Triumphrat

upNorth · 09-28-2007

My 2 year old Arai has, well, begun to "hum" a bit. It's funky. Does anyone know of a product that will clean the interior and kill the smell of sweat?

I always rest the helmet so air can circulate through but that hasn't prevented the current condition. P.U.

BTW, I did a search before posting.

Thanks.

Diego · 09-28-2007

You can wash some helmets internally with laundry detergent and water, rinse very thoroughly with a garden hose to get all the detergent residue out (it can get pretty funky too when it decomposes), and dry for several hours in front of a fan. However, in some, washing can undo the adhesive that holds the fabric liner to the shock absorbing foam. I don't know about Arai specifically.

For less severe cases, you may get decent results with Febreze Extra Strength. It's a household and automotive fabric deodorizer that consists basically of rubbing alcohol, modified corn starch for odor absorption, and a scenting agent. You'll want to air out the helmet VERY thoroughly after applying the stuff because that scent is pretty powerful.

LoVel · 09-28-2007

If you are allergic to scented items such as perfume be careful with that febreeze stuff. I can't stand it in a house. I think if it was in my helmet I would have to buy a new helmet.

alfacliff · 09-28-2007

I just used some lemmon scented dish washing soap and water on a wash cloth. I patted the inside with the cloth and then rinsed the cloth and patted the inside agin. it being cool weather, I put the helmet on a vent in the house and the warm air dried it.
mine is a a Bell helmet, so I dont know if this would work with yours. I tried not to get it too wet while cleaning, dont know what stuff inside is.
cliff

Gohm · 09-28-2007

I remove and wash my lining 2-3 times a year (it is worn every day) and use anti-micro fabreeze lightly weekly.

Speed3 · 09-28-2007

If your lining isn't completely removable you can run the helmet through the dishwasher. Don't use the heated dry at the end though.

rustbucket · 09-28-2007

Heh - they should start putting 'dishwasher safe' on helmet boxes

.

Quote:

Originally Posted by Speed3

If your lining isn't completely removable you can run the helmet through the dishwasher. Don't use the heated dry at the end though.

zs-cafe · 09-29-2007

I thought Arai's liners were removable. But if yours isn't try the washing with mild soap and after drying thoroughly. But some scent remover from a outdoors store. Hunters use this to remove body oder from their gear. It is like febreeze without the perfume.
Or I use this on my hockey gear, rubbing alcohol sprayed on and let dry will remove the funk, but may also damage your helmet.

upNorth · 09-29-2007

Thanks for the suggestions!

Like Lovel, I am highly allergic and wouldn't dare try the febreeze. I don't own a dishwasher but I do have a 75 year old house - don't get me started on that.

I went on Arai's website and got instructions on how to remove cheek pads so I guess that is the route I will take. I was just hoping for a simpler solution - "Spray it on, wait 10 seconds and your helmet is good as new!"

I'll get it done - thanks again.

DuckMan001 · 09-29-2007

I have an old tube sock (clean

) that I put some cedar chips in and sewed it shut. I just put it in the helmet when I'm at home and next time I put it on, the helmet smells cedary-fresh!

I saw something similar on a website they wanted about $20.00 for. The cost for mine was one old sock and $3.00 for cedar chips at pets-mart. If you know someone with a hamster, gerbil or other small rodent just snag a few handfulls next time you are at their house.