How to Clean a Football Helmet
If you're a football player or parent, you know that maintaining equipment is crucial for both safety and performance on the field. One of the most important pieces of gear to keep clean and well-cared for is your football helmet. Our Football Experts outline the steps you should take to properly clean your helmet.
Why Cleaning Your Helmet Matters
After several practices and games, you may start to notice an odor coming from the pads within your football helmet. Aside from the unpleasant smell, it's important to keep your football helmet clean to prevent the growth of bacteria and mold and maintain the helmet's integrity. By taking the time to properly clean your helmet, you'll ensure that it continues to provide the protection you need to play the game safely and confidently.
Step-By-Step Guide to Clean Your Football Helmet
Our Football Experts highlight the steps they take to keep their football helmets clean and odor-free throughout the season.
1. Gather Your Cleaning Supplies
Take the time to gather the following supplies to maximize time:
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Mild dish soap or detergent
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Soft-bristled brush (like a toothbrush)
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Clean microfiber cloths
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Large bucket (or sink/bathtub)
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Warm water
2. Prepare the Football Helmet
Start by removing the face mask, chin strap, and any other components so that you're able to easily reach the interior of the helmet. If your helmet has removable pads, be sure to take these out and set them aside.
3. Clean the Football Helmet's Shell
Brush off any loose dirt. Fill your bucket or sink with warm water and add a small amount of mild soap or detergent.
Dip your microfiber cleaning cloth or soft-bristled brush in soapy water and scrub the exterior, paying special attention to attachment points and vents. Rinse the helmet with water to remove the soapy residue.
4. Clean the Football Helmet's Interior
Dip your microfiber cleaning cloth in soapy warm water again and scrub the interior. If you have a helmet that you're unable to remove the pads, do the best you can using a soft-bristled brush.
5. Clean the Football Helmet's Pads
The pads within a football helmet absorb sweat which harbors bacteria and causes the helmet to smell.
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If you have removable pads, let them soak in warm, soapy water for 10 to 15 minutes, rinse, and place them on a towel to air dry. Once the pads are dry, spray them with disinfectant spray to kill the bacteria. This is also a great time to inspect your pads for wear and tear.
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If you can't remove your pads, wipe them down with warm water and soap then spray the interior of the helmet with disinfectant.
6. Allow to Dry & Reassemble
Be sure you allow your football helmet to dry completely in a well-ventilated area before putting it on or attaching the facemask and chinstrap.
Expert Tip | Try on your helmet after cleaning to make sure everything feels secure. This is a much better time to make adjustments rather than right before practice or a game.
How Frequently Should You Clean Your Helmet?
Moving through this process takes time, so players and parents often wonder how often they should clean their helmet. There are a few factors that go into this, but we recommend cleaning your football helmet at least once a week throughout the season.
Keeping your sports equipment clean throughout the season is important for safety and performance. By taking the time to thoroughly clean your helmet regularly, you'll help ensure it continues to provide the protection you need to play the game safely. If you have questions about football gear, stop into your local SCHEELS to speak with a Football Expert.