If you take good care of your equestrian riding helmet, it will last you for up to five years.The inside of a riding helmet should be washed regularly to keep it smelling and feeling fresh.Over time, the inside of your horse gets dirty and the outside can get covered in dust and mud.The helmet's exterior needs to be cleaned to keep it presentable and prevent staining.It will be with you for a long time if you wash your helmet after a ride.
Step 1: Wait for the dirt to dry before you clean it off.
If you attempt to clean off wet mud and dirt it will rub it in further and make the outside of your helmet more difficult to wash.After using your helmet, set it aside in a dry, well-ventilated area and let it air dry before you clean it.If you put your helmet in direct sunlight, it can cause the materials in it to warp or melt.
Step 2: Use a soft clothes brush to clean helmets.
Natural bristles such as horsehair are ideal for a clothes brush.Rub the brush back and forth over the helmet until you get rid of all the dirt and dust.If you accidentally scratch the microfiber or velvet, don't use stiff-bristled brushes on your helmet.If your helmet is made of microfiber, you can use a brush and block to clean and revive it.If your helmet is velvet, try holding it upside down over a steaming pot of boiling water after you clean it.You can protect your hands from the heat with an oven mitt or kitchen towel.
Step 3: A damp, lint-free cloth is used to wipe off vinyl helmets.
Take a microfiber cloth and soak it in cold or warm water and wring out the excess lint.Rub the outside of your helmet with it until you get rid of all the dirt and dust.If your helmet is particularly dirty, rinse and wring the cloth as you go.A clean piece of an old cotton T-shirt could be used as an alternative to a microfiber cloth.If you have stuck-on dirt, you can use mild soapy water to scrub it off, then wipe it away with plain water.
Step 4: Do not use commercial helmet cleaners on your helmet.
The inside of your helmet should be cleaned by a commercial helmet cleaner.Commercial cleaning products can harm the materials on the exterior of your helmet, so don't use them for this purpose.If the outside of your helmet is dirty and you can't clean it yourself, you may be able to find a local cleaner that specializes in cleaning sports equipment.
Step 5: Dust and dirt can be blown out of air vents and channels with compressed air.
You should get a can of compressed air.If you want to clean the air vents in your helmet, point the nozzle at them and press the button.You can use a can of compressed air to clean electronics.
Step 6: Remove the inner fittings and wash them in cold water.
Remove the linings that are attached with button snaps.They should be placed in your washing machine and washed on a cold cycle.The manufacturer's website or tags on the linings should always be used for special instructions.
Step 7: To clean straps and buckles, use a lint-free cloth and water.
If you want to make a microfiber cloth out of a lint-free cloth, soak it in water and wring it out.To remove dirt and dust from your helmet, wipe down the attached straps and buckles.If there are any hard-to-reach spots in the helmet hardware that you can't get the cloth into, you could use a soft-bristled brush, such as an old toothbrush, to gently scrub them with water.
Step 8: You can spray a deodorizer into your helmet.
The manufacturer of your helmet makes a deodorizer spray that is meant for cleaning equestrian riding helmets.It's a good idea to spray it evenly over the inside of your helmet.Follow the instructions on the spray's label for exact application directions.The helmet sprays kill odor-causingbacteria.Dirt and makeup can be loosened and removed with some help.Alcohol-based cleaners can dry out materials used in liners, so it's best to avoid them.
Step 9: Wait a few minutes, then use a damp cloth to put the deodorizer into the liner.
If you have a cleaning spray, let the deodorizer sit for 1-2 minutes to let it do its job.Grab a clean microfiber cloth or other type of lint-free cloth and gently rub the spray into the entire inside of your helmet using circular motions.If your spray is designed to remove dirt, you should see dirt transfer to the cloth.If it is just a deodorizer, you can use it to kill odors andbacteria in your helmet.
Step 10: Before you store it, let your helmet air dry.
Set your helmet aside in a dry place.If applicable, hang up your liners to dry.Wait for everything to be completely dry before you take your helmet off.It will prevent odors from forming when your helmet is still damp.