Cleaning the helmet pads after each ride is very necessary. it keeps you away from skin disease and sweat smelling. Mostly, helmet pads are made of foam padding and a little hard plastic which are inserted inside the helmet.
it saves you from a head injury as well as, you should also wash the helmet’s pad regularly. Regular cleaning also increases the lifespan and will remain in good condition.
in this post, we will discuss everything related to cleaning the helmet’s pads. Read carefully and apply on the helmet’s pads.
Step-1 Remove Helmet Pads
First, you have to remove the pads, you can use a screwdriver to detach the pads from the helmet. when removing the pad, be careful with the helmet, you can damage the helmet.
Step-2 Shake off Loose Debris
Take the helmet pad and shake off the pad to remove the dirt, grass, or debris. It may help you to clean the more effectively.
Step 3 Prepare a Mild Detergent Solution
You can take a basin or large container to wash the pad. Fill warm water and add some mild detergent. Mix the detergent and water until the foam solution does not form.
Do not use the cleaning agent, it can damage your pad, you can also take a suggestion from the football pad soap owner or salesman.
Although you do not get any answer, you can follow the manufacturer’s guidelines. These is also mentioned about the detergent which is the best for the pads.
Step-4 Soak the Pads
Submerge the helmet pads in foam solution and keep them soaking for 15-20 minutes. This solution helps you to lose dirt, sweat, and bacteria.
Step-5 Scrub the Pads
You can take a soft-bristle brush or a toothbrush to scrub the pads. Gently scrub the area where you get more stains and spots
Do not use the extra force to clean or remove the spots. You can soak them again in the foam solution for some time and gently scrub them again.
Step-6 Rinse Thoroughly
After scrubbing, rinse the pads thoroughly with warm water to remove all detergent and dirt. Do it again and again to completely remove the detergent water from the pads.
Step-7 Wipe with a Microfiber Cloth
Now you can use a microfiber cloth or a soft sponge to wipe the pads. Microfiber cloth removes the rest of the water from the pads and ensures the pads are clean and fresh.
Step-8 Dry the Pads
Dry the helmet pads in well well-ventilated area and keep them away from direct sun, if can be damaged.
Step 9: Disinfect the Pads
To kill any remaining bacteria and remove the odors, you can spray a disinfectant that is specially made for football equipment.
For proper disinfection, you should follow the manufacturer’s instructions and then allow them some time to air dry.
Step-10 Reattach the Pads
After finishing everything, Now, the time is to reattach the pads in the helmet. properly tighten the nuts and reset the pads inside the helmet.
Additional Tips
- Always clean the helmet pads after each season or more if needed.
- Do not use a washing machine to clean the helmet pads.
- Do not submerge the helmet in a detergent solution to clean the helmet pad, it may damage your helmet shell and other internal components.
- You need to replace helmet pads if you see any damage signs for safety reasons.
- To remove the odors, you need to store the helmet in a cool, well-ventilated, and dry place.
- It is a good habit to clean the other football gear such as jerseys, pants, and other safety equipment.
Conclusion
Cleaning the helmet pad is very necessary for maintaining healthy playing. Regular washing makes it long-lasting and odor-free. It also gives you confidence and boosts your efficiency.
