# How to store a motorcycle helmet

Source: https://lidandvisor.com/blog/how-to-store-a-motorcycle-helmet
Published: 2026-10-09
Publisher: Lid & Visor

**Short answer:** Store a motorcycle helmet in a cool, dry place indoors, away from direct sun, heaters and fuel or chemical fumes. Rest it on a flat shelf or in a padded helmet bag, with the visor cracked open so moisture can escape. Avoid hanging it on a mirror or a narrow hook that pushes into the EPS liner, and never leave it where it can fall onto a hard floor.

Riders spend a lot of thought on buying a helmet and very little on where it sits between rides. Yet storage affects how long a helmet lasts, how it smells and whether it gets dropped. This page covers the best places to store a helmet, the common habits that shorten its life, how to use helmet bags and wall mounts, and how to store a helmet over winter. It is for anyone who rides regularly or puts the bike away for the season.

## The best place to keep a helmet

A helmet's materials last longest when kept cool, dry and out of the sun. A closet or shelf inside your home is ideal. Temperature swings, UV light and humidity all age the shell finish, the glues and the comfort liner over time.

Pick a spot at a low height where the helmet cannot be knocked off. A flat shelf works well. Put the helmet on its side or upside down on a soft surface, or on a broad, padded stand. Leave the visor slightly open so trapped sweat can dry out. That also helps prevent smells. If you just rode in the rain, let the helmet dry at room temperature before putting it away.

## Things that shorten a helmet's life

Heat is the biggest enemy. A car trunk or a sunny window in summer can get hot enough to affect the liner glues and EPS. Fuel and solvent fumes are another risk, especially in garages, because some chemicals can weaken polycarbonate and EPS.

Drops also add up. A helmet on the bike seat or the mirror perch is easy to knock off, and a hard fall onto concrete may mean replacing the helmet. Our guide to [motorcycle helmet after a crash or drop](https://lidandvisor.com/blog/motorcycle-helmet-after-a-crash) explains why.

- Hanging the helmet on a mirror, which can press into the EPS liner
- Leaving it on the seat or tank, where it can fall
- Storing it near fuel cans, solvents or paint
- Keeping it in a hot car or in direct sun
- Putting gloves inside the helmet, which adds sweat and dirt to the liner

Note: Do not hang a helmet by its chin strap on a mirror or hook for long periods. It can stress the strap and the mount area.

## Helmet bags

Most premium helmets come with a soft bag. It protects the finish from dust and scratches and makes the helmet easier to carry. A padded bag adds some protection against bumps but will not protect a helmet from a real drop.

Make sure the helmet is fully dry before bagging it, since a closed bag traps moisture. For long storage, a breathable cloth bag is better than a sealed plastic one. Keep the bag on a shelf, not on the floor where it can be stepped on or kicked.

## Wall mounts and helmet holders

Wall mounts save space and keep the helmet off the floor. The best designs support the helmet over a broad area, such as a rounded dome or a padded cradle, rather than a narrow hook that pushes into one spot of the liner. Mount it where the helmet will not get bumped as people walk past, and away from heaters or windows.

Some riders store the helmet on the bike with a lock when parked outside. That is fine for a short stop but not for storage. See [how to secure a helmet to a motorcycle](https://lidandvisor.com/blog/how-to-secure-a-helmet-to-a-motorcycle) for safe ways to leave it on the bike.

| Option | Good for | Watch out for |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Indoor shelf | Daily and long-term storage | Keep low and away from edges |
| Soft helmet bag | Dust, scratches, transport | Dry the helmet first |
| Dome wall mount | Saving space in a garage | Keep away from fumes and heat |
| Mirror or narrow hook | Not recommended | Pressure on liner, falls |

Storage options compared

## Storing a helmet over winter

If you will not ride for months, clean the helmet first. Wash the liner and let everything dry completely. Clean the visor and remove a Pinlock insert so it can dry, and refit it in spring. See [how to clean a motorcycle helmet](https://lidandvisor.com/blog/how-to-clean-a-motorcycle-helmet) for safe products.

If your helmet has a built-in intercom or one attached, charge it to around half and store it indoors, following the maker's guidance for battery storage. Put the helmet in its bag on an indoor shelf. In spring, check the visor mechanism, strap and liner before the first ride. If the helmet is around five years old or the liner is worn, consider replacing it. Our [best full face helmets](https://lidandvisor.com/best/best-full-face-motorcycle-helmets) guide is a good place to start.

1. Clean the shell, visor and liner.
2. Let everything dry fully.
3. Remove the Pinlock and store it with the visor.
4. Charge any intercom battery partway.
5. Bag the helmet and store it on an indoor shelf.

[See full face helmets](https://lidandvisor.com/best/best-full-face-motorcycle-helmets)

## Frequently asked questions

**Is it OK to store a helmet in the garage?** It can be, if the spot is dry, out of the sun and away from fuel, solvents and paint fumes. Indoors is better if your garage gets hot.

**Should I hang my helmet on the mirror?** No. It can press into the EPS liner and it often falls off. Use a shelf or a broad wall mount.

**Should I keep my helmet in the bag?** A soft bag is good for dust and scratches. Make sure the helmet is dry first, and use a breathable bag for long storage.

**Can I leave my helmet in a hot car?** Avoid it. High heat over time can affect the liner glues and EPS. Take the helmet with you or keep it shaded.

## Gear guides for this topic

- https://lidandvisor.com/best/best-full-face-motorcycle-helmets
- https://lidandvisor.com/best/best-modular-motorcycle-helmets
- https://lidandvisor.com/best/best-sena-smart-helmets