Your Apple Watch Band Is Dirtier Than You Think—How to Clean It Post-Workout-By Rabekah Henderson

Yana Iskaveya / Getty Images

With the right type of band, an Apple Watch can be worn nearly anywhere—from an early morning workout to a late night out with friends. However, Apple Watch bands can take quite the beating in all the sweat stains, grime, and grease of daily life.

To stay in great condition, watch bands need to be regularly cleaned. But this doesn’t take long, nor does it require much effort on your part.

Here’s what you need to know about cleaning all types of Apple Watch bands.

How to Clean an Apple Watch Band

Most Apple Watches come with an easy-to-clean silicone band. This type of watch band is fairly durable and stain-resistant, but it may need a good cleaning every once in a while. Here’s what to do.

Remove The Watch. Press down the buttons on opposite sides of the back of your watch to unlock the band. Pull the watch out, leaving the band behind. Keep the watch somewhere safe.Clean The Band. Add a drop of gentle dish soap or hand soap to a small bowl, then fill it with water. Dip a lint-free cloth (like the kind you use to clean glasses or screens) into the soapy mixture, then gently rub it over the watch band.Repeat and Spot Treat. Repeat this cleaning as needed, dipping the cloth back into the soapy mixture occasionally, until your watch band is stain- and sweat-free. To get rid of tough-to-remove stains, dab a little bit of dish soap directly onto the watch band and scrub.Dry The Band. Let your watch band fully dry by placing it on a drying rack or clean cloth for 15-30 minutes. Once there’s no more moisture left on it, connect your watch back to the band and use it like normal!

Want more cleaning and organizing tips? Sign up for our free daily newsletter for the latest hacks, expert advice, and more!

How to Clean Leather Apple Watch Bands

Leather watch bands need to be cleaned with more care than the standard silicone band Apple Watches come with out of the box.

To clean a leather watch band, disconnect it from the watch screen, then wipe away dust with a lint-free or microfiber cloth.

If the band is very stained, rub a damp cloth across the leather. Do not soak this watch band—doing so could leave it more stained! Let it fully dry away from direct sunlight before reattaching to your watch.

How to Clean Stainless Steel Apple Watch Bands

Stainless steel watch bands can look stunning, but they can easily collect grime and sweat. To clean it, first try wiping it down with a lint-free cloth—but make sure to detach the band from the watch first!

If the stainless steel band is still dirty after this, add a small amount of stainless steel cleaner (aka, the cleaner left behind after one pass of a stainless steel wipe or one spritz of a stainless steel cleaner) then add two tablespoons of water.

Dip a cloth into the mixture, then rub it over the band, focusing on the stained areas. Immediately buff away the cleaner with another clean, lint-free cloth.

How to Clean Nylon Apple Watch Bands

Nylon bands can get dirt and dust stuck in their weave, but they’re easy to clean. Dip an old (but clean) toothbrush inside of a bowl of water and a few drops of dish soap.

Separate the watch and the band, then scrub the soapy toothbrush across the band. Rinse out the soap by wiping the band with a wet cloth. Let it fully dry before reattaching the band to the watch.

How to Keep Your Apple Watch Band Clean for Longer

Want to avoid cleaning your watch band for as long as possible? Follow these tips to keep it cleaner, longer.

Change out delicate bands for a water and sweat-resistant band (or a band you don’t mind needing to replace more often) when exercising or swimming.Avoid wearing perfume or cologne on the wrist that you wear your watch on. The oils and fragrances from perfume can build up over time and damage or stain your Apple Watch band.If your watch band gets soaked, take it off and let it fully dry before placing it back on your wrist. This will help it dry evenly and avoid stains.

Read the original article on The Spruce.

  The Spruce Latest Stories