How to Clean Motorcycle Gear, Helmets, Jackets & Boots
Most riders don’t buy a new motorcycle jacket or full face motorcycle helmet thinking about how to clean it. The truth is, regular maintenance isn’t just about looks. Clean gear performs better, lasts longer and stays more comfortable, especially if you’re riding year round.
Whether it’s textile motorcycle jackets, leather riding boots, or full face and open face helmets, consistent motorcycle clothing care keeps your protective kit breathable, waterproof and ready to ride. If you came here searching for “how to wash a motorcycle jacket” or “motorcycle gear cleaning tips”, you’re in the right place.
How to Clean a Motorcycle Helmet
Exterior
Dead bugs and road grime aren’t just cosmetic. The acids in insect remains can damage helmet paint, visor coatings and clear coat over time. The easy fix:
- To soften up the dried on insects, soak with damp kitchen roll for 10 minutes, then wipe clean.
- Use a visor safe cleaner like Visio Crystal for quick daily use.
We stock visor safe cleaners that keep your helmet sparkling, but we do not recommend using any chemicals on the anti fog membrane of a Pinlock insert. Just use water.
Interior
Most modern motorcycle helmets have removable liners and cheek pads. Hand wash in warm, soapy water. Towel dry, then air dry completely before refitting.
Avoid stuffing your motorcycle gloves inside your helmet, it damages the liner and introduces dirt and moisture that shorten the helmet’s life.
Helmet Cleaning, Step by Step
- Remove visor, Pinlock and interior pads where possible.
- Loosen bug splatter with damp kitchen roll, wait 10 minutes.
- Wipe shell with a visor safe spray, avoid harsh household cleaners.
- Hand wash liners, rinse until water runs clear, gently squeeze, do not wring.
- Air dry fully, then refit pads and visor. Never use heat sources.
Cleaning Motorcycle Jackets, Trousers & Textile Gear
Before you start, remove all body armour including shoulders, elbows and back. Then:
- Wash Cordura and textile motorcycle jackets on a gentle cycle using a technical cleaner like Nikwax Tech Wash. It’s designed for waterproof, breathable fabrics and won’t damage membranes, ideal if you’re searching for a dependable motorcycle clothing cleaner.
- GORE-TEX motorcycle clothing can be machine washed at 40 to 50°C, then tumble dried on low to reactivate the DWR coating. If water no longer beads, reproof with Nikwax TX.Direct Spray On or Wash In. Correct maintenance keeps waterproof motorcycle clothing breathable and protective. For more detail, see the official GORE-TEX care guide or read our blog GORE-TEX: So What’s the Mystery?
- Laminated materials need extra care, check your garment label, but Nikwax products suit most technical motorcycle jackets and trousers.
Textile Jacket Washing, Step by Step
- Remove armour and close all zips, Velcro and vents.
- Wash on a gentle 30°C cycle with Nikwax Tech Wash.
- Once finished, add Nikwax TX.Direct and wash on a slow spin cycle.
- Air dry or tumble dry, only if the label allows.
Prefer to see it in action? Here’s Nikwax’s step by step video guide to washing and reproofing textile motorcycle gear:
Quick Dos and Don’ts
- Do close all zips and Velcro before washing to protect fabrics and your machine.
- Do not use fabric softener, bleach or biological detergents on technical gear, they clog membranes and kill water beading.
- Do not use household glass cleaner on visors, use a visor safe product like Muc Off Helmet, Visor & Goggle Cleaner.
- Do not use any cleaning chemicals on the inside of a Pinlock insert, this can damage the anti fog membrane.
Motorcycle Gloves & Boots
- Leather motorcycle gloves and motorcycle boots: Clean with warm soapy water or Nikwax Leather Cleaner, then condition with Nikwax Leather Restorer to keep them supple and water resistant.
- Textile gloves and boots: Wash with a technical cleaner and reproof with Nikwax Glove Proof or Fabric & Leather Proof Spray. Always air dry, never tumble dry gloves or boots. For motorcycle boots waterproofing, reproof regularly so the outer sheds water and dries faster.
Warranties & Performance
Neglecting basic care reduces gear life and can void warranties. GORE-TEX guarantees, for example, depend on correct maintenance, if your jacket hasn’t been cleaned and reproofed, you might not be covered.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I put my motorcycle jacket in the washing machine?
Yes, most textile motorcycle jackets can be machine washed on a gentle cycle with a technical cleaner like Nikwax Tech Wash. Always remove armour first and check the care label.
What’s the best way to clean a motorcycle helmet?
Clean the outside with a visor safe spray or damp kitchen roll, and wash removable liners by hand with hand soap. Never use harsh chemicals inside or outside the helmet.
How often should I clean my motorcycle gear?
If you’re a daily rider, aim to clean textile motorcycle jackets and trousers every few months. Helmets and gloves may need more frequent attention, especially in summer.
Do I need to clean motorcycle gear before reproofing?
Yes, cleaning first is essential. Road dirt stops waterproofing treatments from bonding properly, so always wash before applying reproofing products.
In Short: Looking after your motorcycle gear isn’t about being precious, it’s about making sure it performs the way it was designed to. Whether it’s a £500 GORE-TEX jacket or your favourite open face helmet, regular cleaning keeps it protective, breathable and comfortable.
Need advice on cleaning or choosing the right motorcycle gear cleaner? Pop into our Cheltenham store or shop online with The Biker Company.
