Your helmet is the most important piece of kit you will own - if you look after it, it will look after you! In general, a helmet has a shelf life of around five years, but if used regularly around three years. You should keep your helmet in the best condition and clean it regularly. Whilst many helmets are made of similar materials and can be cleaned using the same method, we recommended that you always follow the manufacturer’s cleaning instructions for the specific helmet you have purchased.

Here are some general tips:

Cleaning

Daily cleaning:

Daily cleaning should be part of your helmet ritual - especially the visor. This is the window on your world so it should be clean and free of dirt, flies and scratches. You should also make sure that when you go out to ride, you have the correct visor fitted for the conditions. Cleaning your visor after every ride should be part of your post-ride ritual, as it's easier to clean before the flies dry out! If you don't have time, there's a simple way to clean it without scrubbing. Simply wet some paper towels and leave them on your visor for a few minutes and then wipe off.

Weekly cleaning:

Modern helmets are festooned with vents and intakes, which will only work if you keep them open and clean. Spend a few minutes a week with an old toothbrush or a cotton bud to clean out the vents to ensure that they are free of obstructions.

Monthly cleaning:

Many helmets today have removable linings or cheek pads. Remove these and follow the helmet manufacturer's guidelines on cleaning. Some will be washing-machine friendly, or some will need to be hand-washed and dried.

Every six months:

Even if you remove the lining and wash it regularly it's important that you give your helmet a thorough 'spring' clean. It's not nice, but over the months your helmet can receive a build-up of sweat, skin, hair-gel and even dandruff. The helmet interior, including any padding that is not removable should be wiped clean with a damp cloth. Allow to dry naturally.

Stickers, paint and storage:

Great care must be taken when it comes to the application of paint and stickers. Helmet painting is best left to the professionals who know what paint will not damage the shell. Stickers also must not have adhesive that will attack and weaken the shell. If in doubt, do not apply them. If you are an infrequent rider, store your helmet safely, preferably with a helmet bag over it and somewhere it won't get dropped or knocked. NEVER store the helmet lying on its crown.