How to Clean Baseball Helmet? 4 Easy Steps will Make them NEW!

You must have a helmet if you are a baseball player (youth, high school, college, or MLB). Either it could be a catcher’s helmet or a batting helmet. 

By the way, getting dirty and stinky is a very common fact, you know. As well as getting dirty, you must clean and keep clean your dirty helmet for a reason. 

I am not talking about the professional players. But, hey, James, are you thinking about your kids’ helmet out of dirt? 

If so, knowing how to clean baseball helmet will help you in all ways. 

Okay, there are several ways you can apply to clean a baseball helmet. That could be deodorizing, sanitizing, spraying, or washing. 

Let’s check out and clean your kids’ dirty helmets for the next game. 

Why Should You Clean a Baseball Helmet?

Reasons you should clean a helmet for

The answer is very simple. A dirty and stinky helmet could be a health hazard in the end. Because getting dirt and sweat, and all other outer hazards make your helmet unhygienic. 

This allows germs to breed, 

So, cleaning a helmet is necessary to free yourself from germs and bacteria. Also, a clean helmet gives freshness and good breathability to the head, which impacts the game. 

The key reasons:

  • Keeping germs out. 
  • Keeping the helmet fresh and presentable. 
  • Keeping smell and odor away from the helmet. 
  • Giving a proper reason for the helmet to last long. 
  • Keeping your head and face sweat off. 

See Also: How To Wash A JanSport Backpack Properly

How to Clean Baseball Helmet?- The Process

Now let’s get to how to clean a baseball helmet. You may do this in a number of different ways, as I alluded to briefly before. It depends on your helmet’s current condition and the maintenance it requires.

Washing a helmet is the last and most thorough step in the process of cleaning a helmet. Therefore, we may begin with this approach first. I will also discuss some other possible routes.

Step 01: Gather Element Needed to Wash a Baseball Helmet

Cleaning supplies needed to clean hemlet

You will need some materials to wash your helmet to clean. A list of the necessary elements is given below that will ease the process understanding. 

  • Washing soap/mild liquid detergent/shampoo, etc. 
  • Water
  • Clean and soft cloth
  • Foam and brush

Step 02: Step-by-Step Guide to Cleaning the Exterior

Grab Your Gear: First things first, round up your cleaning crew. You’ll need a soft cloth or a regular sponge – nothing scratchy! Get some warm water ready, and find a mild soap. Good old dish soap works like a charm. Lastly, grab a clean, dry cloth for the grand finale.

Give It a Good Once-Over: Before you get wet and wild, take a look at your helmet. See any big chunks of dirt or stray grass clinging on? Just brush those off with your hand. No need to get fancy here.

Get a Little Damp: Now, wet your soft cloth or sponge with that warm water. Make sure it’s just damp, not soaking wet. You don’t want to drown your helmet!

Wipe It Down Gently: Start wiping all over the outside of your helmet. Pay extra attention to those spots where you see the most dirt and grime. You know, those areas that always seem to get muddy.

A person cleaning a helmet's external parts

Tackle the Tough Stuff (If Needed): Got some stubborn marks that aren’t budging with just water? No sweat! Put a tiny little squirt of that mild dish soap on your damp cloth. Gently scrub those spots. Don’t go too hard, you don’t want to damage the helmet’s finish.

Rinse Away the Suds: Once you’ve scrubbed those tricky areas, grab your clean, damp cloth again and wipe off any soapy residue. Make sure all the soap is gone, or it can leave a weird film.

The Big Dry: Finally, take your clean, dry cloth and wipe down the entire outside of the helmet. Get it nice and dry. Letting it air dry completely afterwards is a good idea too, just to make sure no moisture is trapped.

    And that’s it! Your helmet’s exterior should be looking a whole lot cleaner. Easy peasy, right? Now, let’s move on to tackling the inside

    Step 03: Deep Cleaning the Interior Padding

    You have your regular laundry soap or a mild detergent. Combine the liquid soap with either warm or cold water. Nothing cold or warm to drink. The paintwork on your helmet might be ruined if you use hot water to clean it.

    However, soak the helmet for 5 to 10 minutes. By the way, many might say to soak for at least 20 to 30 minutes, but this is not necessary at all. 

    Use the foam to clean the inside of the helmet as the helmet has padded foam inside. 

    This needs patience to clean the inside of the helmet. 

    After all these processes, if there is some stubborn dirt or sweat stain yet, use a brush to clean them. Also, the dirt might be in stubborn places as well. The brush will ease the princess of cleaning them. 

    Step 04: Rinse the Helmet After Cleaning

    After cleaning the helmet thoroughly, rinse it with clean water. Before doing this, you can use a dump cloth to remove the soap water primarily. 

    Don’t use warm or hot water this time. These will rather increase the time to remove the soapy vibe. 

    In passing, I wanted to express the hope that the cleaning procedure has eliminated all traces of filth. However, you will need to go through the cleaning procedure once again if you find any persistent stains or grime. There will be none the dirt this time.

    A person cleaing after rinsing a helmet

    Step 05: Removing Stubborn Odors

    Sweat and dirt can really get trapped inside your baseball helmet, leading to some pretty unpleasant smells. Don’t worry, you don’t have to live with the funk! Here are some tips to tackle those stubborn odors:

    Baking Soda Power: This is a classic for a reason. Sprinkle a good amount of baking soda inside your helmet, especially in the padding. Let it sit overnight to absorb those smells, then shake it out thoroughly the next day. You can even use a vacuum cleaner with a brush attachment to get all the residue out.

    Air it Out: After every game or practice, make sure to take your helmet out of your bag and let it air out completely in a well-ventilated space. Don’t leave it trapped in a dark, sweaty bag – that’s just asking for odor to build up.

    Vinegar Solution: Mix equal parts white vinegar and water in a spray bottle. Lightly spritz the inside of your helmet, avoiding soaking the padding. Vinegar helps to neutralize odors. Let it air dry completely afterward. The vinegar smell will dissipate as it dries.  

    Specialized Sprays: There are many sports equipment deodorizing sprays available that are specifically designed to tackle tough odors in helmets. Look for ones that are antibacterial and won’t damage the helmet materials. Follow the instructions on the product for best results.  

    Removable Padding TLC: If your helmet has removable padding, take it out and hand wash it with a mild soap and warm water. Let it air dry completely before putting it back in the helmet. This can make a huge difference in eliminating trapped odors.

    Sunlight (Use with Caution): While sunlight can help to naturally deodorize, be cautious about prolonged exposure, as it can potentially degrade the helmet materials over time. A little bit of indirect sunlight and fresh air can be beneficial.

    By using a combination of these tips, you can effectively combat those stubborn odors and keep your baseball helmet smelling (and feeling) much fresher! Sources and related content

    Step 06: Drying the Helmet

    Thoroughly drying the helmet is very important, as the padded foam inside the helmet got wet due to washing. Otherwise, this will create odor and smell as a result. 

    A happy baseball player after cleaning helmet

    I always prefer natural drying- sunlight or air dry. By the way, you can use a hair dryer as well.  This will fasten your drying process but will not entirely dry the helmet. 

    You might be interested in: How To Paint A Baseball Helmet [Do it at Home]

    Some Other Methods to Clean a Baseball Helmet

    Aside from soap washing, you can use some other but efficient methods if the helmet doesn’t get too much dirt. You are got to go with the following methods. 

    Deodorizing the Helmet with Baking Soda and Vinegar

    Baking soda and Vinegar could be used to deodorize a baseball helmet

    Baking soda and vinegar are among the great odor cleaner for helmets and other apparel. If your helmet got an unpleasant smell, you could use this method. 

    By the way, a bad smell or odor can distract and bother the player. As a result, this will undoubtedly impact the game’s performance. 

    To proceed with the process, you will need baking soda, vinegar, water, and a clean cloth. 

    • Combine the baking soda and vinegar in a low-volume container.
    • Use a gentle cloth to massage the mixture inside the helmet. Rub the area until the odor disappears. Baking soda will eliminate the odor. And the vinegar will maintain the existing condition for the longest time possible.
    • Put the helmet down for a little period. It might be as long as two hours. At this point, the odors should have been eliminated by your helmet.
    • After you have completed those steps, you should wash the helmet with fresh water.
    • You’ve finished cleaning the helmet. Now you should wipe it off with a clean towel.
    • For the greatest results and to avoid any unpleasant odors, let the helmet dry naturally in the air or in the sun.

    Use Disinfectant to Keep the Odor and Bad Smell Away

    Washing your helmet before every game doesn’t make sense at all. You should wash your helmet once in 10 days. 

    By the way, aside from washing every time, disinfectant could be an efficient solution to eliminate germs and bacteria. 

    By the way, you can use sports gear sanitizing spray to keep away the germ before every game. 

    How to Store the Baseball Helmet in Off-Season?

    Store your baseball helmet in a cool and dry place

    Winter is coming, and the season is almost at the end. That doesn’t mean the need for the helmet is done. You need this in the next season.

    So, if you want to keep your helmet in pristine condition, you have to store it properly. 

    Here you got to go with some efficient tips to store your helmet for almost a long time.

    • Use a cotton storage bag for the helmet. Keep the helmet inside it. 
    • Put your helmet in a safe place. The place must be cool and dry. Don’t choose a moist place. 
    • Avoid direct sunlight or hot temperature. 
    Additional Read: How To Clean Baseball Batting Gloves To Keep Them Safe And Long Lasting

    Frequently Asked Questions

    1. How often should you replace baseball helmets?

    If the helmet is NOCSAE-certified, it has been certified for 10 years. After ten years, you have to replace it. 

    By the way, generally, you can use a helmet for 4 to 5 years without any hassles. However, if you have already used your helmet for 10 years, it’s time to have a new one. 

    2. How do you get scuff marks/scratches off helmets?

    Start by massaging the area with your fingers. Rub the helmet vigorously in order to remove the scratches from it. If this doesn’t work, try removing it with a soft cloth instead.

    Do not go for the more difficult choice until you have tried the easier ones. You may also use a gentle cleaning product that will not scratch your helmet anymore. This option is also available to you.

    3. How do you make a helmet spray?

    Spraying alcohol on your helmet surface is easy. Purchase an alcohol sprayer and spray the alcohol on the surface of the helmet. Now, gently rub the helmet to remove dirt and germs. 

    You also can spray the disinfectant inside the helmet and wipe it with a soft cloth to clean inside. 

    4. How do you remove a permanent marker from a helmet?

    When it comes to cleaning permanent marker ink from a helmet, rubbing alcohol is your best bet for a remedy. The ink will gradually become less opaque as you continue to spray it and give it a little rubbing.

    Spray the alcohol over the stain, then massage it in until the stain has been completely erased. For information on how to spray the alcohol, please see the answer to the preceding question.

    Wrapping Up

    The helmet is one of the most necessary elements for baseball players. It’s certain that it will get dirty and smelly. That is why you should know how to clean baseball helmet. 

    You have to regularly clean your helmet to keep it pristine as well as presentable. Also, the bad smell will surely be a matter of bothering. 

    By the way, clean your helmet in the right way. Keep it in a cool and dry place for storing. 

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