How do you take the funk out of a bike helmet?

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Permalink Reply by Duppie on July 21, 2009 at 8:24am

I have successfully put it in the dishwasher: Leave the foam pads in. Put the helmet on the topshelf of an otherwise empty dishwasher, make sure the straps don't interfere with the rotating mechanism below, add a little bit of detergent, pick a short program, et voila!. My helmet smelled lemon-fresh again
I don't suggest you do this too often, since I am not sure about the long-term impact on the foam. I've done it a few times over the lifetime of a helemt
Duppie

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Permalink Reply by root on July 21, 2009 at 8:31am

i've been wondering this too. i was considering finding some sort of anti-bacterial sports equipment spray but i don't know how well it would do the job.

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Permalink Reply by RodimusPrime on July 21, 2009 at 9:16am

won't the dishwasher degrade the styrofoam?

maybe just a cleaning with soap and water

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Permalink Reply by Duppie on July 21, 2009 at 9:31am

RodimusPrime said:

won't the dishwasher degrade the styrofoam?

maybe just a cleaning with soap and water

Maybe if you do it every week. I do it maybe once a year when i start noticing the smell, and replace my helmet after a 2-3 years. Haven't noticed an issue with the foam.

I tried the soap and water approach before and it did not get rid of the stench.
Duppie

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Permalink Reply by Andy K> on July 21, 2009 at 1:26pm

Shower with it on, seriously.

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Permalink Reply by Homebuilt on July 21, 2009 at 3:34pm

I concur, this is what I do.

I would hesitate w/the dishwasher, even tho' we put everything else thru' it :-)

Jennifer Davis said:

Are the pads removable? Mine are; I take them out and wash them in a delicates bag with my gloves in the gentle cycle, and then hang everything to dry. The shell I wipe clean with liquid hand soap and water. The straps I just soak for a while in warm water until it runs clear.

I like the dishwasher idea, but alas I don't have one. Maybe I'll try soaking the whole thing overnight in a soapy sink next time?

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Permalink Reply by Ken Gray on July 22, 2009 at 6:31am

Thanks, it all sounds like great advice. Last night I went with the shower idea. So far, so good. I'll let you know how it works out after a ride or two! Thanks and keep riding, Ken.

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Permalink Reply by Jan on July 22, 2009 at 6:46am

I don't wear it in the shower but I do take it in the shower with me and shampoo it.

Jan

Andy K> said:

Shower with it on, seriously.

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