I have the Pro-Tec Cyphon helmet and the chin straps do not come off. It's getting digusting as I'm noticing salt/mineral deposits on the strap from sweating. What's the best way to clean that? Just dip the strap in warm water for a bit and let dry?
Yup, warm water with mild soap. I usually wash my gear with normal hand soap. Then let it dry. By now, you should probably clean the inside of the helmet as well.
Take it with you in the shower. Plain soap and water shouldn't hurt any helmet out there. I've taken our Giro Xen's in the shower no problem. I usually just stick to washing the helmet pads by hand separately (sink) and take the helmet in the shower. Just soap up your hands and clean the straps. Rinse. They should be like new and there's no ill effect to the helmet. If you're worried about getting the inside of the helmet wet at all, then you should easily be able to wash the straps in the sink as well. Mind you, it's best to keep a towel nearby for when you are done, and make sure to wipe down the sink afterward. Your wife will thank me
LOL thanks Allison...she tolerates me washing my gloves and the helmet pad in the sink...very cogniscent of that
My last pair of gloves said to use the washing machine, so I do, and I think they come out a bit cleaner. Just as an FYI. No matter how much I scrubbed in the sink I'd still ring out dirty water :?:
I wash my gloves in the shower as well. I wash them as if I'm washing my hands. However, they don't usually start to rinse off with clear water until about the 4th cycle. Although for added cleanliness, I usually wear them while I'm cleaning my other bike clothing gear. When your helmet straps turn white, it's definately time to clean them. :lol:
helmet straps i clean in the sink... gloves i throw in the washing machine with my jerseys, socks and camelbak
Use the mash zip bags for straps & gloves in the machine. they stop the velcro ripping up everything, & keep the straps from getting tangled up. I also throw my chest strap in their for the heart rate moniter
:lol:and you're the one issuing a public service announcement on saddle FUNK :lol: that reminds me i need to wash my camelback as well...
More helpful hints To get rid of the sweat smell add a tablespoon of baking soda in the Washing machine. For DH helmet pads, I soak them in woolite and scrub them with a nail brush, then rinse them a million times. For my xc/road helmets, I just soak and rinse (I used to put them in the washing machine, but the felt always separates from the foam (even if you use the mesh bag). Everything else (gloves, camelback, body armor, shin, elbow and knee pads) all get washed in the washing machine on hand wash setting. Then hang to dry.
Wow, Denmother - if you do all that in a skirt and heels you'd be some kind of mtb Donna Reed dream come true! Gloves, jerseys, shorts, headband, and knee brace all go in the washing machine. Camelback too every now & then (it's due) Helmet gets dunked in the sink with some mild soap occasionally.
I just use more sweat to wash them off! touch[SIZE=-1]é[/SIZE]. I guess I should take some of this advice and wash my helmet and gloves.
