It’s no secret that a clean hockey helmet can help you play your best on the ice. But what many people don’t know is how to properly clean their helmet to help it last longer and get rid of those nasty hockey smells.
In this guide, we will cover the different ways to clean a hockey helmet, as well as some tips and tricks for washing it and keeping it squeaky clean. Let’s get started!
Why It’s Important To Clean Your Helmet
We all know that hockey is a tough sport. You’re constantly hitting the ice, getting hit by the puck, and fighting for position. It’s no wonder that your hockey helmet gets pretty dirty pretty quickly.
But did you know that cleaning your helmet is actually really important? Not only will it make your helmet look better, but it will also help to keep you safe on the ice.
So why should you bother cleaning your helmet? Well, for starters, it’s important to remove any sweat or bacteria from your helmet after each use. This will help keep your helmet smelling fresh and prevent any build-up of gunk that can lead to skin irritation or even infection.
In addition, a clean helmet will also help you stay focused on the game and not be distracted by an itchy or uncomfortable head. There’s nothing worse than a smelly, sweaty helmet you have to wear.
And lastly, keeping your helmet clean will extend its lifespan so you can enjoy wearing it for many seasons to come. Helmets are expensive, so there’s no point in having to buy a new one because you didn’t bother to take care of the one you have.
How To Clean A Hockey Helmet
Now that we’ve covered why cleaning your helmet is important let’s get into how to actually do it.
Depending on the severity of the dirt and grime, you may only need to do a light cleaning or a more thorough one.
For a quick once-over, you can simply wipe down the outside of your helmet with a damp cloth. Be sure to remove any visible dirt, dust, or debris. You can also use an alcohol-free wipe to clean the visor of your helmet.
If your helmet is in need of a more thorough cleaning, you will want to remove the liner and wash it separately. Most liners are made from anti-bacterial materials that can be machine-washed. However, you may want to hand-wash them to be on the safe side.
To wash by hand, grab some shampoo, warm water, and a soft cloth. Wet the cloth with warm water and add a small amount of shampoo. Gently scrub the liner until it is clean. Rinse with warm water and allow to air dry.
Make sure the shampoo is no-tear, as you don’t want it to get in your eyes the next day. When rinsing and drying, ensure that there’s no shampoo left over.
Once the liner is clean, you can move on to cleaning the rest of the helmet. Start by removing any dirt or debris with a cloth or brush. If there is any tough grime, you can use a mild soap and warm water to help loosen it up.
Rinse the helmet with clean water and use a soft cloth to dry it off. If you have a hair dryer, you can use that on a low setting to help speed up the drying process. Just be sure not to hold the blow dryer too close to the helmet
Cleaning Your Visor
As anyone who has played hockey knows, the visor on your helmet can quickly become covered in dirt, sweat, and grime. Not only is this unsightly, but it can also impede your vision and lead to dangerous accidents on the ice.
However, with a few simple steps, you can easily keep your visor clean and clear.
Before each game, give your visor a quick wipe with a microfiber cloth to remove any fingerprints or smudges.
But, for a deeper clean once a week, start by removing the visor from your helmet. If there is any dirt or grime on the surface, use a soft cloth or sponge to gently wipe it away.
Next, using a mild soap and warm water, clean the inside and outside of the visor. Be sure to rinse away all of the soap before drying the visor with a soft cloth.
Once it is dry, you can reattach the visor to your helmet and hit the ice with confidence, knowing that you have a clear view of everything ahead of you.
With a little care and effort, you can keep your visor clean and clear all season long!
Drying the Helmet
One of the most important things to remember when cleaning a hockey helmet is to dry it thoroughly after every use.
Wet conditions are ideal for the growth of bacteria, so it’s important to remove all moisture from the helmet as soon as possible.
The best way to do this is to use a clean, absorbent towel. Gently pat the towel over the surface of the helmet, paying special attention to crevices and vents. Once the helmet is no longer wet, set it in a well-ventilated area to air dry.
If you’re in a hurry, you can also use a hairdryer on the low setting. Just be sure not to hold the dryer too close to the helmet, as this could damage the plastic.
With a little care, you can keep your hockey helmet clean and fresh-smelling all season long.
Can Hockey Helmets go in the Washing Machine?
It’s recommended to put most of your hockey gear in the washing machine, but you should never put your helmet in there. It will damage your helmet and potentially even your washing machine.
Instead, follow the steps above to clean your helmet by hand. It takes a bit more time, but it’s worth it to keep your helmet in good condition.
Can you use Odor-Eliminating Sprays?
Anyone who has ever played hockey knows that the equipment can quickly become covered in a layer of sweat and grime. And while you might be tempted to use an odor-eliminating spray like Febreze, this is not a good idea.
Instead, it’s recommended to use white vinegar to remove odor from your helmet. Simply mix equal parts water and vinegar in a spray bottle and spray the inside of your helmet.
Let it sit for a few minutes, then wipe it down with a clean cloth. The vinegar will neutralize any odors without damaging the helmet or dripping into your eyes mid-game!
How Often Should you Clean Your Helmet
if you’ve played hockey for any length of time, you’ll know how quickly a helmet can become covered in sweat, hair, and dirt, which can make them uncomfortable to wear. For this reason, it is important to clean your hockey helmet on a regular basis.
The frequency with which you need to clean your helmet will depend on how often you play, but generally speaking, it should be cleaned at least once a week.
If you notice that your helmet is starting to smell or feel uncomfortable, then it is probably time for another cleaning.
By taking the time to clean your helmet regularly, you can help to ensure that it will always be ready to protect your head.
Tips for Keeping Your Helmet Clean
1. Wipe down your helmet with a microfiber cloth after every use. This will remove any dirt, sweat, or grime that has built up on the surface.
2. Once a week, remove the visor and give it a thorough cleaning with soap and water. Be sure to rinse away all of the soap before drying the visor with a soft cloth.
3. Thoroughly dry your helmet after every use to prevent the growth of bacteria. A clean, absorbent towel is best for this task.
4. If you’re in a hurry, you can use a hairdryer on the low setting to speed up the drying process. Just be sure not to hold the dryer too close to the helmet, as this could damage the plastic.
5. To remove odor from your helmet, mix equal parts water and vinegar in a spray bottle. Spray the inside of your helmet and let it sit for a few minutes before wiping it down with a clean cloth.
Conclusion
A clean hockey helmet is essential for a safe and enjoyable game. Luckily, with a little time and effort, it’s easy to keep your helmet looking and smelling fresh all season long!
We hope this post helped you learn how to clean a hockey helmet. Get in touch if you have any questions and happy cleaning.