1. Clean the Outer Helmet Visor

Don’t scrub dried bugs off a dry visor – this can easily leave small scratches.

Place a clean microfiber cloth dampened with warm water over the visor for a few minutes, let the dirt soften, and then gently wipe it away.

If water isn’t enough, use only a cleaner designed specifically for motorcycle helmets and visors. Avoid household glass cleaners and other harsh chemicals.

2. Inside the Visor – Pinlock Care

A Pinlock insert is an additional clear lens fitted to the inside of the main helmet visor. It helps prevent the visor from fogging.

Its surface is much more delicate than the main visor, so the simplest rule is:

If your Pinlock is clean and working properly, it’s best to leave it alone.

What should you avoid when cleaning a Pinlock?

• Harsh chemicals and household glass cleaners.
• Paper towels.
• Rough cloths.
• Heavy pressure or aggressive rubbing.

If there is only a small mark or light dirt on the insert, start with lukewarm water and a very soft, clean microfiber cloth. Use as little pressure as possible.

Should you remove the Pinlock insert?

Pinlock officially allows the insert to be removed, cleaned and reinstalled. However, from our experience, we wouldn’t remove a perfectly functioning Pinlock unless necessary.

Once removed, getting an older insert to sit exactly as it did before can sometimes be difficult. The silicone edge needs to form a complete seal against the main visor. If a gap remains, moisture may get between the two layers and anti-fog performance can suffer.

If an older Pinlock is already scratched, distorted, damaged or no longer seals properly after removal, our practical MotoMoto recommendation would usually be to replace it rather than keep trying to restore the old insert.

3. Clean the Helmet Interior

During hot summer rides, most sweat and unpleasant odours build up in the helmet liner and cheek pads.

If the padding is removable, take it out according to the helmet manufacturer’s instructions and wash it.

The safest general method is hand washing in lukewarm water with a mild detergent. Some manufacturers also allow machine washing, so always check the instructions for your specific helmet.

If machine washing is permitted, use a gentle cycle, low temperature and low spin setting.

4. Let Everything Dry Naturally

Avoid drying helmet padding in a hot dryer, directly on a radiator or next to another strong heat source.

Leave it in a well-ventilated place and make sure it is completely dry before putting it back into the helmet.

5. Clean the Helmet Shell and Vents

Wipe the outer shell with a damp microfiber cloth or a cleaner designed for motorcycle helmets.

A suitable wax or protective product can be used on compatible glossy finishes. Be careful with matte helmets, as the wrong product may change the finish or leave shiny patches.

Remove dust and bugs from the vents with a soft brush, cotton swab or carefully use low-pressure compressed air. Keep the air nozzle at a safe distance from the helmet and avoid blasting high-pressure air directly into the ventilation system.

Motorcycle Helmet Cleaning Mistakes to Avoid

• Don’t scrub dried bugs off a dry visor.
• Don’t use household glass cleaner on a motorcycle helmet visor.
• Don’t clean a Pinlock with paper towels or harsh chemicals.
• Don’t unnecessarily remove a Pinlock that is clean and working properly.
• Don’t dry helmet padding with intense heat.
• Don’t wax a matte helmet without checking the manufacturer’s recommendations.
• Don’t blast the vents with high-pressure compressed air.

A Clean Helmet Makes the Next Ride Better

Regular motorcycle helmet care isn’t only about getting rid of unpleasant smells. A clean visor improves visibility, a properly maintained Pinlock helps control fogging, and a clean, dry liner makes every ride more comfortable.

For visor cleaners, helmet interior cleaners, microfiber cloths and other motorcycle helmet care products, visit MotoMoto.lt.