Daily clean your watch strap with a soft cloth, it will help remove any dirt. Pro Tip: Swap straps (and/or watches) frequently as day-to-day use of a single leather strap leads to considerable wear and tear. Wipe with a cloth or even a very soft brush (if suede or nubuck, a suede brush or suede eraser is a good option, if needed). If the watch band is … Please remember that some leather conditioners or supplemental oils can darken the color of the leather. I like to use Allen Edmonds Leather Lotion, and I tend to avoid heavier treatments like mink oil (it's great for certain uses, but will darken leather). Unfortunately, they are also one of the harder bands to clean and care for. We spoke with Michael Ryan, Vice President of Watches of Switzerland for Wynn Resorts; Ruediger Albers, President of Wempe US; and Claire Humen, Technical Director and Production Manager for Jean Rousseau US, all of whom lead brands that have helped clean and service innumerable amounts of watches and watch straps. Jean Rousseau also offers a strap care kit to help rejuvenate its leather, which the company tells us adds “life back into your strap, brightening its color and suppleness.” The kit includes a cream, cloth applicator, and water-resistant spray, all of which should be applied to the strap on a clean surface. The third important consideration is knowing the materials of the watch, the watch crystal, and the watch strap. Once soaked, rub the strap between your fingers to work the soap into the fabric. Yes, those need to be cleaned and maintained too (don’t worry, it's easy). Many people think it’s ok to throw their watch strap in the dishwasher. Some brands recommend servicing once a year, others every two years, some every three years or more, so it’s best to consult your dealer and watch brand directly on how often to have your watch professionally serviced and checked for water resistance. Simply use a little mild dish soap and warm water and gently scrub the strap. Then lightly wipe the leather strap with the clean damp cloth to remove all soap residue from the band. Let it dry entirely before moving to the next step. Fill the bowl with warm water and a small amount of soap to create a gentle soapy solution. Apply glass cleaner to a cloth and thoroughly rub all sides of the watch face. 1 step: Remove the watch head (watch face), there is a removable tab on the silicone watches. However, one of the best ways to clean a stainless steel watch is very cheap, involving only water and vinegar. It is highly desired that you only use a soft bristled brush. That being said, keep in mind that "rubber" is a bit of a blanket term and is often used to describe a range of straps rather than ones that are exclusively made from real rubber (many are silicone, for example). That’s why all of my watches are at least 10 atm rated. And, it will last forever. Albers recommends using “a soft, maybe [lightly] damp cloth” to clean, but to avoid submerging the piece lest you cause “significant damage” to the timepiece. Some Very Important Considerations Before Cleaning: While from the instructions above it might seem quite easy to clean a watch and strap (and it is), there are some important factors to think about before you launch into the task. If you’re cleaning with the watch case still attached to the strap: be careful with the water. The most obvious is to reduce any debris that may have found itself on the timepiece, whether that be hair, oil, dust, or dirt, all of which not only reduce the quality of the intended look of the watch, but could also damage the various sealants, gaskets, and finishing on the watch and its accompanying bracelet. However, if your bracelet is constructed of something much less water-resistant — leather, for example — then you will need to use a gentler cleaning process. If, after cleaning and drying, you find any frayed bits of nylon, use the heat (not the direct flame) from a lighter to ever so lightly melt away the fray and seal up the edge of the strap. You can also combine the two options and soak your dirty NATOs in ice water with a strong detergent and then move on to rinsing and drying. This requires warm water, a bit of soap, a small brush with very soft bristles and a piece of clean cloth. How to Clean Your Watch Strap or Bracelet: Now that your watch is clean, you should also clean the bracelet it is strapped on, too. Mix one part of each in a bowl or saucer. Let's dig in. Shop Spotlight A Closer Look At The Massena LAB Uni-Racer, In The Shop The Oris Divers Sixty-Five 'Sunset Brown', In The Shop The Search For The Perfect NATO-Style Strap Is Over, In-Depth Everything You Need To Know About The Rolex Explorer Ref. The goal here is to moisturize and keep the material as soft and supple as possible. Ryan also mentioned that a hesalite or acrylic crystal — found most often on vintage timepieces — can easily scratch as compared to something more durable like sapphire, so you will want to opt away from abrasive brushes while cleaning these facets, and again opt towards something very soft like a microfiber cloth or your hands. Repeat with the other side of the band. 06/16/2014 09:10 Subject: How to clean a white silicone/rubber watch band/ strap? This will ensure that dirt will not scratch the leather when you scrub it more thoroughly later. Again, with heat being the enemy, don't put your nylon straps in the dryer. Once dry, treat with a leather conditioner to keep the leather soft and protected – just like you'd do for a decent pair of shoes. Hopefully, by now, you've had a chance to clean your watches and any bracelets you're fond of using – but what about the rest of your straps? If not, the following should do the trick: And it's as easy as that. To learn more about Watches of Switzerland’s professional servicing options, click here. Mix together equal amounts of distilled vinegar and linseed oil. For straps with a smooth grain (non-suede or nubuck), use a minimal amount of water and some gentle soap. I can’t believe that “little to no water resistance is defined as 30 m or less.” 30 m is almost 100 feet, or 4 atm of pressure. Next, use rubbing alcohol or similar wipes to disinfect the watch all over. Wipe down the watch strap with a dry microfiber cloth. If your watch is made of a precious metal (such as gold), you will want to use either an extra-soft brush, microfiber cloth, or just your hands to avoid damaging the softer material. Moisture from your wrist or the environment builds up easily on the inside of the watch strap. Keep your timepiece looking fresh and working well by giving it a good cleaning. Don't store leather bands in direct sunlight, at high temperatures, or in high humidity. Avoid using any brushes on a daily basis as it can shorten the lifespan of the straps. If Your Watch is Water-Resistant (Approximately 50 meters and above): The most typical watch to clean is one with a good water resistance, think approximately 50 meters and above (such as the new Rolex Submariner, pictured above). Comment You can saturate a cotton ball in isopropyl alcohol to spot clean any particularly stubborn grime. A 3 atm watch could never be a daily wearer for me. Thankfully, they are really easy to wash. The next two considerations to think about are the age of the timepiece and its last servicing date. In a suitably-sized dish, mix a soft soap (I commonly use dish soap) with warm water and submerge your strap for a few minutes. To keep dirt at a minimum, clean the straps daily with a mild soap and water to remove any oils, lotions, etc. For a more durable bracelet — such as one constructed from steel, titanium, or rubber — Albers recommends using a soft brush with a gentle soap and water to clean the clasp and bracelet, possibly even running the bracelet under a faucet to flush out any debris. Do not wet it. For exotic leather is even more important you don't use any product that is not specially formulated. The wristwatch — which for many has long been one of the least cleaned and most used items in their possessions — is consequently not immune from becoming a vector for both grime and the virus. Apply a soft hand soap (dish soap is fine, too). The final consideration when cleaning your watch at home is to clean over a protected surface. Roll the strap in a hand towel and compress to remove as much water as possible. A watch you love can last you decades if you take good care of it, and that means proper cleaning! Once a week wash the strap with a soft soap with filtered water it can help clean the accumulated oils and improve the longevity of the strap. Now, dip the brush in water and rub it again in a circular fashion. Ryan told us that “gaskets will dry out in several years, making them brittle and if they crack moisture can get inside and rust your movement. However, if the condensation persists then the watch should be opened by a professional jeweler as soon as possible “to air out … and prevent further damage.”. This will prevent … Do not use any kind … If the cleaning is overdue, you can get deeper into the bracelet and its crevices by dipping the soft brush in glass cleaner and gently scrubbing the bracelet. How to Clean Watch Bands. Or your favorite leather strap now that leather strap season is upon us? If necessary, lightly dampen the cloth with fresh water. It will remove finger prints and wrist moisture. NATOs are great straps that offer excellent comfort and flexibility and can easily stand up to the water, sun, and more that is common to an active lifestyle (they are great for sunscreen, and bug spray, too). Those white silicone watch straps dirty easily. Make sure you have the right tools for the job you you are going to completely remove the strap for a more detailed clean. Humen went on to tell us that extra care should be used when approaching leathers that are super matte or dyed with tannins, “as they are naturally more susceptible to absorbing natural oils and water from a too damp cloth.” For these, she recommends, use only a lightly damp cloth or a dry microfiber cloth. * Dip the brush in the solution, and gently brush the watch to clean. How to clean? Ryan recommends cleaning a watch without water resistance using only “a dry soft toothbrush” to physically brush up any debris, and then to “clean it up with a cloth.”. If you're not sure, you can always consult with the manufacturer of your rubber strap to see if there are any specialized cleaning needs. Your watch band needs to be cleaned. As a result, cleaning your watch, now more than ever, has become a necessary routine as part of your regular personal hygiene. So, before you grab your scrubber and soap, here are some things to think about. Remove soap residue. Fill the bowl with warm water and a small amount of soap to create a gentle soapy solution. “It is best to clean the surface of any dust, dirt, etc. Some leathers that qualify here are Jean Rousseau’s interesting salmon leather straps, vegetable calf, and ostrich. The other, and possibly more relevant for this year, is to reduce the chances your watch can itself become a vehicle for the transmission of the coronavirus and other pathogens, both to yourself and to others. Spray glass cleaner on a soft cloth, and wipe down the watch face, case and bracelet to refresh the shine. A fabric NATO strap is the easiest watch strap to clean—lucky you. Once cleaned, gently rinse the watch with non-soapy water. Carefully dip only the bracelet or strap of your watch … But all of this sweat, water, and various protective chemicals end up soaked into the strap's woven material, so cleaning is key to avoid a stinky and stained NATO (or other nylon strap). For extreme-smelling leather watchbands, proceed to Step 4. After cleaning, let the band air dry thoroughly before re-attaching to Apple Watch. To clean your leather watch strap, follow these steps: Remove the strap from your watch and use a dry microfiber cloth to wipe off both sides. Like the watch itself, when cleaning a bracelet you should consider its water resistance, age, material construction, etc., all of which will help you determine how to best clean it. For stubborn stains, use a soft brush to clean (combine with a little soap or a mild detergent solution). Simply insert the watch strap into a sock or a pocket in your jeans, and toss in the washing machine. Dip the brush into the glass cleaner and scrub the band on the top and bottom. Everyone loves the luxurious look and feel of a genuine leather watch band. Tags: Accessories, Luxury Watches, Vintage Watches, Wempe. Some leathers deal with water better than others, so while a shell cordovan is quite easy to keep clean and conditioned, suede or nubuck-finished straps will require more specific care. The safest way to remove this build-up is by wiping it off with a soft cloth. As you may have guessed, the far most important consideration is knowing the water resistance of your watch. Remove the strap from the watch (unless you absolutely trust the water-resistance of said watch). Use a watch spring bar tool to pull those spring bars back from the watch arms and free your band… (if these spring bars break or bend, go see a jeweler) Once the band is free, put it into a jewelry ultrasonic cleaner with hot water (like coffee hot), and a dash of Mr. Clean. Water resistance continues to take the cake in terms of importance, so if either your bracelet or watch are water resistant, but not both, then you should separate the two and clean them accordingly. All watches are different, and that is why it is always best to consult your watch dealer or the manufacturer on how best to clean your watch before undertaking the task. Here are 2 reasons why your Apple Watch band stinks (plus a few ways to fix the issue). Wipe with a cloth or even a very soft brush (if suede or nubuck, a suede brush or suede eraser is a good option, if needed). Even if you do start using deodorant to prevent a cheese-smelling wrist situation, you'll still want to clean your watch bands on … Like leather shoes, it's best when they are worn and then given a chance to rest. Purchase a 2 square foot chamois at the local auto parts store and wipe the watch with that. Hang the strap to dry it (preferably not in direct sunlight). This cleaning information applies to Apple-branded bands only. As with the How To Clean Your Watch post, the following is meant to steer most people in the right direction. Wipe the leather with a soft, cotton cloth to remove grime buildup. If your watch is made of a precious metal (such as gold), you will want to use either an extra-soft brush, microfiber cloth, or just your hands to avoid damaging the softer material. I love rubber straps because they are comfortable, great in the summer, and stand up to a lot of abuse (sunlight, salt, sunscreen, bug spray, etc.). Squeeze out any excess water from the cloth. Ryan told us that “the brush you use on stainless steel can scratch the shiny gold finish on a precious metal timepiece,” so while you should use a soft brush to clean a steel or titanium timepiece, you’ll want to opt towards an ultra-soft brush, microfiber cloth, or even just your hands while cleaning something constructed of precious metals. Don't soak leather bands in water. Clean the band according to the manufacturer instructions—take care to spot clean leather without saturating it. A new watch band costs $300-350. Hard bristles might tamper with the material or mess up the dye. After this time, it is usually necessary to replace them. with a very slight damp cloth. Avoid direct sunlight as UV can be hard on rubber materials. As a result, keeping your person and belongings clean has gained a newfound prominence in everyday life. A good way to avoid this is by cleaning over a layered towel, which will help catch water and any potential slips. 4. The process is as follows: If Your Watch Has Little or No Water Resistance (Approximately 30 meters and below): If you have a watch with little to no water resistance, usually defined as 30 meters or less (such as the Patek Philippe Calatrava or A. Lange & Söhne Saxonia, pictured above), then it is important to take special precautions to protect your watch during cleaning. After all, if you're going to spend good money on great straps, you might as well treat them well by keeping them clean and ready to wear. If you don’t keep your watch band nice and clean, it can start to have bacteria buildup around the buckle and in the seams. After removing from the wash, follow steps 6 and 7 above. 2 step: Put the silicone watch straps on the addition of detergent soak in boiling water for about 15 minutes . Do not use hot water; intense heat can (and will) affect the nylon (this is also why I don’t recommend using your dishwasher, as I've seen NATOs melt from the heat). Does anyone have any suggestions on how to clean it? For leather bands: Wipe the leather portions of the bands clean with a nonabrasive, lint-free cloth. With the New Year beginning, and many of our watches undoubtedly needing a good sprucing up, we at WatchTime spoke with a few watch and watch-strap cleaning experts, to help our readers keep their wristwear shining in a few easy steps at home. After cleaning the strap, rinse the cloth under running water until all of the soap is gone. Both Albers and Ryan recommend knowing the last service date of a watch, and if you have a concern over the effective water resistance of your watch to have it inspected by a reputable watchmaker. Rub the brush on both sides of the strap. For more precious metals, such as gold or platinum, Ryan recommends cleaning the bracelet with just your hands, or if available opting for an extra soft brush, as a too rigid brush can scratch the metal. Any lower than this and you will want to take some special considerations while cleaning, but by and large most watches offer some degree of water resistance. For cleaning there is a good Lexol brand cleaner too, but I'll avoid cleaning unless really necessary, just use hairbrush for leather regularly or a clean cloth to keep it free of dust and looking it's best. To clean the watch face, fill a dish with warm water and a bit of mild detergent, like Dial dish soap. 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