What to clean my helmet straps with?

[sheffgirl]

I need to clean the straps on my bike helmet, but I'm not sure what to use, can anyone help?
The (white) straps have become discoloured (red) in places and I keep getting spots on my jawline
I thought of using antibacterial cleanser but most say not to use them on fabric.
Or is it just time to get a new one? I've had it for 2 years and it has slight damage on the side from when I fell off last year. And I saw a purple one I liked

 

[ianrauk]

You should always replace a helmet if it has been damaged. Some helmet manufactures offer discounts, old for new.

 

[Peteaud]

Something like vanish?

Or

Tippex

 

[Mad Doug Biker]

Nothing that a good rub down can't sort!

 

[numbnuts]

I always use rain

 

[Peteaud]

I always use rain

But thats purple!

 

[sheffgirl]

Tried good old soap and water, but the red discoloration is still there. And no, its not blood

And the damage is only a scuff on the corner, my face took most of the force

 

[vernon]

Tried good old soap and water, but the red discoloration is still there. And no, its not blood

And the damage is only a scuff on the corner, my face took most of the force

It should still be replaced after taking a hit. You don't know what internal damage has been caused and I'm sure that you wouldn't appreciate a helmet failure should you ever have to rely upon its protection in the future.

It's a false economy to keep a helmet after a crash.

 

[Davidc]

I just put the whole helmet in the washing machine when I'm doing other gym and 'sports' kit. Synthetics programme, which I think is 40 degrees with no spin. I use non biological powder for that.

Numbnuts suggestion also works. Just hang the helmet up outside in a downpour.

I don't like the sound of the straps going red. Unless there's a good explanation I'd be concerned that it's fungal, which might be bad news for your skin.

My cleaning technique may not be what the makers of helmets recommend though. (My views on helmets are well aired elsewhere but this is a hygiene issue)

 

[Soltydog]

I use muc-off helmet foam to keep mine smelling fresh. I've never really had any stubborn stains to deal with, so dont know how it would cope with them though

 

[Gravity Aided]

I take the straps out and wash them with their appropriate color group, then re-rig. Sometimes entertainment is lacking in these parts.

 

[Sandra6]

I agree with those that have said to replace it, but if you are determined to clean it try a bleach solution and rinse it off quickly afterwards.
We had a car seat with similar straps that wouldn't come off and that's how I cleaned them.

 

[judder]

Warm water, vanish leave for 10 mins and gently scrub with a soft nail brush. And rinse. .

 

[jonny jeez]

Sheffgirl, can i also suggest loosening the straps a little so that they don't contact your skin so much. You are suffering some form of contact reaction, whether its the straps contacting you or visa versa. Either way, remove the contact a little and adjust the tightness of the lid with the adjusters at the rear.

If you don't have rear or alternative adjusters then its perhaps due an upgrade regardless

My straps are always totally lose and are there to stop the lid flying off rather the clamping it down

 

[fossyant]

You may not get the marks out, but a good scrub should help. I just chuck the lid in the bottom of the shower once a week whilst 'showering'. More often in summer, less in winter, due to sweat !