bikejrff

The straps on some of my helmets are really grungy. What about the dishwasher? Anybody ever done that?

79pmooney

I wouldn't but have never tired it. I fill my bathroom sink about half way, add some laundry detergent, put the helmet in upside down and massage some soapy water into the foam pads, flip over, massage the straps and let the helmet soak overnight with the pads in the detergent water. Rinse in the morning. tamp with a clean towel and hang to dry. Not a whole lot of work.

A trick to keep your helmet cleaner and smelling nicer - wear a cycling skull cap under it. I wear the Pace caps year 'round, leaving for every ride with a clean one. Doesn't help the straps, but makes the rest a lot more pleasant and the foam pads last longer.

Ben

Doug64

I don't really think it is recommended, unless you want to get a new helmet. Dish detergent and an old tooth brush works pretty well.

Sy Reene

Probably can't hurt.. though I wouldn't try unless this is a last ditch effort to save the helmet anyway before buying a new one. Turn off the high heat drying option though.. ie. I'd try the "crystal" setting if your machine offers it. Also consider taking out (for most helmets) the removable velcro pads.

Dirt Farmer

What's wrong with washing under the bathroom/kitchen faucet, with a little soap?

shelbyfv

I spray Oxy cleaner on the straps and pads, let it sit awhile, then rinse. It really does get the stink out. Also use it in the washer with the bike clothes.

DrIsotope

MucOff, ProGold, Motorex, Motul, and I sure a few others all make a foaming aerosol helmet cleaner. You just spray it in, let it soak, give the extra dirty bits a wipe down with a microfiber, then leave to dry. I've never had to clean any of my helmets out with water.

Cyclist0108

Just let it get crusty and then crunch up the straps and collect the flakes. Makes good eatin'

Dirt Farmer

Let your dog/cat lick off the salt. All better!

Tape2012

The heat during the wash cycle cannot be good for the foam helmet or the adhesives used. I wouldn't do it. Too much risk just to save yourself a little work washing by hand.

BikeliciousBabe

You can wash on cold but still wouldn't do it lol

Tape2012

While my dishwasher has the option to turn off the drying cycle, there is no option to control the heat of the wash cycle itself. I don't think I have ever had one that had that option.

rgconner

For best results, keep it strapped to your head.

1Coopgt

Put it in a sink with water and a little hair shampoo. I do the same with my motorcycle helmet with out immersing it in the sink . I used a Microfiber cloth for the EPS foam in my helmet.

1Coopgt

Nothing

Be careful some chemicals with attack the EPS Foam that the helmet is made out of .

BikeliciousBabe

Ohhh I see. Ours allows us to choose between "cold," "mild," and "hot." I assumed they all were similar. My apologies.

Tape2012

My sense of cheapness would never allow me to splurge on an option that would allow my dishes to enjoy a comfortable wash cycle.

gecho

Heat of dishwasher would probably loosen anything that is held in place by adhesive. Which could include foam pads, decals, and the entire plastic shell. I think most dishwashers are plumbed into the hot water line only with no option for cold. I wash mine outside in a 5 gallon pail with soap and a bit of bleach.

Myosmith

5-gallon bucket with warm water and a dribble of detergent. Slosh around a bit and let soak for a couple of minutes. Rinse with garden hose. Works great for me and I do my gloves at the same time.

coominya

Water may get between the Styrofoam and the plastic cover, dribble out at a most inconvenient time.

TimothyH

Just bring it into the shower with you once in a while, along with your heart rate monitor strap. Hang on the towel rack to dry. Done.

If you are worried about the helmet then remove the straps and pads.



Done.

indyfabz

*smh*

Juan Foote

Not really sure I see issue with it. Assuming you use a cool water cycle, or that your water tank isn't set to scald. Water only shouldn't cause a problem at all. You wear in the rain without it "falling apart".

I use the dishwasher to clean paintball masks. Doesn't do anything to the foam around the lenses or the seal between, straps hold up fine and hold elastic.

DomaneS5

The skullcap mentioned earlier helps a lot. I've never washed my helmets. They don't stink, but I'm not a heavy sweater. People who sweat buckets probably do have issues with helmet funk.

CroMo Mike 

I don't like the idea of washing non-food items in my dishwasher, or kitchen sink for that matter. I won't bathe babies or pets in the kitchen sink either. Or dump out the dirty water from the carpet shampoo machine into the sink (like they do in the ad on TV). No way. I've even seen suggestions to wash small engine parts in the dishwasher or bake heat-proof or heat-setting paint in the oven - nope. I'd wash those icky things in the laundry sink or outdoors in a bucket. Helmet? Probably time for a new one, anyway.