Main points
- Most smartwatch bands are contaminated with bacteria, but harsh cleaning products can damage the device.
- Cleaning methods vary based on manufacturer recommendations and watch band material.
- It is recommended to use 70% isopropyl alcohol wipes for disinfection, but always follow manufacturer guidelines.
Since smartwatches and fitness trackers are designed to be worn anywhere from the gym to the hiking trails, they can quickly collect dirt and bacteria. In fact, a 2023 study found that 95% of smartwatch bands were contaminated with bacteria. However, using the wrong cleaning product on your smartwatch can void your warranty at best and cause permanent damage at worst. Harsh cleaning products may leave residue on the watch band and may even cause skin irritation.
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The best way to clean a smartwatch will vary based on the manufacturer’s specific recommendations, the material of the band, and whether the watch is waterproof. However, most brands have similar recommendations, unanimously recommending microfiber cloths that can also clean smartphones, tablets, and monitors. Glasses or lens cleaning cloths also work well if you have them on hand. However, for deep disinfection, you may need more than a quick wipe with a dry cloth.
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Whether you need daily wiping or rigorous disinfection, here’s how to keep your smartwatch or fitness tracker clean and functioning properly.
Cleaning any device with products not recommended by the manufacturer may void the warranty or even cause damage. Always check the manufacturer’s recommendations before using any water, soap, or cleaning chemicals on your smartwatch or fitness tracker.
How to clean your smartwatch body
Lint-free microfiber cloth is your friend
Major smartwatch manufacturers, including Apple, Samsung, Google, and Garmin, all recommend one product for cleaning smartwatch bodies: a clean, non-abrasive, lint-free cloth. Microfiber cloths and lens cloths designed specifically for cleaning glasses are ideal for this purpose. Cleaning your smartwatch using this method is safe, easy, and cheap, and is a great way to clean it on a regular basis.
- Make sure your smartwatch is disconnected from the charger. You may also want to power off your watch first —Both Apple and Google recommend turning off the watch before cleaning it.
- Remove the strap. While you can do daily wiping with a cloth while your watch is intact, it’s best to occasionally remove the strap to clean your watch. Clean up leftover debris or buildup.
- Use soft lint-free cloth, wipe all sides Clean debris from the watch body.
- Elective: If you’re using a waterproof smartwatch or fitness tracker, dampen the cloth to help remove stubborn dirt.
How to disinfect a smartwatch
70% isopropyl wipes can help
Wiping down your smartwatch regularly can help prevent skin irritation from sweat, sunscreen, and other debris that accumulates on the watch. But sometimes, your watch may need more than just a cloth to clean. Maybe you accidentally dropped your smartwatch in the toilet, maybe you just had a particularly sweaty workout, or maybe it’s just spring cleaning time. No matter what happens, you won’t be able to cut it with just a dry microfiber cloth.
If you need to disinfect your watch, some manufacturers recommend using rubbing alcohol. Just wipe the alcohol on a cotton swab or microfiber cloth. Alternatively, wipes premoistened with 70% isopropyl alcohol will work; you can usually find these in the first aid section of the drug store or grocery store.
Do not use soap, bleach, or cleaning chemicals on your smart watch. Soaps and chemicals can leave buildup that can irritate your skin, and harsh cleaning chemicals can damage your watch.
While not all manufacturers list alcohol wipes as a recommended cleaning option, they almost universally agree on one thing: Don’t use soap, bleach, or cleaning chemicals on your smartwatch. Soaps and chemicals can leave buildup that can irritate your skin, and harsh cleaning chemicals can damage your watch. You also should not push anything into any opening of the watch, as this may damage the electronics.
To disinfect your smartwatch:
- Check the manufacturer’s guidelines for your specific watch to see which cleaners can be used.Both Apple and Garmin Isopropyl wipes are recommended for cleaning. Always follow the manufacturer’s recommendations to avoid damaging your watch.
- Prepare your watch for cleaning. Take off the strap, Turn off the powerand then remove it from the charger.
- use a 70% isopropyl alcohol wipe or the manufacturer’s recommended cleaner, wipe the watch surface, being careful not to get any liquid into any ports or openings.
- After cleaning, reassemble the watch.
How to clean a smartwatch strap
Material is most important
Smartwatch straps can quickly accumulate sweat and residue, but specific instructions on how to clean them will vary depending on the material the strap is made of. In most cases, you should remove the watch band before thoroughly cleaning it. However, this is not necessary if you use a dry cloth for daily cleaning. All straps should be dry before reinstalling.
- For leather: Wipe clean with a dry, lint-free cloth. Leather straps are not waterproof, but they may become sturdier if the fabric is slightly wet. Over time, the genuine leather develops a patina. This is a normal characteristic of the material.
- For silicone or rubber: Remove the straps and clean with water. If needed, use an alcohol wipe to remove the buildup. Wipe dry with a lint-free cloth.
- For nylon: Wash the separated strips in cold water. For more severe cases, use a mild soap or soap-free cleanser designed for sensitive skin. Allow the strap to dry before reinstalling the watch.
- For metals: Studies show that metal watch bands are the cleanest, but that doesn’t mean you should never clean metal watch bands. Do not use abrasive fabrics or metal cleaners on metal watch bands. Instead, use a lint-free microfiber cloth to polish metal. If there is buildup between the links of the metal band that cannot be cleaned with a cloth, use a new soft-bristled toothbrush.
FAQ
Q: How often should you clean your smartwatch?
Smartwatch straps can harbor bacteria – a 2023 study found bacteria on 95% of wristbands. Ideally, you should incorporate basic quick cleaning into your daily routine, such as wiping your watch band with a microfiber cloth after a shower or cleaning your watch after hitting the gym. It’s best to perform a more thorough cleaning once a month, such as disinfecting according to the manufacturer’s instructions.
Q: Can I use rubbing alcohol to clean my smartwatch?
Using cleaners not recommended by the manufacturer may void your warranty. However, several manufacturers, including Apple and Garmin, recommend using 70% isopropyl alcohol wipes for disinfection. Do not immerse the watch in water – just use a wipe and be careful to avoid any moisture getting into any ports.
Q: What is a soap-free cleanser?
Some manufacturers will recommend using soap-free cleaners to clean smartwatch straps – but what does that mean? Soap-free cleaners don’t use fatty or alkaline ingredients, which can cause build-up. Browse the soap aisle and look for bottles labeled “detergent” instead of soap. Products designed for sensitive skin are often a great choice for cleaning watch straps because they also don’t typically use harsh perfumes.
Q: How do I clean my Fitbit charger?
Fitbit chargers have metal contacts that need to connect to the metal on your watch to charge. If these metal parts are dirty, it may prevent the fitness tracker from charging properly. FitBit recommends using a cotton swab and alcohol to clean the contacts on the charging cable.