Every day, your watch does a variety of tasks, including tracking your activity and sending you notifications. Of course, all these are in addition to telling the time. The least you can do is clean it always especially if you work out every week. One fast way to damage your smartwatch is to use the wrong methods in cleaning it. Here is the correct way to clean your watch
The smartwatch basically has two parts – the watch body and the strap or watch bands. You will need different materials to clean these parts.
For the watch body:
- a microfiber cloth
- alcohol wipes
- disinfecting wipes
- cotton swabs
- a soft toothbrush
- rubbing alcohol
For the watch bands:
- a soap-free cleanser
- hypoallergenic hand soap
- rubbing alcohol
- a lint-free cloth
- a soft toothbrush
Clean the watch body
To get rid of any perspiration accumulation, use a lint-free or microfiber cloth to wipe the screen and rear of the watch body. For the exterior of an Apple or Google Pixel watch, you can also use a 70% isopropyl alcohol wipe or a cleaning wipe, but avoid using these on any ports or openings. To get rid of the thick filth on the watch itself, wet a microfiber cloth. Remember not to wet any buttons, dials, or ports when holding the watch body near a stream of hot water to allow steam to dislodge any muck. Dry it with a microfiber towel after it has been cleaned.
Clean the charging contacts and cables
Sweat and grime can block the contact points of your watch, including the ports and wires used for charging. It might be unable to charge effectively due to that accumulation. Charging ports can be cleaned with a cotton swab or an alcohol wipe. With a toothbrush immersed in water, you may gently clean the charging contacts on a Fitbit or Garmin watch. You will need to use a cotton swab and rubbing alcohol to clean the pins on your charging cord. Prior to charging, always wipe down the ports or charging terminals with a towel or tissue.
Clean the straps or bands
There are different types of watch straps and these straps do not use the same cleaning method. Here are some of the most common strap types and how to clean them.
Leather: Leather bands should be lightly wiped down with a dry cloth to remove stains. Although a leather brush can be used on them, avoid using any kind of leather cleaner or immersing them in water. Before re-affixing the leather bands to the watch, let them air-dry out of the sun and out of the vicinity of extreme heat.
Silicone, plastic, or rubber: Bands made of silicone or plastic should be washed in water. Use rubbing alcohol and a lint-free cloth to remove grime for tougher cleaning jobs. Use a light hypoallergenic hand soap or a soap-free cleanser, such as Cetaphil Daily Facial Cleanser, to remove rubber bands. After that, give them a good rinse under running water and dry them with a soft, lint-free cloth.
Metal: When cleaning metal bands, use a very small amount of water. Rusting or corrosion can develop over time. With a soft-bristle toothbrush, you may remove any debris that has become trapped. Then dry with a lint-free cloth, you can.
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Woven fabric: Bands made of cloth can be hand-washed in cold water with a little soap before being let air-dry.
Nylon: To assist in removing tough stains, wash nylon bands in cold water with mild soap. Following a fresh water rinse, let them air dry.
Tips on how to maintain your smartwatch
Here are some tips on how to maintain your smartwatch generally
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Clean your smartwatch regularly
One of the easiest ways to keep your smartwatch clean is to clean it regularly. You can use a microfiber cloth to wipe off the dust and smudges from the screen and the band. You can also use a soft-bristled brush to remove any dirt or debris stuck in the crevices of the device. Make sure to clean the watch every day or at least once a week to prevent any buildup.
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Avoid using harsh chemicals
Avoid using harsh chemicals such as alcohol, bleach, or ammonia-based cleaners to clean your smartwatch. These chemicals can damage the screen and the band, and can also cause skin irritation. Instead, use a mild soap or detergent and warm water to clean your smartwatch. You can also use a specialized cleaning solution that is specifically designed for smartwatches.
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Remove the band before cleaning
If your smartwatch has a detachable band, remove it before cleaning the device. This will allow you to clean the band separately and avoid any damage to the watch. You can soak the band in warm, soapy water for a few minutes, then rinse it off and dry it with a clean towel. If your band is made of leather or other delicate material, avoid using water and instead use a specialized cleaner.
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Dry your smartwatch properly
After cleaning your smartwatch, make sure to dry it properly. Do not use a hairdryer or any other heat source to dry the device, as this can damage the screen and the band. Instead, use a clean, dry towel or a microfiber cloth to gently pat the watch dry. You can also leave the watch to air dry for a few hours before wearing it again.
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Use a protective case
Using a protective case can help prevent dirt, scratches, and other damages to your smartwatch. There are many types of cases available in the market, such as silicone, plastic, and leather cases. Make sure to choose a case that fits your smartwatch properly and provides full access to all the buttons and features of the device.
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Avoid wearing your smartwatch during vigorous activities
Sweat and moisture can cause damage to your smartwatch, so it is best to avoid wearing it during vigorous activities such as swimming, running, or exercising. If you must wear your smartwatch during these activities, make sure to wipe it off with a dry towel immediately after use and avoid leaving it on for an extended period.
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Keep your smartwatch away from magnets
Magnets can cause interference with the electronic components of your smartwatch, so it is best to keep your device away from strong magnetic fields. This includes items such as magnets, speakers, and other electronic devices.
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Store your smartwatch properly
When you are not using your smartwatch, make sure to store it properly. Keep it in a cool, dry place, away from direct sunlight and moisture. Avoid storing it in a crowded drawer or bag, as this can cause scratches or other damage to the device.
Conclusion
Keeping your smartwatch clean is essential to maintain its longevity and functionality. Regular cleaning, avoiding harsh chemicals, removing the band before cleaning, drying the device properly, using a protective case, avoiding wearing the watch during vigorous activities
