American football, also known as rugby, is considered the most popular sport in America, attracting a large number of fans every year. There are star players who become famous overnight, taking on a completely different life. Football players often sweat during practice or during an actual match, making the helmet dirty and breeding bacteria. After a long time of use, the hat is also likely to become blurred and not as shiny as before. To avoid this, learn the easy methods of how to clean a matte football helmet.
Contents
Why should football helmets be cleaned?
Cleaning your football helmet is an integral part of helmet care. Here are the main justifications for regularly cleaning your football helmet.
When playing football, sweat mixes with dead skin cells creating an ideal breeding ground for germs and bacteria. If you don’t clean it right away, your helmet may smell bad the next time you put it on. Bacterial growth can also irritate the skin and make you feel itchy. By cleaning your football helmet regularly, you can rest assured that it is clean and safe every time you put it on.
Plus, an unclean helmet is not only uncomfortable, but it can also affect your concentration and performance on the field. For example, a dirty helmet visor can make it difficult to see clearly from any angle, which can put you at a disadvantage whether you’re trying to dodge a player or catch the ball. Cleaning your helmet also gives you an opportunity to check for any damage that might not be visible under normal conditions such as cracks, loose screws, etc. This way you can immediately identify if there is any part that needs repair or replacement.
How to clean a matte football helmet?
Cleaning football helmets is not difficult, it is important that you know how to clean them properly so as not to damage them. Stay tuned for the next section to learn how to clean a matte football helmet.
Necessary materials
If you’re wondering what to use to clean your football helmet, look no further than your kitchen or bathroom. Here are the basic tools you need to wash or clean your football helmet.
- Soft fabric like cotton or microfiber
- Mild dish soap or baby shampoo
- Disinfectant spray
- Warm water
Clean hat shell
The outer shell of your football helmet is exposed to all kinds of external elements such as dust, mud, grass and other debris. Knowing how to properly clean the outside of a football helmet shell not only helps it shine, but also helps maintain its durability. To clean a helmet shell, take a can, fill it with warm water, then add a few drops of liquid soap to form a soapy solution. Before cleaning the outside of your football helmet, remove the internal components, including the earpads, removable pads, and chin straps. As a result, cleaning is accomplished more quickly and effectively. Once you have removed all the removable parts, you can start cleaning the football helmet shell.
Using a microfiber cloth or cotton cloth dipped in the soapy solution, wipe the dirt off the helmet surface. If there are stubborn stains that clump, you can place a damp microfiber cloth on your helmet and let it sit for a few minutes to soften the stain and make it easier to remove. Remember to rub gently to avoid scratching or damaging the decals on the hat. After you’ve scrubbed all the dirt off the outer shell, you can wash off any remaining dirt and soap solution with warm water. Then, wipe the helmet shell with a clean, dry cloth or set it aside to dry naturally. After the football helmet is completely dry, you can spray wax to make the helmet shell shiny.
Clean the visor
Cleaning the visor of a football helmet is a bit complicated. Unlike the outer shell of a helmet, you cannot use a cloth (no matter how soft it is) to wipe it. Note that the process of wiping the dirt from the visor, whether with a damp cloth or a dry cloth, can scratch the surface of the visor. Use water, window cleaner or spray to clean. Avoid using oil to spray on the glass as it often leaves a translucent film on the surface and can also create a glare when sunlight hits the visor.
Clean the chin strap
Slide the buckle off the chin strap and carefully remove the chin shield if present. Using a cloth wet from the soapy solution, clean the chin strap and remove all dirt. To remove dirt in the lock, use a cotton swab. You can clean the chin shield by soaking it in a soapy solution and then rinsing it off with plenty of water. Besides, one can clean the chin strap and pad by machine with mild detergent and cold water.
Clean inside
If your helmet has removable pads, remove the pads then dip them in the soapy solution. Use a soft cloth to scrub the stain, then rinse with water and let it dry. While you wait for the pad to dry, you can now clean the inside of the football helmet. Take a microfiber towel dipped in soapy water, then use it to wipe the inside surface of the helmet. Once you’ve removed all the dirt, rinse the inside with a cloth dipped in clean water. Wait for the inside to dry or wipe with a clean, dry cloth.
If your football helmet has non-removable pads, you can clean the inside of the helmet with a microfiber cloth or cotton towel dipped in a mixture of mild soap and water. Scrub gently to remove dirt without damaging the gasket and lining. After cleaning the mattress, rinse off excess soap by wiping the mattress with another cloth soaked in clean water. Let the pads and interior dry by placing your helmet in an upright position on a clean, dry surface. Now you know how to clean a matte football helmet, right?
Conclusion
Knowing how to clean a matte football helmet will help you keep it as clean and shiny as new. There are several steps on how to clean your football helmet and if you follow them carefully, your helmet will be free of dirt, germs and odors. Cleaning your football helmet might not be fun, but it gives you peace of mind and confidence every time you step out onto the field.
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