YOU NEED TO KNOW HOW TO CLEAN A WATCH, DON'T JUST WEAR IT
Share
Watch Studio Lovers, are you daily watch users? If so, how long do you typically wear your watch? Is it just for sports, around 2-3 hours, or do you wear it for work, from 8-12 hours? No matter how long you wear your watch, you need to clean it regularly. Just like our hands get dirty after activities, our watches can also get dirty from our daily routines, whether from sweat, dust, or various other grime you might encounter.![]()
However, just because you need to clean your watch regularly doesn't mean you can clean it carelessly. Each watch has its own cleaning method to achieve maximum cleanliness without damaging its materials. This ensures your watch stays clean and durable for long-term use. Below, Watch Studio will share how to clean your watch according to its type.
- Watches with Leather Straps
Caring for watches with leather straps requires extra care to avoid damaging your leather strap. Remember, for leather straps, a little splash of water is fine. However, try to avoid getting your leather strap wet or submerged in water as much as possible. Here's how to clean watches with leather straps:
- Remove the strap from the watch.
- Clean the strap with a soft-fiber cloth or a brush with very fine bristles to avoid damaging the strap's texture. If your strap is made of suede or nubuck, use a special brush for suede or nubuck.
-
After cleaning, use a leather conditioner to keep your strap soft, supple, and moisturized.
- Watches with NATO and Nylon Straps
For watch enthusiasts who prefer flexibility and comfort for daily use, NATO or nylon straps are often chosen. These strap types are also water-resistant and sun-resistant. However, a drawback of these strap types is that they get dirty and smelly quickly. To clean them, you can do the following:
- Remove your watch strap.
- Clean the surface of your watch strap with a clean towel or a soft-bristled brush. Make sure no dirt remains on the strap's surface.
- At the same time, prepare warm water in a small bowl. Add dish soap and stir until the water is foamy. Then, place your strap into the bowl of soapy water.
- After soaking for 2 minutes, gently rub the strap until all stains are gone.
- Rinse with clean water until all foam is gone and the strap is clean.
- Gently wring out the strap, then dry any remaining moisture with a towel.
- Hang the strap to dry, but avoid direct sunlight. It's better to air dry it until it's completely dry.
- Watches with Rubber Straps
Rubber straps are very easy to wear, durable, and simple to clean. They are suitable for active individuals as they won't retain odors. Here's how to clean rubber straps:
- Remove the strap from your watch if possible. If not, as long as your watch is water-resistant, it's fine to leave it attached.
- Immediately wet the strap under running water, then scrub it with hand soap or dish soap.
- Rinse thoroughly until clean, then dry. If you want to air dry it, avoid direct sunlight.
- Watches with Bracelet Straps
Here is important information for watch enthusiasts with stainless steel straps or what is commonly known as bracelet straps. It's not easy to maintain your bracelet strap to keep it clean. Therefore, pay attention to the cleaning method that Watch Studio will share with you to keep your bracelet strap sparkling clean.
DISCLAIMER: FOR BRACELET STRAPS, IT IS RECOMMENDED TO HAVE THEM CLEANED BY EXPERTS IF YOU DON'T HAVE THE RIGHT TOOLS.
- You need to remove the strap from the watch. Detach the bracelet from the case with a spring bar tool so you can clean the inside of the lugs and end links on the bracelet.
- Prepare a bowl of warm, soapy water. Then, place the bracelet and soak it in the bowl.
- After letting it sit for 2 minutes, scrub it with a soft-bristled toothbrush. Don't forget to clean the crevices of the bracelet, as these are usually where a lot of dirt accumulates.
- Once clean, rinse with clean water and dry thoroughly with a towel and tissue. Also pay attention to the crevices of the bracelet, ensuring they are completely dry.
Now, Watch Studio Lovers, you know how to care for your watch straps. You can now take care of your straps to make them last even longer, especially for watches you use daily. However, if you feel cleaning it yourself is too risky and you're afraid of damaging it, you can visit Watch Studio Indonesia and ask our sales team for assistance in cleaning your watch. Your watch will then be taken to our experts to be cleaned until it's sparkling. Additionally, Watch Studio has several watch recommendations with various straps, especially for you, Watch Studio Lovers!