How to stop your Helmet visor from Fogging?

As bike riders, we face many challenges every single day. From unexpected flat tires in the middle of nowhere to a selection of our gear that is hard to find. One such struggle is fogging our  visor, which could get dangerous. So, how to stop your helmet visor from fogging? That’s why we are here. Before we get to it, why does it fog up in the first place?

Fogging up of visor

Fogging happens in cold climates when the visor is hard, and either side emits heat (warm breath) causes fog to form. It could sometimes occur in summer too, but the idea is the same. Although it looks complicated or weird. Fogging of visor mostly happens during rain or chilled weather, which for bikers are very common as they usually travel far on their bikes. For people living in cold areas, this problem is unbearable, and if they are bikers, they use some methods to get rid of fogging.

How to stop your Helmet visor from fogging?

We understand how annoying and inconvenient it is to have a fogged-up headset. So here is a list of possible solutions and tips for preventing fog buildup and improving your visibility.

1. Anti-fog insert sheets

The inserts are thin, transparent plastic sheets attached to the inner side of the visor. They keep your visor from fogging by preventing condensation from forming inside the helmet. It has a hydrophilic layer in the inserts that effectively absorbs moisture keeping everything transparent. 

2. Pinlock lens

Another way of how to stop helmet visor fogging is by using the pin-lock.. The pin-lock style lens is another type of insert installed inside the main visor. Using this option creates a double glazing effect that keeps the inside and outside temperature the same. This way, your visor remains closed even on cold, wet days without any buildup of fog.

The pin-lock lens is typically made of natural and precise material that has a silicon edge. To install it, you have to lock the lens between the plastic pins on both sides of the main visor. What happens is that the silicon edge forms a strong bond with the visor around the insert. It prevents moisture from trapping between the two surfaces that stop fogging.

Pinlock lenses are excellent during cold days and nights. Even if the moisture conditions are right, no moisture will condense on the visor. From the get-go, many motorcycle helmets already include pin locks in the package. However, look for pin-lock-enabled helmets before buying a new one. These kinds of helmets have a small pin-lock already set inside the visor.

3. Anti-Fog Sprays

There are numerous fog sprays and treatments available on the market today. All of these products temporarily prevent fog from forming inside your visor. The majority of them use a chemical surfactant to break the surface tension of the water. It results in evaporating the water and providing a clear view through the visor.

Since the effect of sprays is only temporary, you may need to reapply it after 24 to 72 hours. However, ideally, you should apply the spray before each use. Using the spray is easy; clean your helmet before spraying the condensation solution evenly, and you’re good to go.

This temporary solution is best for people who rarely drive their bikes in wet conditions. However, if riding is your hobby or lifestyle, the next option suits you well.

4. Anti-fog coating solution

Let’s set one thing straight; the coating isn’t a permanent solution. However, it lasts longer than spray. This coating lasts for about 1to 2 years. You don’t want to reapply the anti-fog spray before each use.

You don’t know that most manufacturers use various grades of hydrophilic ingredients to eliminate fogging. They apply this to newly manufactured helmets to keep fogging forming on them.

5. Foggy Mask

You might have seen bikers wear a mask underneath a helmet. It’s a foggy mask through which you can breathe inside a helmet without fog buildup. The most common one, Respro Foggy Breath Guard, is a neoprene mask that covers your mouth and nose. These masks are perfect to wear under full-face helmets and the best way to stop fogging.

One other use for a foggy mask is that they can filter the pollution outside. This way, your visor stays clear while smelling clean air while you drive.

6. Anti-Fog Wipes

Cleaning the visor using wipes to repel water is one of the best ways to avoid fog buildup. As you know, moisture is a significant cause of fog, and the wipes can wipe moisture and dirt. Furthermore, it also attempts to prevent condensation from forming again and again.

7. Water Repellents

Recently a company launched a solution that repels water. The chemicals in these repellents keep fog from forming inside the helmet visor. Besides the visor, one can use this repellent to clean glasses and spectacles too.

8. Clean With Dishwashing Soap

Believe it or not, the best and cheapest way that protects your helmet visor from fogging is in your kitchen. All you need is some dishwashing soap and some soft rags.

All you have to do is put a small amount of dishwashing soap on a soft rag (a rag made of cotton is best) and apply it inside your visor. Next, take another clean rag (made of cotton) to rub inside the visor until it becomes clear without any residue. Now you have a helmet on which fog won’t build up even if you breathe directly on it.

9. Increase Ventilation

It is a simple way that should’ve been mentioned first, but here we are. By increasing Ventilation of the helmet keeps the fogging on the visor from occurring. Today most helmets come with a ventilation area that opens easily. This way, the airflow spreads evenly when you drive, making it a simple way to stop helmet visor fogging.

One question comes to mind here, what happens if it rains? If you open the visor, your face will be soaked. The best way here is to open the beak slightly using the notch to keep your face dry and prevent fog from buildup.

Also Read: Best ATV/Quad Bike Helmets in 2021