How can you tell if your helmet...............

[Nexus242]

Smells?? I shower nearly everyday as a rule and on those days I am out on the bike I have showered and used shampoo so I know my hair is pretty clean when I put the helmet on. However I know my head sweats, as do all heads, in hotter months and days. So I ask this question how do you know if your helmet smells?? I've smelled it but I just am not 100% sure there isn't an odor that that I'm just not sensing since it's my own. I'd ask some one I work with or my neighbor but I just don't know how to approach that one tactfully.

Your thoughts discussed here:

[Trapper]

Your nose smells and your helmet stinks.

[c50tiger]

Have any animals? Or one you could borrow for a test? If you put it down near it and it shies away, good bet your helmet is a bit on the ripe side

Never really thought about it, but I guess a shot of febreeze or some similar odor nuetralizer to the liner once and I while might not hurt. May want to check manufacturers cautions on that.

[Nexus242]

Originally Posted by c50tiger

Have any animals? Or one you could borrow for a test? If you put it down near it and it shies away, good bet your helmet is a bit on the ripe side

Well that might work for others but my S.A. Scully, a 2.5 year old house cat, likes to lick my barefeet and toes. Strange yes, but I've come to like it over time.

[c50tiger]

Originally Posted by Nexus242

Well that might work for others but my S.A. Scully, a 2.5 year old house cat, likes to lick my barefeet and toes. Strange yes, but I've come to like it over time.

That's gonna leave a visual it'll be hard to get rid of.

Mine likes to nibble on my fingers, but it's one of those left over kittenish behaviors. He only does it when he's being cuddly.

Ok, I just went and checked, and the 'instructions' that came with my new Sy-Max actually state to keep it away from animals... the salt in the sweat makes the liner an inviting chew toy. (maybe that's why Scully likes you toes.)

So until someone pops up and gives a good reason not to, I'll stick with the febreeze suggestion.

You could also clean the liner with a baking soda/water solution, but be sure to let it air dry (no using a hair dryer to speed the process)

[prekarious1]

if you are going to febreeze your liner then you need to ensure that you use just enough to do the job and give plenty of time to air out before wearing again. The fumes in an enclosed space ( your helmet ) can play tricks on ya that you really don't need while moving on 2 wheels.

A mild washing soap such as wool lite, warm water, and a sponge is all that you need. Another decent idea is to get a spare set of liners for your helmet so that while one is clean and drying you can slip the other in and still go riding. I clean mine about once a week in the summer but maybe only once a month or so in the winter. Just make sure that you use a MILD, NO DETERGENT OR FRAGRANCE soap to clean with.

[Gixxerdale]

Originally Posted by c50tiger

Have any animals? Or one you could borrow for a test? If you put it down near it and it shies away, good bet your helmet is a bit on the ripe side

If it stinks and they walk away, that's good right? On the other hand if it stinks enough, they may just lift a leg to add their own scent!

[Gixxerdale]

This may be something to consider:
A few riders I know including our own SG1 wear a head rag. It keeps the hair, dirt, and oil away from the helmet liner, keeping it much cleaner. Just wash the rag occassionally.

[LayinLo]

I'm laughing soooo hard at Nexus's original reply that I can't even reply yet!!!!1

[Va bene]

So now we understand Nexus! Cats are such characters. Regarding the helmet, Febreze does work well...just take the suggestion mentioned above and let it air out before wearing.

[stevie c]

I bought some spray foam in a bike shop,seems ok.
I only bought it because a magazine i read done an article on bacteria living in helmets and earplugs,it wasn't pretty reading!

[wavyredlaurie]

Another option is to stuff your helmet with wadded up newspapers whenever you aren't wearing it. I don't know why it works, but it does. My first helmet, which I got used, was kinda ripe, and this took care of it in about a week.

[Darxide]

febreeze rox too

[LayinLo]

I always keep around a few dryer sheets (Like Bounce or Snuggle) and stuff my helmet at night. I try to let it dry out (if I sweated) first then put them in, and then remove them in the morning and all day it keeps a fresh smell.


ps keeps the head smelling good too.

[FIVEINCH]

This has got tbe the FUNNIEST thread yet!!

[blaine]

I always wear a doo rag.

It's a whole lot easier to wash / clean then the liner or your helmet.

[Gixxerdale]

Nice Blackbird!

[blaine]

Originally Posted by Gixxerdale

Nice Blackbird!

Thanks man, right back at you, Nice Gixxer

[Nexus242]

Originally Posted by blaine

I always wear a doo rag.

It's a whole lot easier to wash / clean then the liner or your helmet.

Dear Blaine, I refuse to wear a "Doo Rag" on principle.





"Blaine?? His name it Blaine?!?! That's not a name, that's a major applicance!!" Ducky - Pretty in Pink

[cerastes]

Perhaps someone should patent and manufacture some of those Xmas tree air fresheners for your helmet. It could dangle between your eyes on the inside of your visor as your riding.