A motorcycle helmet provides critical protection from injury in case you are involved in an accident. You need to take care of it properly to make sure it provides you the protection you require. With normal wear and use, motorcycle helmets should be replaced about every five years. Some manufacturers recommend replacing the helmet every two to four years. If you care for your helmet properly, you'll help ensure that it remains in good quality shape during its usage.

To provide basic care for a motorcycle helmet, you need to keep the outside and the inside of the helmet clean. If helmets have a glossy finish, you can use automotive polishing and cleaning products. If you need to deep clean your helmet, you can use rubbing compounds, although these may dull your finish. You can use mild soap and warm water to clean a helmet with either a non-glossy or glossy finish. Don't use petroleum-based cleaning products, because these can cause helmet deterioration.

You should make sure that your helmet is completely dry before you store it. Your motorcycle helmet should not be stored in extremely hot or cold areas. If you expose your helmet to extreme temperatures, it will deteriorate. Keep your helmet in a cool, dry place. Also keep your helmet away from gasoline, cleaning fluids and exhaust fumes. These materials can further damage your helmet.

Many newer helmets have removable liners. You can take these liners out and wash them using a mild soap, such as Woolite. You can also use a product such as Helmet Fresh if your liner is not removable, so that this can help eliminate mildew and bacteria. If the helmet's cheek pads can be removed, remove them and wash or replace as you need to.

You also should clean your motorcycle helmet's air vents regularly. You can use canned compressed air or dust remover. These are typically used to remove dust from computer keyboards, but they also can be used to clear objects from your vents. If your helmet has removable pads, take these out before you clean the helmet's vents.

Keep the face shield of your motorcycle helmet free of scratches and clean it regularly. Not doing so can mean you have impaired vision on your motorcycle. Clean your helmet's shield with mild soap and water. Use a soft cloth so that you don't scratch the surface.

Don't modify your helmet. If you drill holes, paint, cut any part of your helmet, remove original parts, add accessories, or otherwise redesign it, this can compromise the protection it gives you. Instead, buy a new helmet that meets your needs.

Handle your motorcycle helmet properly, because if you don't, it can be damaged and not as protective to you. Motorcycle helmets are sturdy, but they still require careful handling. Rough handling can mean that you damage them and make them less effective. Don't drop them on hard surfaces. Don't hang your helmet on your motorcycle, either, although this is a common practice. This can damage your helmet's inner liner. Don't carry a spare motorcycle helmet on your motorcycle unless you secure it and make sure it's protected. If it moves around because of normal motorcycle riding, this can damage it. The helmet's inner lining can also melt if it is exposed to the motorcycle's exhaust pipes or hot engine.