Since it’s now Summer in Texas and in the 90’sF all ready …
I notice when I got back from my ride there was a green tint to my helmet padding (sweat band).
I rinse it after every ride, and it is pretty compacted. I do sweat quite a bit. I think it’s been 2 years since I bought it. Do any of you apply anything to keep it fresh or have any tricks?
Definitely wash them occasionally…you can just take the whole helmet into the shower with you and use some soap / shampoo, but I find you get better results by throwing the pads in the washer. This will impact their lifespan, though…
Just rinsing the pads will not clear out all the accumulated salt and crap from the pads…at least not thoroughly. You can replace the pads every year or so, too…I prefer to buy an alternate set and just rotate them on a regular basis. Toss one set in the wash and load the other set on the helmet.
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Yeah. I pull them out and wash them by hand in the sink with some dish detergent. Salt will dissolve in water but detergent or similar is needed to cut through the accumulated oils and help release dirt. I only replace them when they start falling apart.
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I haven’t replaced helmet pads in a long time. I tend to get a new helmet every 3 years or so. I do wash mine in the shower every few rides though.
Don’t forget the straps too. Mine get terrible salt stains.
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I bought a Leatt helmet. I am not sure what the material is inside, but it never stinks, it is easy to rinse out and dry. It is my favorite helmet to the point I bought ones for my two sons.
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Wow… I have never washed helmet pads. Well, and straps, I’ve had straps that are pretty stiff with the sweat, but at one point, my car seat belts were pretty stiff and looked like they had frosting on them. The week after Iceman, the seat looked ‘sugar coated’ too.
But I’ve never thought of washing helmet pads. I have to step up my game. But to be honest, I ride so infrequently outside now, I’d rather get a new helmet and toss the stinky old one. (Provided I can find one that fits, of course. In my dirt bike days, I had one choice for a helmet: white 
) (That helmet lasted YEARS, and the pads eventually decomposed. Sweat?)
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I try to wash/rinse/soak the pads maybe once a month? In the summer when I’m real sweaty then I try to at least do a quick rinse every ride or two. I notice after long rides my forehead is less irritated when I wash it more frequently (go figure).
I never replaced the pads on my last helmet (2-3 years) but on my current helmet I replaced them after a year I think. They started to peel apart and be super gross after neglecting them through the summer.
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Do what now…? 
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And some pads will disintegrate when you put them in the washer. When I bought my POC helmets, they came with one spare set of pads and I have gotten replacements for them. I wish they would simply add another set or two, though. Then I would definitely change them more often.
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Just buy a new one each year 
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I’ve dealt with sweaty helmet pads for years. I usually toss mine in a soak with baking soda and water once in a while, then let it dry completely. It’s helped cut down on both the smell and the buildup
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The pads inside the helmet never but often give the strap that goes under the chin a good scrub. I’ve switched out pads but didn’t think washing them was a thing.
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I’ve never washed mine. Thought about it, but never have.
My good XC helmet can probably stand up on the straps, but I don’t think much of it.
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I rinse the entire helmet out with water after almost every ride and hang it up to dry. Keeps them looking new for years.
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Yep, same. The feeling of old sweat going in my eyes hits different too.
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