My stuff smells a bit funky seeing as how I wear leathers most of the time on the bike (jacket always) pants mostly. I'm going to get all my gear dry cleaned at a hockey store for $40 for a load...I wondered about the helmet as that's slightly funky inside too. I'd take the visor off obviously, but would the shell be OK. I'm not absolutely sure what process they use for the cleaning to be honest, I'm assuming it's some fumigation affair and not like normal dry-cleaning as the leather wouldn't play nice with the solvents and plenty of players and goalies have no problem with their gloves in there. Do these things get used for hockey helmets too?
Hockey gear dry clean OK for helmet?
- Thread starter jc100
- Start date
Don't use chemicals on the helmet, as it could degrade the frangible foam. First, check to see if the liner is removable. If it is, just hand wash it in a sink with mild soap, then rinse a couple of times. Hang to dry.
If it isn't removable, then you'll need a tub or bucket that's large enough to immerse the whole thing. Use water and mild soap, squeeze the foam to make sure that it's well cleaned, rinse the same way, then air dry.
If it isn't removable, then you'll need a tub or bucket that's large enough to immerse the whole thing. Use water and mild soap, squeeze the foam to make sure that it's well cleaned, rinse the same way, then air dry.
If you decide to go the soap and water route, use dr. bronners soap. It's a really mild soap that cleans really well. It's all organic + doesn't have enzymes + a bunch of chemicals (so the concern about the foam deteriorating isn't an issue).
I also use this stuff to wash my bike, my dark clothes, dishes while camping, and my face after I work out before I put the helmet back on
I also use this stuff to wash my bike, my dark clothes, dishes while camping, and my face after I work out before I put the helmet back on
I always dry my hockey equipment out as soon as I get home so I've never had a problem with it stinking. Also, I only play a couple of nights a week.
My teenage sons are another story. Before we go away for tournaments I get their gear deodorized because I know it's going to be airing out in the hotel room I'm sleeping in. The process doesn't involve any chemicals or solvents. They just put it into a chamber and pump it full of ozone for a while which apparently kills the bacteria that cause the odor. It seems to work and I can't see how it would negatively affect any motorcycle gear including leathers and helmets.
My teenage sons are another story. Before we go away for tournaments I get their gear deodorized because I know it's going to be airing out in the hotel room I'm sleeping in. The process doesn't involve any chemicals or solvents. They just put it into a chamber and pump it full of ozone for a while which apparently kills the bacteria that cause the odor. It seems to work and I can't see how it would negatively affect any motorcycle gear including leathers and helmets.
B
Bigevildoer
Guest
Depends on what the process is that they use.
Some use something reminiscent of a giant dishwasher with hot water and propietary antibacterial soaps etc etc etc.
If you want to anti-stink the leathers, simply febreze them, let the dry thoroughly, and throw them into your freezer overnight. This also works for hockey gear for anyone interested. The freezer will kill all of the smell causing bacteria. I'd suggest throwing the gear into a garbage bag first so it doesn't come in contact with any of your food etc.
Did this for a friend of mine's skates who I took to get sharpened last summer. Left them in the car during the day (hot summer day) -- the smell of his skates didn't leave my car for over 3 weeks of febreze, air fresheners and driving with the windows open. Smell disappeared completely after a rinse in the laundry tub, outdoor drying and freezer treatment.
Some use something reminiscent of a giant dishwasher with hot water and propietary antibacterial soaps etc etc etc.
If you want to anti-stink the leathers, simply febreze them, let the dry thoroughly, and throw them into your freezer overnight. This also works for hockey gear for anyone interested. The freezer will kill all of the smell causing bacteria. I'd suggest throwing the gear into a garbage bag first so it doesn't come in contact with any of your food etc.
Did this for a friend of mine's skates who I took to get sharpened last summer. Left them in the car during the day (hot summer day) -- the smell of his skates didn't leave my car for over 3 weeks of febreze, air fresheners and driving with the windows open. Smell disappeared completely after a rinse in the laundry tub, outdoor drying and freezer treatment.
daveyflakes
Well-known member
Would it be safe to microwave the removable liner of the helmet to kill bacteria?
I do this with dish towels to keep the smell away... but not sure about the liner of a helmet...
I do this with dish towels to keep the smell away... but not sure about the liner of a helmet...
B
Bigevildoer
Guest
Ask for their brochure - it will tell you. See if they go to "Real Clean Gear" - you can read all about their process online.
Johnson's Baby Shampoo and lots of warm water. I've washed my Shoei TZR at least 6 times over the past 5 years and never had a problem with the liner or foam degrading and falling apart, or with rashes from left over chemicals. The only problem is that after every wash you need to break the helmet in again because the liner sponge reverts to its original size (no gunk and sweat to help it maintain its shape). 
Just a heads up: febreeze is a not a disinfectant. It's a perfume that masks the odour. The freezer also won't kill all of the bacteria. It'll kill maybe most of it, and the rest will remain once they defrost. Freezing doesn't remove dirt or dust (which bacteria likes to grow on)
sundancekid
Banned
+1
Febreeze is something you may wish to avoid. It is chalk full of chemicals which on their own may be somewhat benign, but when they mix with other chemicals (such as fire retardant applied during the manufacturing of some furniture) the result is a chemical cocktail which is full of carcinogens. I worked with a guy who was a Chemical P.Eng (professional engineer) and he said he'd never use Febreeze or other similar products because they are toxic.
Toxicity aside, I agree with Knowledge's assessment of the effectiveness of febreeze, freezing etc. If cold temps worked then everyone who keeps their gear in the garage over the winter would be good to go.
I'd go with the mild soap and warm water with a thorough air dry.
One or both of these products might do the trick, Grangers products are designed specifically for use on synthetic materials, its biodegradable, odor fighting, no perfumes etc.
http://www.mec.ca/Products/product_...4442620615&FOLDER<>folder_id=2534374302698657
http://www.mec.ca/Products/product_...4442630692&FOLDER<>folder_id=2534374302733875
You can also find Granger's products at Le Baron's. I've used it and it is good stuff.
Warm water and baby shampoo work for me. Smell fresh every single time.
