How to Clean an Apple Watch Band

Lose the dirt and grime accumulated during everyday use

By
Brenna Miles
Brenna Miles
Brenna Miles
Writer
  • The University of Phoenix
Brenna Miles is a technology writer with a B.A. in Business Management and HR Management. She's been writing about technology for 6+ years.
lifewire's editorial guidelines
Updated on March 11, 2021

What to Know

  • Sport Band: Remove the sport band from your Apple Watch, wipe with a lint-free cloth, dry, and reattach to the Watch.
  • Leather Band: Remove the band from your Apple Watch, wipe with a lint-free cloth. Dry thoroughly before reattaching.
  • Watch: Turn off, wipe with a lint-free cloth. To clean Digital Crown, hold Watch under a small amount of running water. Dry thoroughly.

Like anything else, Apple Watches are subject to wear and tear. Each day, as you exercise, go to work, play with the kids, swim, or go about your routine, your Apple Watch continues to perform. Here's how to treat it right by cleaning it from time to time.

How to Clean the Apple Watch Sport Band

The Apple Watch Sport band is popular for its comfort and durability. Due to its makeup, it requires unique care.

  1. Remove the sport band from your Apple Watch.

  2. Wipe the band with a lint-free cloth.

    If you want to use water for tough debris, lightly moisten the cloth and use it to wipe the band down.

  3. Dry the band and reattach it to your watch.

Figure using and wearing Apple Watch
 Westend61/Getty Images

How to Clean an Apple Watch Leather Band

The leather Apple Watch bands are a great addition when you want to dress your watch up. Yet, it's important to clean them properly.

Genuine leather will show wear with age. It's important to avoid direct contact with liquids, including lotion and sunscreen, when wearing your leather band.

  1. Remove the leather band from your Apple Watch.

  2. Wipe the leather with a lint-free cloth.

    If you use water, use a minimal amount on your cloth. Don't submerge the leather band, as it is not water resistant.

  3. Allow the band to dry thoroughly and then reattach it to your Watch.

How to Clean Your Apple Watch

The Apple Watch itself requires periodic cleaning. Debris can gather in the nooks and crannies around the watch face, and grime can cause the screen to blur. The good news is cleaning your Apple Watch is easy.

According to Apple, it's critical that you avoid using soap, cleaning products, any abrasive material, compressed air, or heat sources of any kind when cleaning your watch.

  1. Make sure your Apple Watch is turned off. You'll also want to remove your band to ensure proper cleaning.

  2. Wipe the Watch with a lint-free cloth.

  3. If that does not do the trick, you can add some water to the cloth and try again.

    Since the Apple Watch is water resistant, you can hold it under a small amount of running water for 10 to 15 seconds. According to Apple, the water should be warm to the touch and fresh.

  4. To clean the Digital Crown, hold the Watch under a small amount of running water, turning the device to loosen any debris.

  5. Dry the front and back of the Apple Watch and replace the band. Make sure you dry the watch completely, including the space between the crown.

Proper use can help keep your Apple Watch and its band clean. For example, be sure to keep your skin as dry as possible by toweling off after a workout. It's also important to be careful when using liquids such as sunscreen and lotion around the watch.

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