PSA: What do you use to clean your helmet?

[elevens]

Yesterday I received a phone call from the Arai factory. They were fixing my helmet. It was the 5th chimney vent on/off switch that broke.. The guy said, "Whatever you're using to wax or clean your helmet STOP USING IT! It's killing the plastic."

I used Griot's Garage Waterless Spray-On Car Wash on the bikes and helmets after every ride for years. It seemed better than detail spray because it's cheap, has more lubricity, does a good job of cutting the bugs and dirt and leaves a shine. Seemed harmless enough...

Arai suggested nothing but water to clean the helmet. Not sure I believe this but I'll definitely follow that advice, at least until another vent breaks.

[hilobemagical]

Water mixed with white vinegar to a 20% solution will work better than you can believe. I haven't used "409" or any other household cleaners for years. Always safe, always works.

Best,
Hilo

[elevens]

Originally Posted by hilobemagical

Water mixed with white vinegar to a 20% solution will work better than you can believe. I haven't used "409" or any other household cleaners for years. Always safe, always works.

Best,
Hilo

I can smell that from here!

[XL1200R]

I use that no-longer-honda-branded cycle clean spray crap that I do the bike with. Melts bugs in a few minutes and leaves a nice coating that makes them come off even easier the next time.

Personally, I think the dude at Arai is blowing smoke. Use whatever you want. Those vents break all the time, anyway.

[johnnyst]

After every ride I throw a warm damp soft cloth over my visor/front and leave it for 10 minutes. I then rub off the bugs and clean all over.

[CharlieS]

I use a microfiber or soft paper towel with water,

or

microfiber towel and Lemon Pledge

[Mickea]

I do wot charlie said!
And Johnnyst.
Mines a shoei but works good, and no scratches on visor yet (2yrs +)
Rgds Mick

[Speedycaptain]

I use Meguires carnuba... I rub it in, it peels everything off... then I wipe off the residue. I use it on the helmet and visor. I figure the light coat of wax protects too.

[triplestrength]

I put wet kitchen towel over the visor after a ride leave it for half an hour and bugs/road muck just wipe off.
Decided to clean inside a few weeks ago, Bike mag said a few years ago to take it in the shower to clean as they are designed to get wet.
The foam strips on the very top of the inside disentgrated almost immediately and fell apart.
The helmet came up clean and fresh smelling but the foam strips we're ruined.
I was reluctant to get rid of it as it's only 2 1/2 years old so I got some neoprene the same thickness and cut and glued it to the top of the helmet had to find glue that wouldn't damage the styrene etc.
Moral. Don't wash helmet inside.

Sent from my GT-I9100P using Motorcycle.com Free App

[tomservo]

I've been using plexus for years on helmets and their visors. I also use it on the plastics (painted and non-painted) on the bike and it does a great job.