Caring For Your One K Riding Helmet

Your One K helmet is one of the most important pieces of riding gear you own. It keeps your head protected from otherwise potentially serious injuries. Helmets are meant to be worn all the time – rain, shine, heat waves, etc. and tend to become rather dirty over time from sweat, dust and just general usage. As such, it is not only important to know how to clean and maintain your helmet so that you’re not surrounding your head with a dank interior lining, but also to extend the life of your helmet.

Cleaning Your Helmet

A clean helmet not only looks nice; it is more comfortable to wear. To thoroughly clean your helmet, you’ll want to make sure you’re focusing on its exterior as well as its interior. When cleaning your One K™ helmet make sure you’re not using any solvents or harsh chemicals, which could damage it. For the most part, water, mild soap, and a lint-free cloth are all you’ll need.

Cleaning Your Helmet's Exterior

The proper cleaning method is determined by the material the exterior of your helmet is comprised of. If your helmet’s exterior has a smooth outer shell or is a helmet from One K Helmet’s Defender Designer line, cleaning your riding helmet requires that you simply brush or wipe off any loose dirt or debris. If wet dirt or mud is present, you should wait for it to dry before attempting to brush or wipe it off.

For any smudges or remaining dirt, you can wipe the helmet with a soft towel or microfiber cloth and soapy water. After it is clean, you should place your helmet out of direct heat and sunlight, and let it air dry.
Thorough One K helmet care also includes attending to the air vents. To safely clean these areas, you should simply use compressed air to blow out any dirt or debris.

Cleaning Your Helmet's Interior

Probably the most important aspect of cleaning your riding helmet is the interior. This is because any helmet that is worn on a regular basis is going to accumulate dirt, sweat, and bacteria, which can cause the liner of your helmet to emit an unpleasant odor. Because One K Helmets come equipped with moisture-wicking, anti-microbial liners, you should at first allow your helmet to air dry before storing it in a bag or trunk as this can help to prevent bad smells and bacteria growth. However, you’ll still need to clean your helmet’s interior from time to time.

There are a variety of options for cleaning the interior of your helmet. Which one you choose depends largely on how dirty the interior is. For instance, you may be able to simply use a spray that deodorizes your helmet by killing the odor-causing bacteria. If this is all you need, you can spray the lining of the helmet and place it in a cool place to dry.

Other sprays are designed to tackle sunscreen, makeup, and even grease build up. For this type of grime, you can spray the cleaner onto the liner and let it sit for approximately two or three minutes. Once the grime is loosened, you can use a damp cloth to gently work the cleaner into your liner. You should continue doing this until all of the dirt and debris has transferred onto the cloth.

Finally, because One K Helmet liners are removable, you can simply remove your liner and place it in the washing machine. In this case, you should be sure to carefully follow the washing instructions. In addition, be sure to air-dry the liner in the shade, not in the dryer. However, if you prefer, you can simply soak your liner in mild, soapy water and rinse it thoroughly. Again, you should let it air dry in the shade.

Of course, do not forget the chinstrap. You can simply wipe it clean with a moist, lint-free cloth.

Note: always make sure your helmet’s liner has thoroughly air dried after washing. Using a helmet with a damp liner is not only uncomfortable it promotes the growth of bacteria, which can result in the very smell you have just spent your time trying to resolve.

Storing Your Helmet

In addition to keeping your helmet clean and free of offensive odors, you’ll want to make sure you are also properly storing your One K helmet. Using a helmet cover or bag will help prevent any accidental scratches or bumps. It is also important to ensure that your helmet is thoroughly dry before storing. Storing a damp helmet promotes the growth of mold and unwanted bacteria, presenting you with a brand new cleaning problem. Utilizing a helmet rack is another great way to store your helmet as it protects it while allowing it to air out and remain in shape.

Although One K Helmets outer shells are comprised of a polycarbonate and advanced ABS composite, exposure to excessive heat over a long period of time is not recommended. Therefore, you should choose a place to store your helmet that is out of direct sunlight. Additionally, you should not store your helmet in your car because excessive heat can build up inside your vehicle.

Finally, it is recommended you replace your helmet every three to five years (sometimes more frequently is required depending on hours of use). Furthermore, if you have experienced a fall in which you have hit your head, you should replace your helmet before your next ride. Immediate replacement is recommended because every time your helmet experiences an impact, the ability to protect your head is decreased during any subsequent fall. In fact, if you drop your helmet on a hard surface, you should replace your helmet, too.