How to Clean Fitbit Bands

Is your Fitbit band stained, dirty, or does it have an 'off' odor? If so, it probably needs a good cleaning. Here's how to keep your Fitbit band clean and hygienic, including instructions on how to clean elastomer, leather, metal, and nylon bands (and why you should do so on a regular basis).

Why You Should Clean Your Fitbit Band Regularly

Fitbits pick up sweat dirt with every day use, not to mention bacteria that can produce unpleasant odors and irritation. A study by Tic Watches showed that some Fitbit bands had 8.3 times more bacteria than what's found a toilet seat. Plastic and leather wristbands were the worst offenders, with higher bacteria levels than other materials.

Because Fitbits pick up more grime than other types of watches, it's important to keep them clean. Wipe them off after working out, and give them a deeper clean at least once or twice a month. Not only will they look better, they will stay in better shape so you can enjoy wearing them as long as possible.

How to Clean Silicone and Elastomer Fitbit Bands

Elastomer and silicone are durable, latex-free materials suitable for every day wear as well as high-intensity workouts. Because they're prone to collecting sweat and bacteria which can cause odors and irritation, it's a good idea to clean them off after every workout.

1. To clean an elastomer or silicone band after wearing, rinse the band under running water or wipe it with a cotton ball dipped in a rubbing alcohol.

2. To remove stains and oil buildup or to do a deeper cleaning, scrub the band with a soft toothbrush dipped in water. You can add in a gentle, soap-free product, such as Cetaphil cleanser to clean your band.

   Do not use hand soap, body wash, dish soap, hand wipes, laundry detergent, or any other type of household cleaner on your elastomer Fitbit band. These products can get trapped in the band and cause irritation to your skin.

3. Dry the band with a clean cloth before wearing again.

How to Clean Leather Fitbit Bands

Leather bands are a naturally porous material prone to discoloration. To avoid stains, don't wear them during high-intensity workouts and don't let your leather band come in contact with with excess water, skin cream, insect repellent, or perfume.

1. To clean a leather band, wipe it down with a soft, dry cloth after wearing. If needed, you can add a little water to dampen the cloth.

   Do not soak a leather band in water. This can cause staining and discoloration.

2. For deeper cleaning, dampen a soft cloth and add a small amount of gentle soap, such as Cetaphil. The cloth should be damp, but not wet. Gently rub the band with the cloth using a circular motion.

   Do not use hand soap, body wash, dish soap, hand wipes, laundry detergent, or any other type of household cleaner on your leather Fitbit band. These products can cause discoloration to leather as well as skin irritation.

3. To remove any soap residue, rinse the cloth thoroughly in water, squeeze out all excess water from the cloth, and wipe the band with the damp cloth.

4. Let the band dry before wearing again. Do not place the band in direct sunlight when drying. Using a hair dryer on a low setting is okay.

5. If you wish, you can apply a leather conditioner to the band. Make sure the product is designed to be safe for skin, and test the product on a hidden area of the band to make sure it won't cause discoloration.

   Never use leather conditioner meant for furniture or shoes on your band, as these products can cause skin irritation.

How to Clean Metal Fitbit Bands

Metal bands are suitable for every day wear, but they're not waterproof or sweat-resistant. This means they shouldn't be worn during high-intensity workouts, and shouldn't come in contact with oil, skin cream, insect repellent, or perfume to avoid tarnishing.

To clean a metal band, wipe it down with a soft, dry cloth after wearing. If needed, you can add a little water to dampen the cloth. Afterwards, let the band air dry before wearing again, but don't place it in direct sunlight or use a hairdryer as excess heat can cause damage.

How to Clean Nylon Fitbit Bands

Nylon bands are fine for every day wear, but they shouldn't be worn for high-intensity workouts to avoid oil build up and staining. To avoid discoloration, don't let your band come in contact with oil, skin cream, insect repellent, or perfume.

To clean a nylon band, wipe it down with a soft, dry cloth after wearing. If needed, you can rinse the band under cold running water and use a mild soap, such as Cetaphil.

When done cleaning, let the band air dry before wearing again. Do not place the band in direct sunlight when drying.