How To Clean Helmet Visor Scratches – 7 Methods Discussed 

A helmet with a scratched visor is up to no good. Not only does it ruin the aesthetics of the helmet, but it also puts the rider at immense risk. Hence, fixing it should be a top priority. 

So, how to clean helmet visor scratches? For small scratches, use regular household items like detergent, toothpaste, or baking soda. However, you might have to use a heat gun and sandpaper for the deeper scratches. Alternatively, you can use a plastic polish or a headlight restoration kit. 

Moving on, you will get step-by-step instructions for using each of these items. So, keep reading to find out more! 

7 Methods To Clean Helmet Visor Scratch 

For those who use helmets daily, having to deal with a scratched helmet visor isn’t uncommon. However, removing the scratches immediately is essential for your safety. So, here are seven ways for how to clean helmet visor scratches: 

Method 1: Mild Detergent And Water

Follow the steps below for faint scratches on your helmet visor. 

• Step 1: In a bowl, mix a mild detergent with some lukewarm water. 
• Step 2: Gently rub the scratched surface with a soft cloth like a t-shirt or a microfiber towel. Don’t use a paper towel as it worsens the scratches.
• Step 3: Rinse it out. 
• Step 4: Repeat the process as needed. 
• Step 5: Dry it with a different soft cloth. 

Method 2: Toothpaste

This is an alternative method to get rid of those faint scratches. This common household item should do the job if your detergent fails. 

• Step 1: Apply an even layer of non-gel toothpaste on the scratch. Avoid using toothpaste with high levels of ammonia. 
• Step 2: Using a soft cloth, rub the toothpaste onto the scratched area for a couple of minutes. 
• Step 3: Wipe off the toothpaste with a different cloth. 
• Step 4: If the scratch is still noticeable, repeat the process. 
• Step 5: Rinse the visor thoroughly. Be very diligent with this step to avoid getting toothpaste around your eyes.  
• Step 6: Dry it off with a cloth. 

Method 3: Baking Soda

Next on the list is baking soda, which is often used to remove scratches or stains. We recommend this method if you require a better abrasive action. 

• Step 1: Mix equal parts of baking soda and water to form a thick paste.

• Step 2: Apply the paste you made onto the scratched area. 
• Step 3: Gently rub the paste onto the scratched area with a soft cloth. 
• Step 4: Wipe off the paste and rinse the helmet thoroughly. 
• Step 5: Dry it off with a cloth. 

Method 4: Plastic Polish And Wax Spray

This method is for you if you’ve exhausted all the typical household items for scratch removal. Purchase a plastic polish specifically for automobile visors if you don’t have one on hand. Then, simply follow the steps: 

• Step 1: Dust off any dirt or debris on the visor with a soft cloth. 
• Step 2: Shake the bottle well and apply a pea-sized amount of plastic polish to the scratched surface. 
• Step 3: With gentle pressure, rub the polish onto the scratched surface. 
• Step 4: Wipe off the polish and inspect for any scratches. 
• Step 5: Repeat the process if the scratch is still visible. 
• Step 6: Once the scratch is gone, spray an even layer of any furniture wax. 

Method 5: Sandpaper

Needless to say, the use of sandpaper to remove scratches is very common. Simply follow the steps:

• Step 1: Choose a sandpaper with a grit range of 800-3000, depending on how deep the scratch is. 
• Step 2: Wet the sandpaper and buff out the scratches gently.
• Step 3: Inspect the scratch. Continue buffing if needed, however, make sure not to go overboard with it. 
• Step 4: This is optional, but use a plastic polish to revive the visor’s shine. 

Method 6: Sandpaper And Heat Gun

If the outcome with sandpaper wasn’t successful, pair it up with a heat gun. Understand that this method is only for those who know their way around heat appliances. 

Additionally, take some safety precautions. Make sure you’re doing this in a well-ventilated space. Wear protective goggles and gloves too. Then, you’re ready to start! 

• Step 1: Clean the visor with a mild detergent and water. 
• Step 2: Using sandpaper of 1500 grit, wet sand the scratches gently. 
• Step 3: Adjust the heat setting to low or medium and test the gun on one of the corners of the visor. If you’re comfortable handling the adjusted heat level, move on to the next step. 
• Step 4: Apply heat directly to the scratched area for 10-15 seconds, moving the gun back and forth slowly. Avoid heating one spot for too long, as it can melt the plastic. 
• Step 5: Let the visor cool down, and then inspect it for any scratches. 
• Step 6: If the scratch remains, apply heat for 10 more seconds. 
• Step 7: This is optional but you can polish the visor with a plastic polish. This will help bring back the visor’s original shine. 

Using a heat gun can be intimidating for some, so here is a video on how to use it: 

Method 7: Headlight Restoration Kit

If you want to avoid the heat gun, get a headlight restoration kit. Such kits usually include an abrasive compound that gives immediate results. While you should follow the instructions on the kit, here is a general overview of what you should do: 

• Step 1: Clean your visor with a mild detergent and water and let it dry. 
• Step 2: The kit provides a polishing pad with the abrasive compound. Apply the compound onto the pad.
• Step 3: Buff the compound onto the scratched area with gentle pressure.
• Step 4: Inspect for more scratches and buff it again if needed. 
• Step 5: Wipe off the abrasive compound. 
• Step 6: Using a second polishing pad, apply the polishing compound the kit provided.  

Watch this video to find out more about headlight restoration kits: 

FAQ

That’s pretty much all you need to know about how to clean helmet visor scratches. Let’s address some frequently asked questions now. 

Conclusion

Seeing scratches on your helmet visor can be frustrating. Nonetheless, you have to immediately get to work to remove the scratches for your own safety. So, how to clean helmet visor scratches? There are quite a few methods for it. For small and faint scratches, use detergent or non-gel toothpaste. 

For a slightly more abrasive action, use baking soda or buff out the scratches with high-grit sandpaper. If sandpaper alone doesn’t work, pair it up with a heat gun. However, using a heat gun isn’t everyone’s cup of tea, so you can use a plastic polish or a headlight restoration kit.