How to Clean and Care an Kep Italia Horse Riding Helmet

If you take care of your Kep Italia, your Kep will take care of you. By following these care and cleaning tips, your helmet is sure to stay in top shape for a good long while. Starting with a high-quality helmet like Kep, of course, is key. Your Kep Italia riding helmet is designed to protect and style you. Your helmet protects you in case of falls and keeps you in spec during competitions, and the Stylish italian brand gives you a unique look to impress. So keeping it clean is most important. A well-maintained helmet lasts longer and looks better. In our blog, we share how to keep your helmet clean and advise when to replace your helmet entirely.

Clean your riding helmet

Keeping your Kep riding helmet clean and dry is essential to the longevity and effectiveness of your protection. You also don't want to wear a dirty helmet during a competition. Make sure to wipe the chinstrap with a damp cloth after use. This will ensure that the impact of sweat is minimal. Let the helmet dry further before storing it in the KEP Italia bag. How often you further clean your helmet will depend on how often you ride and the conditions in which you ride. However, we recommend cleaning your riding helmet on a regular basis–every week, whenever it becomes visibly dirty, or right before a competition. For sure, you should clean your helmet after an intense, sweaty ride or if it gets exposed to mud, dirt, or excessive moisture.

How to clean your Kep Italia

Keeping your riding helmet clean is fairly simple. No need to gather tools just follow the steps below to keep your Kep nice and clean.

Only use:

Microfiber cloth or soft brush: This helps prevent scratching the helmet during the cleaning process.
Warm water: You will only need hand warm water for rinsing off the helmet. Avoid using harsh chemicals or abrasive cleaners that can damage the helmet's materials or finishes. Alternatively, there are helmet-specific cleaners and conditioners you can use for optimal maintenance, though these may not always be necessary.
Kep clean towel: After cleaning, allow it to air dry. Avoid using heat sources or exposing the helmet to direct sunlight, as they can cause damage. Polish the helmet with the clean Kep Italia towel.

Clean your KEP riding helmet in 5 steps

1. Remove detachable parts. Take off the front and rear panel. Remove the liner and the visor. Make sure to follow the Kep Italia manufacturer's instructions.

2. Clean the exterior. Gently wipe the exterior of the helmet with a soft, damp cloth. Use mild soap or a helmet-specific cleaner if necessary, but avoid using harsh chemicals or abrasive materials that could damage the helmet's surface and protective coating. Be sure to carefully clean around any embellishments to protect them.

3. Clean any ventilation openings. Pay attention to the ventilation openings and ensure they are clear. Use a soft brush or compressed air to remove any blockages.

4. Allow helmet to dry. After cleaning, allow your helmet to air dry naturally in a well-ventilated area. Avoid exposing it to direct sunlight or using heat sources, as they can cause damage to your helmet.

5. Reassemble. Once everything is dry, reattach the front and rear panel according to the Kep Italia instructions.

Do not clean your helmet in a dishwasher or washing machine. Any cleaning method that uses high temperatures or agitation will potentially damage your helmet.

How to clean a Kep Italia helmet liner

A liner keeps your helmet snugly fitted to your head, making it much more comfortable to wear your helmet for long periods of time. However, these liners need just as much care, if not more, than the helmets themselves. The liner absorbs the sweat to help keep you cool, but it can also start breeding bacteria and producing an odor, especially if it's not allowed to dry properly.

If you wear makeup, sunscreen, moisturizer, or bug spray while riding, these can also rub off on your helmet liner, trapping bacteria and causing acne breakouts. The compounds in these items can also facilitate an early breakdown of your helmet liner.

The internal lining, made up of one fully detachable element, can be cold washed by hand or in the washing machine. Avoid the use of all chemical detergents or solvents, especially for the shell of the helmet. Use a gentle soap. Let the liner soak in the soapy water for a few minutes, scrubbing gently to remove any stubborn stains. Rinse the liner and allow it to air dry completely before fitting it back into your Kep Italia helmet.

When to replace your KEP riding helmet?

Even with frequent cleaning and maintenance in time it's needed to replace your helmet.

In case of a fall or after 5 years

In case of a serious fall it is likely your Kep Italia can get damaged. You should either replace your helmet immediately or give it a Safety check. This Check can only be done by Kep Italia.

The outer shell is the toughest part of your helmet, the inner core is ultimately what protects you. Sometimes after a fall the outer shell looks perfectly normal and the inner shell is broken. The inner core of your helmet is made up of 2 layers of polystyrene shock-absorbing bubbles that can burst on impact, absorbing and protecting you from the force of the fall–only once. The inner core is compromised after a significant impact, which means you should replace your helmet even if you didn't hit your head directly.

Even if you maintain your helmet carefully and frequently, you should replace it every 5 years. Your KEP riding helmet is bound to see regular wear and tear in that time, and manufacturers are likely to produce more effective helmets with more advanced technology. Stay protected and replace your helmet at least once every five years.

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