How to clean your riding helmet
It's a question you often ask us: how do you clean a riding helmet without damaging it? Here is our advice, part by part.
Beyond appearance, cleaning and caring for your riding helmet is essential for hygiene, lifespan and safety. A poorly maintained or rarely cleaned helmet can deteriorate prematurely.
Cleaning the removable liner of your riding helmet
All our helmets are designed with a removable, washable inner liner for simple and effective care. We have carefully selected and tested the best materials for your comfort, as well as for their breathable and antibacterial properties.
Here are the main steps to clean it:
- Remove it gently, making sure to leave the Velcro strips attached to the polystyrene.
- Wash it in the machine (30 °C to 40 °C maximum) with a mild detergent, or by hand with lukewarm water and mild soap. Rinse, then wring out gently.
- Let it air dry, without using a tumble dryer.
Over time, the foam pads may compress slightly and wear. Unlike the shell, the inner liner is in direct contact with skin and sweat: we recommend replacing it as soon as you notice wear, a loss of comfort or a lingering odour, even if the helmet itself has not reached the end of its lifespan.
All our inner foam liners are available for purchase: liners for GRAVITY helmets and liners for COMETE helmets.
Cleaning the outer shell of your riding helmet
Whether your helmet has a carbon or a Durgiten shell, here are the steps to follow:
- Dust it with a soft, dry cloth to remove dust, sand and dirt without scratching the surface.
- Clean it with a clean, slightly damp cloth. For a deeper clean, add a little mild soap, or a light spray of glass cleaner, which works quite well.
- Let it air dry, then wipe it with a soft cloth once dry to polish it.
Warning: the materials are delicate. Avoid any harsh or abrasive products (sponges, stiff brushes, etc.). Solvents and alcohol are strongly discouraged: they can damage the paint and varnish, harm the helmet and compromise its quality.
The vents
Both the GRAVITY and the COMETE have vents that ensure good airflow and help keep your head cool. Remember to clean them too, using a soft-bristled brush to gently remove dust and dirt.
Checking and caring for the chin strap
The chin strap is essential to the helmet's safety. Use cleaning time to check its overall condition and spot any issues: stitching, cracks, attachment to the helmet.
Also check the buckle: it must be securely attached to the strap and click shut properly to ensure reliable fastening. Our buckles are magnetic: the magnets do not wear out and our buckles are built to last, but as a precaution, always check that they close properly.
Like the shell, the chin strap can be cleaned with a soft, damp cloth and a little neutral soap, then dried with a clean, dry cloth.
How often should you clean your riding helmet?
How often depends on your use, but regular care is strongly recommended. If you ride regularly, clean your helmet about once a month. After an intense session or in summer, if you have been sweating, remove and wash the inner liner straight away.
Regular care ensures good hygiene and helps extend the lifespan of your helmet.
What you should never do
The helmet must never be taken apart or repainted, except by NACA.
Some paints contain chemicals that can compromise the integrity of the helmet. The legal guarantee of conformity does not apply if these instructions are not followed.
Cleaning is also no substitute for an inspection after a fall. A clean helmet may look intact even though it has absorbed an impact deep inside, with no visible damage on the outside. If your helmet has taken a hit, cleaning is not enough: it must be replaced. Find all the details in our dedicated article.
NACA refurbishment services
Because your satisfaction and customer service are our priority, we offer several refurbishment options for your helmet where applicable: shell polishing and chin strap replacement. Find all the information on our Warranty and After-Sales Service page.
Choosing quality equipment is essential (read our article on how to choose the right riding helmet), but caring for it properly and paying attention to the products you use matters just as much.
Frequently asked questions
Can you put a riding helmet in the washing machine?
No, you should never machine wash your helmet, whatever the programme: it would deform the helmet and compromise its integrity. Only the removable inner liner can be machine washed, at 30 °C to 40 °C maximum, with a mild detergent, then left to air dry. The outer shell and chin strap must only be cleaned by hand, with a soft, damp cloth.
Can you customise or repaint your helmet?
No, a helmet cannot be customised after it has been manufactured. Any customisation (colour, finish, design, sticker) must be planned before the helmet is produced, directly with the manufacturer. Repainting or modifying a finished helmet can impair its protective properties and voids the legal guarantee of conformity.
Does cleaning affect the helmet's warranty?
Care that does not follow our recommendations (abrasive products, solvents, alcohol, taking the helmet apart) can damage the materials and affect the warranty. So make sure you follow the cleaning instructions for each part of the helmet.