For those of you who don't know, riding a bicycle is one of the greenest methods of transportation. Instead of burning fossil fuels, you burn calories which can be replenished through food and drink. But you don?t want to ride an eco-friendly bicycle without a helmet. A helmet keeps your noggin safe from peril.

Bicycle helmets can become quite dirty. Whether it is crud on the exterior or sweaty grease on the inside, a bike helmet can be quite a mess. Cleaning it thoroughly can seem like quite a chore, but it is not.

The Bicycle Helmet Safety Institute is a great place to learn everything you need to know about bicycle helmets. They even have instructions for cleaning the helmets. Here is a summary of what they say:

1. Always follow the manufacturers instructions in regards to cleaning.

2. Most helmets can be cleaned in mildly soapy water, rinsed off and air dried.

3. Never use harsh solvents.

4. Don't put a helmet in washing machine, dishwasher or clothes dryer.

5. You can wash your bike helmet while you wash yourself.

6. The BHSI recommends Helmet Fresh to remove odors. This product is non-toxic, non-allergenic and touts itself as being environmentally friendly.

Most bike helmets can deal with moisture fairly well. So don't worry about the helmet getting wet. Just make sure to keep it in good condition. That way your helmet can keep your head in good condition.