Helmet Care Guide Cleaning Storage Maintenance for Longer Life

Key Takeaways

• Use cool water and mild, pH-neutral soap on shells, straps, pads. Avoid solvents, bleach, ammonia, and heat. 

• Air dry in shade with airflow. Never use hair dryers, radiators, or a tumble dryer. Heat can damage shells, foam, adhesives, and fit systems. 

• Clean pads gently, then refit and recheck goggle–helmet interface and BOA or fit dial tension. Replace worn pads to restore fit. 

• Store cool and dry, in a bag, away from UV and hot cars to extend materials and adhesives life. 

• If odor or mildew persists, pads crumble, or you see delamination or strap fray, cleaning will not fix it. It is time to replace. 

Introduction

Let’s face it - helmet pads can get sweaty! A clean, well-fitting helmet is safer and more comfortable (and way less gross). Our Craniologie helmet care guide shows you how to wash liners and straps, dry and store your helmet, and control odor without harming EPS, EPP, Mips, Koroyd, shells, or adhesives. Follow these simple steps to preserve fit, protect materials, and extend usable life between replacements. We keep it practical and brand-agnostic, just like our in-store Headucator sessions.

The breakdown:  Hand clean with cool water and a small amount of mild, pH-neutral soap. Wipe shells and straps with a soft cloth, wash pads by hand, then air dry fully in shade. Do not use alcohol, bleach, ammonia, petroleum solvents, dishwashers, washing machines, hair dryers, or radiators. Reassemble only when dry. 

Know Your Materials Before You Wash

• Foams: Most snow helmets use EPS foam. Some use EPP foam inserts. Both are sensitive to solvents and heat, which can weaken protection without visible damage. Labels are required to warn that common cleaners can damage helmets. 

• Rotational liners: Systems like Mips are plastic-on-low-friction layers. If this gets dirty (unlikely), wipe off the plastic with a wet paper towel. Do not remove or pry unless a manual says so. Avoid harsh chemicals. 

• Energy cells: Koroyd is a welded polymer honeycomb. Treat it gently, avoid corrosive cleaners, and keep away from high heat. 

• Shells: Polycarbonate, ABS, hybrid and hardshells clean with mild soap and water only. Solvents and certain sprays can attack coatings and adhesives. 

EPS vs EPP vs Koroyd: care sensitivities

Step-by-Step: Clean Liners, Pads, Straps, and Shell

1. Prep
   Remove electronics, cameras, and audio. Detach removable pads and liners. Note pad orientation for reassembly.

2. Pads and liners
   Swish in cool water with a few drops of mild, pH-neutral soap or baby shampoo. Press water out with a towel. Do not wring. Air dry completely in the shade. 

3. Mips or other rotational liners
   Wipe gently with a damp cloth and mild soap. Do not soak. Do not use alcohol wipes or disinfectants that can harden plastics or affect lubricity. 

4. Shell and vents
   Wipe with a microfiber cloth and mild soap. Use a soft brush to lift salt and dust from vents. Rinse with a damp cloth, then towel-press to remove surface water. Avoid solvents, bleach, ammonia, bug spray overspray, petroleum cleaners, and dishwashers. 

5. Straps, chin cup, buckles, rivets
   Hand wash straps with mild soap. Rinse well and air dry. Inspect hardware for corrosion or fray. Replace if damaged. 

6. Drying
   Airflow is your friend. Shade dry only. No hair dryers, radiators, tumble dryers, boot dryers, or direct sun baking. Heat can warp shells and compromise adhesives.

Headucator tips for fit and usage

• After the pads dry, re-fit your helmet. Clean pads can feel thinner. Swap pad thicknesses if needed to restore snug, even contact. 

• Recheck the goggle–helmet interface. Washing can change pad loft. Adjust your fit system or pad set for a seamless seal at the brim.

• If you sweat heavily, keep a spare pad set and rotate between rides to reduce odor buildup and keep fit consistent. 

Odor Control and Mildew Prevention

• Routine matters: Rinse pads after sweaty days and dry fully so moisture does not linger in foam. 

• Deodorize safely: Place baking-soda sachets or activated-charcoal packs near the helmet during storage, not directly against damp liners. Avoid fragrance sprays or chemical deodorizers on foams.

• Mildew remediation: Wash pads as above and dry thoroughly. If odor persists or pads crumble, replace pads. Persistent mildew can mean it is time for a new helmet.

Storage and Travel: Protect Fit and Materials

• Off-season: Store cool and dry, in a helmet bag, away from UV. Keep silica gel packs nearby in humid climates. 

• Hot cars: Avoid trunks and dashboards. High temperatures can deform shells and soften adhesives. In fact, just don’t keep your helmet in your car when you have other options.

• Travel: Nest goggles within the helmet bucket and soft goods around the helmet inside a bag so luggage pressure does not crush vents or adjusters. Remove camera mounts if they snag.

When Cleaning Will Not Fix It

Replace the helmet if you see shell cracks, foam crush, delamination, strap or buckle damage, or if odor persists after thorough cleaning. Hidden damage is possible and labels warn that chemical damage may not be visible. When in doubt, replace. 

FAQ

Can I machine wash my helmet liner or pads?
Hand wash pads in cool water with mild soap, then air dry. Some brands say a gentle machine cycle can be used in a mesh bag at cold settings, but air dry only and expect reduced pad life. Check your manual. 

Is it safe to use alcohol wipes or bleach to disinfect?
No! Standards require helmets to warn that common cleaners like alcohol, ammonia, or bleach can damage materials and the damage may not be visible. Use mild soap and water instead. 

Can I dry my helmet with a hair dryer or on a radiator?
Avoid heat drying. High heat can warp shells, affect adhesives, and stress fit systems. Airdry in shade, instead.

How do I clean a helmet with Mips?
Wipe the Mips liner gently with mild soap and water. Do not pry up the layer or use solvents. Let it air dry before reassembly.

What about Koroyd honeycomb inside my helmet?
Treat Koroyd gently. Hand wash only, avoid corrosive cleaners, and keep away from high heat like hot car interiors. 

Will washing change my fit?
Clean pads can feel thinner. Recheck BOA or fit dials and swap pad thicknesses if needed to restore a secure, even contact around your head. 

Whether you ride Breck’s bumps or skin up Vail Pass, clean gear fits better and feels better. If you want help refitting after a wash or deciding if it is time to replace, our Headucators are here. Book an Expert Fit, shop helmets, or visit a Colorado Craniologie store today.