How to Clean and Maintain Your Smartwatch So It Lasts Longer
Just like other things we use every day, smartwatches can get really dirty. From sweat and dust to stains from fingerprints, all that buildup can take away the clean and beautiful appearance we love.
But cleaning isn't only about making your smartwatch look good. Proper maintenance can also help keep it in good condition, protect its functionality, and make it last longer.
In this article, I'll show you how to clean your smartwatch by yourself without damaging it. I'll also go through some simple things you should do and other to avoid if you want your smartwatch to stay in good shape.
So, let's start with the cleaning aspect.
How to Clean a Smartwatch
Cleaning a smartwatch shouldn't be difficult. The main thing is to be careful and use the right materials.
Before you begin, switch off the smartwatch completely. In my opinion, this is necessary because you don't want to find yourself regretting a cleaning mistake later.
Materials Needed
- Microfiber cloth or a soft handkerchief
- Leather cleaner and conditioner
- Cotton buds
- Mild soap
- Soft cotton drying cloth
- Soft toothbrush
- Toothpick
Cleaning the Smartwatch by Parts
1. Screen
The screen is one of the most important parts of the smartwatch, so you need to be particularly careful when cleaning it.
Start with a slightly damp microfiber cloth and gently wipe the screen to remove dirt, fingerprints and other marks.
Don't press too hard while cleaning. The goal is to remove the dirt, not to put unnecessary pressure on the screen.
If some dirt is still there, you can add a very small amount of mild soap to the water and wipe the screen again. Lukewarm water can also help loosen stubborn dirt.
Another method is to mix a little mild soap with water and create some light lather. Put a small amount of the lather on the cloth rather than spraying liquid directly onto the watch, then gently wipe the screen.
The same basic method can be used to clean the back of the watch.
Most importantly, don't use harsh chemicals or abrasive cleaners on the screen, as they can damage the surface or its protective coating.
2. Silicone Straps
Cleaning silicone straps is fairly simple.
Remove the strap from the watch if possible, then put it in a mixture of water and mild soap. Use a microfiber cloth to rub away the dirt and stains.
If some stains refuse to leave, bring out a soft toothbrush and gently scrub the affected areas. Pay attention to the edges, holes and other small spaces where dirt can collect.
Make sure the brush isn't too hard. You don't want to create marks or damage the strap while trying to clean it.
Once you're done, use a dry cotton cloth to remove the water. After that, leave the strap out to air-dry completely before putting it back on the watch.
3. Leather Straps
Leather straps require a little more care because you don't want to damage the leather.
The best option is to use a proper leather cleaner and conditioner. Before applying any product to the entire strap, test a small amount on an inconspicuous area first to make sure it doesn't discolor the leather.
If everything looks fine, you can carefully clean the rest of the strap with the product.
If you don't have a leather cleaner, you can use a slightly damp cloth to gently wipe the strap. Just don't soak the leather in water.
After cleaning, allow the strap to dry naturally. Avoid putting it under direct heat because excessive heat can damage or dry out the leather.
4. Metal Straps
Metal straps can take a little more work because they usually have several links, locks and small spaces where dirt can accumulate.
If possible, detach the strap from the watch first. Give it a basic scrub and then soak the strap briefly in a mild soap and water solution.
After about 2–5 minutes, take it out and use a soft toothbrush to remove the remaining dirt.
For those difficult-to-reach spaces between the links, you can carefully use a toothpick or cotton bud. Take your time here because you don't want to scratch the metal.
If your watch has a gold strap or another valuable metal, be more careful with cleaning products. A cleaner specifically made for that type of metal may be a better option than a general-purpose cleaner.
Once you're finished, wipe the strap thoroughly with a dry cloth and allow it to air-dry completely.
5. Other Parts of the Watch
Don't forget about the smaller parts of the smartwatch.
Ports, buttons, knobs and the areas around them can collect dust and dirt over time. Use a soft toothbrush to gently clean these areas.
If the brush can't reach a particular spot, a cotton bud can help. A toothpick can also be used very carefully to remove stubborn dirt from small gaps, but don't push it into ports or openings where it could cause damage.
When you're finished, wipe away any moisture with a dry cloth and allow the watch to air-dry before turning it back on.
And that's basically how you clean your smartwatch.
Once you're done, you should notice a big difference in its appearance. The screen should look cleaner, the straps should look better, and the watch should feel fresh once again.
Now that we're done with cleaning, let's talk about the little things you should do to keep your smartwatch in good condition.
How to Maintain Your Smartwatch
Maintaining your smartwatch doesn't require anything complicated. You just need to know how to handle it properly and understand a few things you should and shouldn't do.
Here are some important ones.
1. Learn How to Properly Use Your Watch
This might sound obvious, but it's one of the most important things you can do.
Before you start using your smartwatch, take some time to read the manual and understand how it works. You don't want to damage the watch simply because you didn't know how a particular feature or component was supposed to be used.
2. Don't Scratch or Puncture the Screen
This one goes without saying, but it's still worth mentioning.
Don't use sharp objects on the screen or deliberately expose it to things that could scratch it. Even if the screen doesn't break, a noticeable scratch can quickly ruin the appearance of an otherwise beautiful smartwatch.
3. Take It Off When Necessary
If you're about to wash your hands, take the watch off if it isn't water-resistant or if you're unsure about its water rating.
Some smartwatches are designed to handle water, but that doesn't mean every smartwatch can be treated the same way.
And even with a water-resistant watch, make sure you dry it properly after exposure to water.
4. Clean It After Workouts
After a workout or a long day of work, take the watch off, wipe it down and allow it to dry.
This is especially important with leather straps because sweat and moisture can build up on the leather and cause stains or deterioration over time.
Doing this regularly doesn't just make cleaning easier. It also gives your wrist some time to breathe.
5. Don't Punch Extra Holes in Leather Straps Yourself
If your leather strap is too loose and you need another hole, I'd recommend taking it to a professional.
Trying to punch a hole yourself can damage the leather, especially if you don't have the right tool. A poorly made hole can cause the strap to weaken and deteriorate faster than normal.
6. Know Where You Shouldn't Wear Your Smartwatch
Smartwatches aren't automatically suitable for every water-related activity just because they're advertised as water-resistant.
Saunas, snorkeling, hot showers, hot springs, diving and other activities can expose your watch to conditions it wasn't designed to handle.
So before taking your smartwatch somewhere unusual, check its water-resistance rating and the manufacturer's recommendations.
Knowing when and where to use your watch can save you from unnecessary damage.
7. Don't Sit on It or Hit It Against Hard Surfaces
Finally, try not to treat your smartwatch like something indestructible.
Don't sit on it, throw it around or repeatedly hit it against hard surfaces. That's a quick recipe for a damaged screen, broken components or a damaged strap.
A little care can go a long way.
How Often Should I Clean My Smartwatch?
This is mostly a matter of personal preference and how often you use your smartwatch.
Thankfully, cleaning it doesn't have to take up much of your time.
You can give the screen and watch body a quick wipe every few days, especially if you've been sweating or working in a dusty environment.
Then, you can do a more thorough cleaning of the watch and strap around once or twice a month, depending on how dirty it gets.
If you work out regularly or wear your smartwatch throughout the day, you may need to clean it more often.
The important thing is consistency. You don't have to wait until your smartwatch looks extremely dirty before you clean it.
Taking care of your Smartwatch is Important
Taking care of your smartwatch isn't difficult. Most of the time, it's just about being careful, cleaning it regularly and knowing its limitations.
A few minutes spent wiping it down, cleaning the strap and checking for dirt can help keep the watch looking good and working properly.
And if you treat it well, there's a good chance you'll be able to enjoy it for much longer.
That's where we'll call it a day.
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