How to get mould off helmet straps

[d_douglas]

I live in a wet climate and left a nice MTB helmet in a non climate co trolled environment for too long - the straps have mildew on them - gross.

The helmet is in very good condition and very comfortable so I won’t toss it. How do I get rid of the mould? I would rather avoid bleach for environmental reasons...

[dsimon]

washin dishwasher and then spray with teatree and water solution works great

[d_douglas]

Originally Posted by dsimon

washin dishwasher and then spray with teatree and water solution works great

Would a dishwasher destroy a helmet?!?!

[dsimon]

I put mine in on the top rack no detergent but if you use liquid maybe a smidge. I have put my Sworks and Kask proton in there and they seem to some out quit clean no issues on my end

[Mike V]

Do as hockey players do. Put it out in the sun for awhile after a good washing.

[Peter P.]

Try a product called Concrobium Mold Control. If you can't find it in the supermarket, try your local hardware store.

I had a newly installed wood threshold which I failed to finish in a timely fashion. Bleach wouldn't remove the mold which grew on the wood, and it whitened the wood as well. The CMC worked like a charm.

I used a scrub brush and you may do so as well.

[Bazartorie]

Hey mate, Just caught this oldie but goodie thread. First off, yuck! Moldy straps are a total bummer. No worries tho, there's a simple eco-friendly fix for ya. You could use a vinegar-water solution (50/50 mix). Just soak those straps in it for an hour or so, then scrub gently with an old toothbrush. Rinse thoroughly and air dry. No bleach, no harm to Mother Earth. PS: If you're looking for more home maintenance tips or eco-friendly solutions, check out this cool site I stumbled upon. It's a real gem! Stay safe on those trails, mate!

[BdaGhisallo]

Clean it after every ride. Rinse it under the kitchen tap and focus on the straps. And remove the helmet pads and run them through the washer with your other cycling gear.

Dry the helmet outside in the shade.

[charliedid]

Originally Posted by Bazartorie

Hey mate, Just caught this oldie but goodie thread. First off, yuck! Moldy straps are a total bummer. No worries tho, there's a simple eco-friendly fix for ya. You could use a vinegar-water solution (50/50 mix)

[pdxharth]

Vinegar is great. It’s cheap and works well. The smell goes away quickly, especially if you leave it in the sun.

[saab2000]

Mine often comes into the shower with me. Wash the straps (and the whole thing) often. Like every other ride or so. I have two helmets in rotation so they will dry properly. They hang from hooks on my peg board garage wall and get dry.

The funk stays away.

[charliedid]

Ditto the shower routine and I use Dr. Bronners occasionally and also like this stuff.

https://www.amazon.com/Vapor-Fresh-C...2-d605505c9d1e

[dddd]

The only environmental cost will be if you purchase a sizeable container of bleach.
Just borrow an ounce of it and that should last years if you keep it sealed up in appropriate packaging.

Nothing is going to kill mold better than a bleach solution, except gamma rays.

The strap textile does however absorb oils, which will forcefully displace air and any aqueous liquid from between the fibers. You really cannot remove the wicked-in oil without some aggressive procedure, so just use bleach solution and then massage the oily straps with water.

Bleach is safe, I use it full strength during violent removal of any kind of skin growth (mole, wart, tag, etc.), which tend not to return.