How to Care for Your Helmet
As a tactical professional, you understand the importance of keeping your gear in top shape. When it comes to how to care for your helmet, there are a few things to keep in mind. Here a few things to keep in mind to help ensure your helmet lasts for years of reliable use on the job.
The biggest concern on how to care for your helmet is the matter of keeping it clean. Since most tactical helmets employ a cover made of cloth (called a carrier), it may be tempting to simply throw it in the washer and dryer when it gets gnarly with dirt or buildup. This can cause a major problem however because you run the risk of shrinking the cover to the point it will not fit the helmet anymore, as well as the possibility of breaking off the clips which secure it the helmet itself. The best way to clean this part of the helmet is to wipe it in a spot clean method using a clean towel with dish soap and lukewarm water and then allow it to dry.
Another concern many face with caring for their helmet is how to clean the ballistics inserts. These inserts can start to stink if you never give them some TLC so please keep that in mind before you skip it. The key to cleaning the insert is to remove it from the cover and wipe it down with lukewarm water and dish soap. You should never soak the insert or wash it in the washer! Both of these methods can lead to a compromise in the integrity of the internal layers which will leave your helmet less protective. Let the insert dry and then place back inside the carrier.
Don't forget to clean your chin strap and suspension pads. This is one of the most visibly exposed parts of your helmet and it can need a good cleaning due to dirt, sweat, and any other debris accumulating. Remove the suspension pads and chin strap webbing. The pads and the strap may be one of the few parts of your helmet you can machine wash with mild detergent, but make sure you check the specifics of your manufacturer instructions before doing so to be on the safe side.
You also want to check the condition of the helmet while you are cleaning it since it will be disassembled, and you can examine the important components. For example, you will want to check for any rips, tears, dents, or any other signs of damage which may render the helmet system less effective in meeting your protection needs.