Is your Apple Watch dirty? You are at the right place, read this guide on how to clean Apple Watch band to clean your Apple Watch safely.
Bands are an integral part of the Apple Watch. With Apple’s excellent implementation of removable and swappable bands on all its Apple Watches, it is easy to change bands. These bands are prone to get dirty over time because of sweat, dust, and more.
While bands can be found for low prices, you can’t change them every time a band gets dirty, that’s why you should make it a habit of cleaning your band every once in a while. This comprehensive guide on how to clean the Apple Watch band will teach you to clean your Apple Watch band safely and effectively.
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How to Clean Apple Watch Band So It Looks New?
Table of Contents
Apple Watch bands are prone to getting dirty over time, and cleaning them is a surprisingly simple task, but you have to know a few things. These include the materials of the band, things you can use and not use, and how to clean.
When it comes to the band material, each material might require different cleaning techniques. For example, you can use water on some, soap on some, you may have to air dry some, and so on, hence it cleaning will differ based on the material of the band.
For cleaning, it is always recommended to use a non-abrasive, lint-free cloth. Warm water and soap may be required for some types of bands. You can also use disinfectants like isopropyl alcohol or Clorox only if required. Don’t use disinfectants on fabric or leather bands. And don’t use products containing bleach or hydrogen peroxide for cleaning Apple Watch bands.
Now let’s look at how to clean Apple Watch Band in detail. I will explain how to clean for each material type below, so read carefully and use the appropriate methods for your Apple Watch band.
What You Need to clean Apple Watch band
These are the materials you need to keep in hand if you are planning to clean your Apple Watch band.
- A non-abrasive, lint-free cloth
- Cotton swabs
- Soft-bristle toothbrush
- Lukewarm water
- Liquid soap
- Stainless-steel polish
- Disinfecting wipes
How to Clean the Apple Watch 8 Ultra Bands?
Apple Watch 8 Ultra bands are made of a soft, breathable material that is designed to wick away moisture and keep your skin cool and dry. However, even these bands can get dirty over time. Here are the steps on how to clean your Apple Watch 8 Ultra bands:
- Remove the band from your Apple Watch.
- Gather the materials you will need:
- A soft, lint-free cloth
- Mild soap and water
- Dampen the cloth with soap and water and wring it out until it is damp. Wipe the band clean, being careful not to get any soap or water inside the band.
- If the band is still dirty, you can try soaking it in a mild soap and water solution for a few minutes.
- Once the band is clean, rinse it with clean water and wring it out again.
- Dry the band with a soft, lint-free cloth.
- Reattach the band to your Apple Watch.
Here are some additional tips for cleaning your Apple Watch 8 Ultra bands:
- Avoid using harsh chemicals or abrasive materials, as these can damage the band.
- Do not submerge the band in water, as this can damage the seals and cause water to get inside the band.
- Be sure to dry the band completely before reattaching it to your Apple Watch.
You can also use a mild detergent to clean your Apple Watch 8 Ultra bands, but be sure to rinse them thoroughly with water afterwards. Avoid using bleach or other harsh chemicals, as these can damage the band.
If the band is still dirty after cleaning, you can try using a stain remover. However, be sure to test the stain remover in an inconspicuous area of the band first to make sure it does not damage the material.
How to Clean Apple Watch Band – Silicone Bands
Silicone bands are the simplest bands you can get for your Apple Watch. Silicone bands are made from materials like TPU, Fluoroelastomer, or synthetic rubber. These bands are aimed at sports and physical activities. They are required to be comfortable, easy to clean, and inexpensive.
Since silicone bands are waterproof, they don’t get dirty easily, and even if they do, cleaning them is a piece of cake. You can use soap and water to clean them too. You can also use disinfectants if needed. Here’s how you can clean a silicone Apple Watch band,
- If the band isn’t too dirty, remove it from your Apple Watch and use a non-abrasive, lint-free cloth to wipe and clean it.
- If the band is grimy and requires thorough cleaning then, soak the cloth in warm water mixed with soap to wipe and clean the band. You can dry the band using a dry, non-abrasive, lint-free cloth.
Once your silicone Apple Watch band is clean and fully dried you can attach it back to your Apple Watch.
How to Clean Apple Watch Band – Nylon Bands
Nylon bands have gained a lot of popularity over the past few years. You can find them at all sorts of prices depending on the quality and design.
While nylon bands are not as finicky to clean compared to leather or metal, you still have to proceed with caution especially if you have invested a lot in them.
Nylon bands are water-resistant but not waterproof, meaning they can withstand moisture to a certain level. This means cleaning them is fairly easy. To clean a nylon Apple Watch band, follow these instructions,
- Remove the band from your Apple Watch and wipe using a non-abrasive, lint-free cloth. Be gentle on the band, and dampen the cloth with little warm water. Don’t soak the cloth wet.
- Air dry the band by letting it out in the open. A cool and dry place is recommended, don’t place the band near any heat source.
Once it’s fully dry, you can attach it to your Apple Watch and you are ready to roll. Nylon bands are great for casual use, thanks to their unique and colorful designs.
How to Clean Apple Watch Band – Braided Bands
Lately, braided Apple Watch bands have caught my attention, they look cool, are comfortable to wear, and are durable too. These bands are made from silicone threads wrapped with yarn and then braided to form the head-turning design.
While the bands look awesome, they are also notorious for getting dirty easily. Yarn is not grime or dirt-resistant. The band is also braided so dust and grime can get collected between the openings.
Due to the nature of the band, some users have suggested using a soft bristle toothbrush and warm water to clean them. Apple only recommends using a non-abrasive, lint-free cloth.
While using the toothbrush seems like a good way to clean braided bands, it may void the warranty or potentially damage your band, since it is not recommended by Apple. But if you do want to clean your braided Apple Watch band, here are our instructions,
- Detach the band from your Apple Watch and use a non-abrasive, lint-free cloth to wipe it. Use a little warm water to dampen the cloth if needed.
- Let the band dry in the air, don’t use any heat source to dry it.
Attach the band back to your Apple Watch once it is fully dry.
How to Clean Apple Watch bands – Metal Bands
Metal Apple Watch bands are some of the best bands for special occasions thanks to their premium design. These high-end Apple Watch bands usually cost a lot because of the materials used and intricate design.
Metal bands are great for formal occasions or celebrations but you don’t want them to be dirty for such occasions. Cleaning metal bands is simple yet tricky because the dirt might come off easily, but you might scratch the surface which can be a bigger problem.
Here are some instructions to clean metal Apple Watch bands optimally,
- First, remove the band off your Apple Watch and then wipe it with a non-abrasive, lint-free cloth. You can dampen the cloth with warm water if needed. Make sure that the cloth has no diet on it as it can scratch the band.
- Dry the band using a dry non-abrasive, lint-free cloth. Dry it thoroughly before attaching it back to your Apple Watch.
Metal Apple Watch bands look best when they are clean and shiny. So make sure to keep them in the best possible condition to flaunt them during occasions.
How to Clean Apple Watch Band – Leather Bands
Leather Apple Watch bands are known for their premium feel and look. They are comfortable and look classy, making them a great match for day-to-day use for office-going professionals.
One disadvantage to leather bands is that they can easily get dirty, especially if you sweat in them. Using a leather strap for working out with your Apple Watch is never recommended.
Leather Apple Watch bands are not waterproof or water-resistant, so getting them dirty is easy and cleaning them is hard. You shouldn’t soak leather bands in water, or put them near heat sources. With that said, here’s how you can clean a leather Apple Watch band.
- First, remove the band from your Apple Watch and use a non-abrasive, lint-free cloth to wipe it. You can use a tiny bit of water to dampen the cloth and wipe the band. Try to avoid moisture as much as possible.
- Allow the band to dry, don’t keep it near any heat source or under direct sunlight.
Leather bands are known to pick stains from oils, lotions, sweat, and more. Even constant rubbing against denim can make leather bands dirty. Some manufacturers of leather bands for Apple Watch advise that using warm soapy water can help remove such stains.
Apple doesn’t recommend the use of warm soapy water, but you can try it if your manufacturer advises you to. Leather bands are harder to take care of compared to silicone or nylon, but if you prefer their looks and the comfort on offer, then get one.
For a premium look, keep them cleaned and in the best condition possible, take the advice of your manufacturer for the best care.
How to Get Rid of Tough Stains and Dirt from the Apple Watch band?
Here are some ways to clean hard-to-remove dirt from your Apple Watch band:
- Use a toothbrush: If the dirt is stuck on the band, you can try using a soft toothbrush to scrub it away. Be sure to use a mild soap and water solution or a leather cleaner, depending on the type of band you have.
- Use a baking soda paste: If the dirt is stubborn, you can try making a baking soda paste. Mix together equal parts baking soda and water until you have a thick paste. Apply the paste to the dirty area and let it sit for a few minutes. Then, scrub the area with a soft toothbrush and rinse it with water.
- Use a magic eraser: A magic eraser is a sponge that is designed to remove tough stains. You can use a magic eraser to clean dirt and grime from your Apple Watch band. However, be sure to test the magic eraser in an inconspicuous area of the band first to make sure it does not damage the material.
- Use a professional cleaner: If the dirt is still not coming off, you may need to take your Apple Watch band to a professional cleaner. A professional cleaner will have the tools and chemicals necessary to remove even the toughest stains.
Here are some additional tips for cleaning hard-to-remove dirt from your Apple Watch band:
- Be patient: It may take some time to remove hard-to-remove dirt. Don’t try to scrub too hard, as this could damage the band.
- Test the cleaner in an inconspicuous area first: This will help you to make sure that the cleaner does not damage the band.
- Rinse the band thoroughly after cleaning: This will help to remove any soap, detergent, or other chemicals that may be left on the band.
- Dry the band completely before reattaching it to your Apple Watch: This will help to prevent the growth of bacteria.
How to Keep your Apple Watch Band Cleaner for Longer?
There are a few things you can do to keep your band clean for a long time. Follow these steps so you don’t have to regularly remove your band to clean it.
- Avoid wearing the Apple Watch band while exercising every day as this can cause sweat to accumulate on your wrist and get stuck in the grooves of the band. Also if you use your Apple Watch in the gym to track your fitness routine then make sure you remove the Watch from your wrist once you’re done so your wrist and the band can air out.
- Do not use perfume or oils near your band as they can leave chemicals behind that can collect dust and other particles.
- Since our bodies produce sweat even while sleeping, do not wear the watch to bed as it can collect sweat and other particles and can get dirty easily. Some people tend to drool while sleeping, so that can dirty the band and you will have to clean it every morning.
- An easy way to keep your band cleaner for longer is to regularly clean the band but do it thoroughly to stop the muck and grime from building up.
How to Clean Apple Watch Band – Buckles and Clasps
Buckles and clasps are generally made from stainless steel, so you can use a non-abrasive, lint-free cloth and some warm water to clean them if they are dirty. Let them dry in the air. You can use disinfectants too if needed.
How to clean Apple Watch
Always keep your Apple Watch clean and dry. This is good for hygiene and lets you prevent any irritation or allergies. Check out how you can clean your Apple Watch below,
Step 1 Turn off your Apple Watch and unplug it from the charger.
Step 2 You can remove the band if you want. (Remove if you have a leather band)
Step 3 Wipe your Apple Watch with a clean non-abrasive, lint-free cloth. You can dampen the cloth with fresh water if needed. You can also hold your Apple Watch under running fresh water for 10 to 15 seconds. Don’t use soaps or other cleaning products.
Step 4 Dry your Apple Watch with an absorbent, non-abrasive, lint-free cloth to dry your Watch, including the surface of the back crystal.
How to clean Apple Watch Digital Crown
Cleaning your Apple Watch digital crown will prevent it from getting stuck and make it move smoothly. If you can see dust or grime built around the crown, then follow these steps to clean it,
Step 1 Turn off your Apple Watch and unplug it from the charger.
Step 2 You can remove the band if you want. (Remove if you have a leather band)
Step 3 Now, hold the Digital Crown under light running fresh water from a faucet for 10 to 15 seconds. Don’t use soap or other cleaning agents.
Step 4 Rotate the Digital Crown and press it as the water run over it. This will dislodge dirt and grime.
Step 5 Dry your Apple Watch with an absorbent, non-abrasive, lint-free cloth to dry your Watch. Wipe the surface of the Digital Crown, the space between the Digital Crown and the watch case. Make sure that all water is removed and then use your Apple Watch.
Is it OK to use a disinfectant on my Apple Watch?
Using disinfectant to clean Apple Watch materials like the band is OK. You can use 70 percent isopropyl alcohol wipe, 75 percent ethyl alcohol wipe, or Clorox Disinfecting Wipes to wipe the exterior surface of your Apple Watch, including the bands.
You can clean silicone, metal, and nylon bands with disinfectants, but don’t use them to clean leather or fabric bands.
Don’t use bleaches or hydrogen peroxide to clean your Apple Watch bands too. Also, don’t let moisture enter any openings, and don’t submerge your Apple watch or band into disinfecting agents. Our guide on How to Clean Apple Watch Band has all the details.
Tips to avoid skin irritation, or if you have allergies or skin sensitivities
Make sure that you wear your Apple Watch with the right fit, not too tight, or not too loose. Leave room for your skin to breathe and be comfortable.
Keep your Apple Watch, bands, and skin clean and dry. This will improve comfort and prevent long-term damage to the watch. This is important after exposure to liquids like sweat, water, sunscreen, soap, and lotions that can cause skin irritations.
Choose the correct Apple Watch and band material. If you have known allergies to certain substances like metals or plastics, check the materials in each Apple Watch and band before buying.
Things you Should Not use to clean an Apple Watch band
Here are some things you should avoid using to clean your Apple Watch band:
- Harsh chemicals: Harsh chemicals, such as bleach or ammonia, can damage the band.
- Abrasive materials: Abrasive materials, such as steel wool or scouring pads, can scratch the band.
- Isopropyl alcohol: Isopropyl alcohol can dry out the band and make it brittle.
- Acetone: Acetone can dissolve the band’s adhesive and cause it to fall apart.
- Ultrasonic cleaners: Ultrasonic cleaners can damage the band’s seals and cause water to get inside.
How to Clean Apple Watch Band – Conclusion
Keeping your Apple Watch band clean is vital for a long band life. It is also important to clean your band to maintain good hygiene for your hand. So make sure to keep your Apple Watch band clean at all times.
This guide on how to clean Apple Watch band covers all band types and how to clean them effectively and safely. Make sure to use the correct items and follow the instructions carefully to clean your Apple Watch band safely.
Also Read:
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Should I, Do I, How to – these are some of the topics I would love to cover to share what I know about All apple products.