How to Clean a Motorcycle Helmet (Liner, Shield and Matte Finish)

A clean helmet is more comfortable, smells better, and lets you see the road clearly. It also lasts longer: sweat, bugs and the wrong cleaning products all wear down the parts that protect you. Here's how to clean a motorcycle helmet inside and out, including the liner, the face shield and a matte finish.

Quick answer

Remove the liner and cheek pads and hand wash them in lukewarm water with a mild soap or baby shampoo, then let them air dry. Wipe the shell with a damp microfiber cloth and mild soap. Soak bugs off the shield with a warm, wet microfiber cloth before wiping. Never use solvents, gasoline, window cleaner with ammonia, or polish on a matte finish.

What you'll need

• 2 or 3 clean microfiber cloths
• Lukewarm water
• Mild soap or baby shampoo
• A soft toothbrush or cotton swabs for vents
• Optional: a helmet cleaner made for motorcycle helmets, and a matte-safe cleaner for matte finishes

Avoid: gasoline, solvents, household degreasers, abrasive pads, ammonia-based window cleaners and furniture or car polish. Petroleum-based products can damage the shell, the paint and the EPS foam liner underneath.

Step 1: Take it apart

1. Remove any Bluetooth headset or unplug the speakers so they stay dry.
2. Take off the face shield following your helmet's manual.
3. Remove the cheek pads and comfort liner. Most snap out. Take a photo first so you remember how they go back in.

Most GDM helmets, including the Ghost, GHOST2, VENOM, DEMON, BEAST, REBEL and RENEGADE, have a removable, washable liner and cheek pads.

Step 2: Wash the liner and cheek pads

1. Fill a sink with lukewarm water and a small amount of mild soap or baby shampoo.
2. Soak the pads for 10 to 15 minutes, then gently squeeze them. Don't twist or wring them.
3. Rinse in clean water until no suds come out.
4. Press out the water with a towel and let everything air dry at room temperature, which can take a day.

Don't put pads in the dryer or on a heater. Heat can shrink the fabric and deform the foam. Some liners can go in a washing machine on a gentle cycle inside a mesh bag; check your helmet's care instructions first.

Step 3: Clean the inside of the shell

With the pads out, wipe the inside with a damp microfiber cloth. Don't soak the EPS foam, and never use solvents on it. Let the shell dry with the opening facing down.

Step 4: Clean the outside of the shell

1. Lay a damp, warm microfiber cloth over dried bugs for a few minutes to soften them.
2. Wipe gently with mild, soapy water.
3. Use a soft toothbrush or cotton swab on vents and around the shield pivots.
4. Dry with a clean microfiber cloth.

Caring for a matte helmet

Matte finishes need a little extra care. Most GDM helmets come in matte black.

• Don't use wax, polish or glossy cleaners. They fill the texture and leave shiny patches.
• Don't scrub hard. Rubbing a spot can polish it shiny.
• Use plain soapy water or a cleaner made for matte finishes, and blot rather than buff.

Step 5: Clean the face shield without scratching it

1. Soak bugs first. Lay a wet, warm microfiber cloth on the shield for a few minutes.
2. Wipe gently in one direction with a clean, damp microfiber cloth.
3. Dry with a separate dry microfiber cloth.

• Never use paper towels or tissues. Their fibers scratch.
• Skip ammonia window cleaners. They can damage shield coatings.
• Treat mirrored and iridium shields gently. Their coating is on the outside and scratches more easily.

A badly scratched shield is a safety problem, especially at night. Replacement shields are inexpensive; browse replacement visors and face shields, and see our shield replacement guide.

Step 6: Put it back together

Once everything is completely dry, refit the liner and cheek pads, reattach the shield and check that it opens, closes and locks smoothly. Reinstall your headset and test the speakers.

How to get rid of helmet smell

• Air it out after every ride. Open the shield and leave the helmet upside down somewhere ventilated.
• Wash the liner regularly: every few weeks in summer, or more often if you sweat a lot.
• Wear a thin skull cap or balaclava to absorb sweat.
• Replace tired pads. Fresh cheek pads and a new liner make an older GDM helmet feel new again.

How often should you clean your helmet?

Helmet care tips that make it last

• Store your helmet indoors in its bag, away from sun, heaters and gasoline fumes.
• Don't hang it on your mirror; that can dent the liner.
• Replace it after any crash or hard drop, and about every 5 years. See how long a motorcycle helmet lasts.

Helmet cleaning FAQ

Can I put my motorcycle helmet liner in the washing machine?

Some liners can go in on a gentle cycle in a mesh laundry bag, but hand washing is safest. Always air dry.

What should I not use to clean a motorcycle helmet?

Avoid gasoline, solvents, degreasers, ammonia window cleaners, abrasive pads and polish on matte finishes.

How do I clean a matte black helmet?

Use mild soapy water or a matte-specific cleaner and a microfiber cloth. Blot instead of scrubbing, and never wax or polish it.

How do I get bugs off my visor?

Soften them with a warm, wet microfiber cloth for a few minutes, then wipe gently. Don't scrape them off dry.

Need parts? See our GDM helmet accessories guide or shop helmet parts.