Cleaning my helmet

[uncinquesei]

I mean really cleaning my helmet. It stinks - as soon as I get a bit hot and sweaty, the sweat that runs down smells awful. I've replaced and washed all the soft pads but it seems to me that the accumulation of old sweat within the helmet itself is the problem. I don't know if it's likely to be soaked into the polystyrene or just gathered and dried inside the shell, waiting to be rehydrated by my next excursion...
It's so bad I don't wear it unless I'm going out for a "proper" ride - I commute sans casque every day.
Basically, can I wrap it in a t shirt, stick it in one of those net laundry bags and put it in the washing machine or is there a particular technique?

[RGambo]

Well if it's that bad, i'd say what have you go tot loose. If it goes wrong, you can just buy a new one.

[donfisher]

If you’ve washed the pads properly then it’ll be the straps – take it in the shower with you and give the whole thing a good wash – then give the straps a good going over with some of the mrs’ expensive shampoo. Do that a couple of times or until it stops smelling.

Having had this problem a few times a cycling cap or skullcap underneath helps stop this pretty well IME.

[fletch78]

Best thread title ever, and has more double entendres than a Carry On Film

On topic though, I'd also say what have you got lose in putting it in the washing machine, if it's that bad now seems like you're on the point of binning it anyway.

[uncinquesei]

Shower is a good call! I'll try that, before I do this:

typical moneybags PH member said:

just buy a new one!

(only kidding )

[richardxjr]

One of the many reasons I wear a cap. Just bung it in the wash once a week.

[TonyHetherington]

I have a big belfast sink - and just fill that with water and a little soap, then just slosh it around for 10mins and hang it on the washing line - seems to keep it pretty clean.

[bigdom]

Might be worth soaking in something like Milton sterilising, it's the bacteria causing the issue.

http://www.milton-tm.com/en/consumer/products/ster...

[S10GTA]

I take mine in the shower every now and then, seems to do the trick

[uncinquesei]

Looks like it's the shower then. One question though, doesn't it get in the way when you wash your hair?

[littleandy0410]

Awaiting "woosh parrot" here, but I can't believe anyone would seriously consider the washing machine?!

I would just go for bucket/sink of soapy water, if that fails try bucket of weak Milton solution.

[Gizmoish]

In the sink.

Or buy a new one.

Mine hasn't been washed in three years though...

[AyBee]

- Take a bucket of water and bung in some washing powder;
- Stir;
- Add helmet;
- Add weight to helmet to keep it in the water;
- Leave to soak;
- Occasionally rub straps with fingers and leave to soak for longer making sure you move the plastic bits so you can get to the whole strap;
- Hang up to dry

I tend to do this every couple of months to the commute helmet.

[Dammit]

How old is the lid? They're meant to get recycle into decorative hanging baskets once they hit two years old as the accumulation of minor knocks they pick up progressively degrades the polystyrene structure- allegedly, anyway.

If it's only a year or so old then a good wash in the sink and then maybe stick it in the freezer overnight to kill any bacteria the scrub didn't get to?

[Gizmoish]

Two years? Mines seven years old and hasn't crumbled into dust yet.

Also, freezing doesn't kill bacteria.

[Dammit]

Well, you may, for the last five years, have been wearing what amounts to a jaunty polystyrene hat.

Freezing certainly stops a particularly penetrating pen and ink coming from the gloves of one of my friends - maybe it's not killing the bacteria as we thought, but it does work.

[Gizmoish]

As discussed at length, they're basically a jaunty polystyrene hat even when new.

I do like the idea of converting one into a hanging basket though.

[lukeyman]

I unlaced all the straps and pads from mine and put them through the washing machine inside a sock.

Was a bit of a faff remembering how to redo it though.

[uncinquesei]

bigdom said:

Might be worth soaking in something like Milton sterilising, it's the bacteria causing the issue.

http://www.milton-tm.com/en/consumer/products/ster...

Fantastic advice, thanks.
Tried washing it in non bio washing stuff last week, it was ok but still, on a long ride, the lingering stink of old rides returned.
Bought some Milton tablets at the chemist (£1.49 for a box, so cheap as), filled a suitable container, dropped a tablet in, weighed down helmet so it was submerged and left it all evening. Popped it in airing cupboard to dry, took it out last night and it's perfect. Smells faintly of sterilising fluid (a not unpleasant, clean smell) rode in this morning, no nasty stuff leeching out of the straps/ shell / pads and running down my face. Result.
Highly recommend this method.