of your fingers being careful not to
get US on your clothing as it will make any material damp.
Lift the visor from the US. Give it a vigorous shake. Dab any remaining
droplets with toilet paper. Do not wipe, just dab.
Visor stays clear for a longer time using this method than any other I have
tried.
I have added mild dish detergent to the US if I have picked up greases or
oils and have never had any issues.

 

I've heard of this Universal Solvent. But what do you store it in??

Is it anything like dihydrogen monoxide http://www.dhmo.org/ I've also
heard about????

Dangerous stuff in any case.

-Don (you can drown in it!)