Een nieuwe motorhelm koop je doorgaans voor jarenlang rijplezier. Ondanks dat een motorhelm niet het eeuwige leven heeft is enige voorzichtigheid geboden om er zo lang mogelijk mee te doen. Aan de hand van de volgende tips leer je alles over het motorhelm schoonmaken.
- Clean the helmet interior for a fresh helmet
- Do not put gloves inside your helmet
- Clean the visor of your motorcycle helmet with a soft cloth
- Store it in a helmet cover
- Grease the helmet rubbers
1. CLEAN THE HELMET INTERIOR FOR A FRESH FEELING
Your helmet’s interior lining endures the most wear and tear as it is in constant contact with your skin. In warm weather, sweat and hair styling products can affect the inner shell and liner. The same applies if you wear makeup, such as foundation, inside your helmet.
To keep the helmet interior in top condition, consider using a motorcycle balaclava. This prevents direct contact between your skin and the liner and is much easier to wash. Silk balaclavas are a great option as they are antibacterial and smooth, reducing hair breakage.
Additionally, there are various cleaning solutions designed specifically for helmet interiors. These products effectively remove odors and bacteria. The specialists at ROKiT have created the ultimate helmet cleaning kit, including a microfiber cloth, interior cleaner, anti-fog spray, and visor cleaner.
2. DON'T STORE YOUR GLOVES INSIDE YOUR HELMET
Many riders (myself included) are guilty of this – it’s just so convenient. You reach your destination and instinctively place your gloves inside your helmet. However, this habit is bad for the inner lining, especially due to the Velcro on gloves. Over time, Velcro can cause the liner to fray and degrade its moisture-wicking and antibacterial properties, which can also affect comfort.
Instead, carry your gloves separately, store them in your motorcycle’s storage compartment if possible, or tuck them into your jacket. If you use a backpack, that’s also a great place to keep them. When putting your helmet away after a ride, be mindful of this to maintain its condition.
3. CLEANING YOUR HELMET VISOT AND PINLOCK? USE A SOFT CLOTH!
After a ride, your helmet visor is likely covered in bugs. What should you do? Avoid using paper towels! Paper contains wood fibers, and no matter how scratch-resistant your visor is, it won’t withstand the abrasiveness of paper towels. Instead, use a clean, soft cloth along with a dedicated helmet and visor cleaner—ideally, a microfiber cloth, as it won’t scratch your helmet.
Be cautious when cleaning your Pinlock visor! This insert cannot withstand any type of cleaning solution. Fortunately, since it’s on the inside of your visor, it rarely gets dirty. If necessary, clean it gently with a soft cloth and a bit of water, and avoid applying pressure. Pat it dry carefully. The silicone seal around the Pinlock ensures no moisture gets between the visor and the insert. Removing the Pinlock from your visor might reduce its effectiveness, especially if it has been in place for a long time. If your Pinlock insert looks worn out, replacing it is the best option. Poor visibility while riding is both annoying and dangerous!
Pinlock visors aren’t the only ones that require careful cleaning—mirrored visors are also sensitive. Their reflective coating is achieved through a thin film layer, which should only be cleaned with a microfiber cloth and water.
Visor cleaners come in many varieties, from large bottles to compact spray bottles that are easy to carry on the go. Helmets with a matte finish also have specialized detailing products available. These help remove fingerprints while adding a protective layer.
4. STORE YOUR MOTORCYCLE HELMET IN A HELMET BAG
Bij elke motorhelm die je nieuw bij ons koopt krijg je een helmhoes mee. Door je helm in deze hoes op te bergen is hij beter beschermd tegen stof en vuil. Daarbij voorkomt het beschadigen wanneer je de helm ergens mee naartoe neemt. Zo’n helmhoes is vaak van een zacht microvezel materiaal dat je motorhelm met fluwelen handschoentjes beschermd. Het is verstandig om je helm op te bergen op een plek buiten de zon, zodat UV straling geen invloed heeft op de helmschaal.
Zoals het beter is voor je motor om hem eerst te laten afkoelen voordat je de motorhoes er overheen doet, is het belangrijk dat je je helm eerst laat luchten voordat je de helmhoes er omheen doet. Laat je helm even staan met het vizier en ventilatie open zodat de binnenvoering kan drogen. Hierdoor voorkom je dat er schimmel kan ontstaan en bescherm je de helmschaal waardoor de veiligheid gegarandeerd kan blijven.
5. LUBRICATE THE HELMET SEALS AFTER CLEANING
The rubber seals around your helmet play a crucial role in maintaining a proper seal, particularly around the visor. Occasionally lubricating these rubber seals prevents them from drying out and helps maintain a watertight fit against rain. You can use a silicone-based liquid, applied lightly with a cloth or your finger, to keep the seals flexible and effective.
