How to clean your smartwatch

As is the case with any piece of tech, a little clean up every now and then is part and parcel of owning it. It stands true with smartwatches too. These wearable devices face the extremities of the environment with us. And if you don’t take of them, you risk damage. Don’t worry though, this handy guide will give you all the relevant information on how to properly clean your smartwatch without damaging it.

For the right answer, one needs to follow the user’s manual shared by the manufacturer. Generally, they also have elaborate instructions on how to take care of the device. As a rule of thumb, you should wipe the screen of your smartwatch daily. You can do it with a soft lint-free cloth as frequently as it gets dirty.

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Apart from this, you should clean the band and screen on a weekly basis to prevent a build-up of sweat and dust. If you exercise frequently and sweat more, then you can do it more frequently depending on the material of the strap. A deep clean of the entire smartwatch is generally recommended only a handful of times in its entire lifespan.

1. To start with, turn off your smartwatch and remove the straps.

2. Use a lint-free microfiber cloth to wipe the screen.

3. Next, dampen the cloth and use it again to wipe the screen and the back of the smartwatch. Most smartwatches are water-resistant. If your smartwatch is not then be mindful of how damp the cloth is.

4. You can use a Q-tip to further clean all those hard to-reach areas on the smartwatch.

5. To disinfect your watch, manufacturers generally recommend rubbing alcohol. But make sure you don’t use it in excessive amounts.

6. After this, wipe clean your smartwatch with a clean and dry microfiber cloth.

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Depending on the material of the strap, you need to be mindful of a few things.

Silicone/rubber straps: These are easiest to clean and maintain. You can use a combination of mild soap and warm water to clean the strap and it will be back to looking just like new. You can use a soft bristle toothbrush to scrub away the dirt and grime. Let the strap air dry.

Leather straps: Use a damp cloth to wipe down the leather strap. Don’t use any sort of soap or harsh chemicals. Alternatively, you can also use a leather cleaner designed specifically to clean leather.

Metal straps: Use mild soap and warm water, but make sure you let it air dry completely. As soon as you are done cleaning, pat-dry the strap with a lint-free cloth and let it air dry.

Fabric straps: You can let it soak in a bowl of warm water and mild soap. Be gentle while scrubbing the stains. Let it air dry. Don’t use rubbing alcohol to disinfect fabric straps as it will damage the color.