Muc-Off Helmet Polish

Muc-Off Helmet Polish is part of their rider care range aimed at cyclists and motorcyclists. By my reckoning it represents best value if you have an assortment of helmet types to look after, including moto lids.

Helmets are exposed to extremes of temperature, atmospheric pollution, jaded by rain, trail spatter and similar everyday wear 'n' tear. Beeswax furniture polish blow-overs restore that factory sheen within seconds but their solvent carriers have unknown consequences for long-term structural integrity.

Muc-off say their helmet cleaner is an advanced formula derived from natural, renewable sources and is fully biodegradable. Reputedly safe on composites, fibreglass, polycarbonate and carbon fibre, it sounds pretty universal but is actually limited to use on glossy factory finishes. Accidental encounters with matt and satin surfaces left behind oily blotches.

Muc-off recommends priming surfaces to be polished with a liberal helping of their helmet and visor cleaner to remove light film, bugs, dirt, tar etc. In practice, a few squirts of citrus-based bike wash dried off with a clean towel worked just fine.

While less efficient than butane fuelled aerosols, the pump spray delivers a fine, consistent mist. Two or three brief shots are more than sufficient for traditional road/cross country helmets, though downhill and similar full face need an extra shot. Work it into the surface using a microfibre cloth until it's fully evaporated.

Achieving mirror shines is refreshingly effortless; 30 seconds for a cosseted road model, nearer a minute for those that see harder service. In common with any other protectant, the slippery coating provides an invisible barrier that resists dirt, dust, persuading rainwater to bead away, and enabling what's left to be dismissed with a very quick towel wipe.

Staying power will depend on riding style and conditions. Our guinea pigs have only needed a single application this month, though mountain bikers, 'cross racers and those commuting through congested city centres may need to use it fortnightly, and more frequently in winter. However, it's very economical. Even with a big collection, you'd be hard pressed to exhaust the contents in a year, so clean, shiny helmets are going to cost you just 50p a month.

Verdict

Effective polish but only suitable for glossy helmets.