smelly helmet

[LizF]

DH & I both use shampoo in the shower to clean our helmets. I've had really good luck w/ Nature's Miracle for bike clothes funk. A glug in the washer seems to cut the stink. It's an enzyme cleaner sold in pet stores for pet "messes." It works on anything organic. Besides bike clothes, I've used it on milk spilled in mini-van in August in Texas, vomit, dog/cat messes, & my son's football clothes left in a locker for a week with a damp towel. So I think it'll work for helmets too.

[Bike Chick]

Where do you buy this stuff? Sounds like something everyone needs to keep on hand.

[Crankin]

Buy another helmet and rotate between the 2. I never put a helmet that is still sweaty and wet on the next day. A couple of years ago, I was having terrible problems with my head itching; it happened only after a ride where my helmet was not completely dry from the day before. I did try wiping the helmet down, washing, etc.
Now, when I finish a ride, I let my helmet air out after giving it the sniff test. If it's not dry the next day, it's time to wear the other one.

[Becky]

I've had really good luck w/ Nature's Miracle for bike clothes funk. A glug in the washer seems to cut the stink. It's an enzyme cleaner sold in pet stores for pet "messes." It works on anything organic.

+1 for Nature's Miracle! When the pit stink in jerseys gets to be too much, I'll heavily spray them and let sit for a few minutes before I toss them in the washer. They come out smelling just fine, even DH's jerseys!

I get it at Petsmart, but just about any pet store should have it. If you can't find that brand, any brand of enzymatic cleaner should work- just double check the label for laundry instructions and spot-test first.

[bcipam]

I've actually come up with a simple solutions for helmet, gloves and especially shoes. I keep a small spray bottle and fill it with rubbing alcohol (the really cheap stuff). After each ride, everything gets a good spray - the alcohol keeps bacteria from forming and causing oder.

I do occasionally wash my helmets in the sink just to get the salt off the straps etc. Also after a mountain bike ride through water, I will soak my shoes in alittle water and bleach. I wear leather Sidi's and they do just fine after drying out in the sun.