Can I use propanaol to clean th eoutside of my Scorpoin helmet?

[HappyTrails]

Hi All,

I have an abundance of propanol (ethyl alcohol) and was wondering if I can use it to clean the bugs off the outside of my Scorpion exo helmet. I am a bit concerned that it will remove more than just the bugs and grime.

 

[CHEMIKER]

The chemist answer - it probably would be fine on the painted part, but not a good idea at all on the visor. It certainly won't dissolve anything like acetone would, but repeated use on your visor could lead to crazing (fine cracks).

The motorcycle owner's answer - I wouldn't use it at all. I stick to warm soapy water on my entire helmet (and my bike itself) and avoid organic solvents. Just better to be safe than sorry, and most of the time does a great job of cleaning, so why go harsher?

Also, you either have propanol or ethyl alcohol, but they're not the same thing :BLAA:

 

[HappyTrails]

I guess I should have worded it a bit better. I have iso-propanol and ethyl. We use the iso-p to clean residue off of circuit boards that are used in space satellites. I was just a bit concerned about the clear coat on the helmets getting damaged.
Guess I will stick with water and soap. Thanks for the help.

 

[tuningfork]

I have always used Cycle Detailer on the helmet portion and generally warm soapy water on the clear visor. Plus it works great on the bike/plastics.

Meguiars make some plastic detailing/polishing products that will work well on the clear lens. I use the pro-grade stuff as I had it from a kit for polishing plastic window on my roadster. Works really good on plastic headlight lenses, instrument covers, and the windscreen.

consumer level
Car Care Products: Car Waxes to Leather Cleaners, Meguiar's the Leader in Car and Surface Care since 1901 (Meguiar's Brand)>Clear Plastic Care&sectionID=15101

pro-grade
Car Care Products: Car Waxes to Leather Cleaners, Meguiar's the Leader in Car and Surface Care since 1901 (Mirror Glaze Brand)>Clear Plastic Care&sectionID=34101