How to clean your Apple Watch band: Silicone, leather, and stainless steel

Knowing how to clean your Apple Watch band will help you keep it in great shape for a long time. Besides, regular cleaning keeps things hygienic and prevents the buildup of bacteria or grime.

Although Apple generally recommends wiping your watch band with a nonabrasive, lint-free cloth, the cleaning method you should use to clean your Apple Watch band depends on the band type.

Let’s check out the correct way to clean different kinds of Apple Watch bands.

Things to know before you start

Here are some things to keep in mind before attempting to clean your Apple Watch band.

• Apple recommends specific methods of cleaning the different types of Apple Watch bands it manufactures. It’s important to consider what material the band is made of when trying to clean it.
• No matter the type of band, you should never use any abrasive materials or harsh chemicals to clean the watch band, as this can damage it permanently.
• Soft, lint-free cloths such as microfiber cleaning cloths are great to use on any watch band.
• You can use a mild soap for silicone or fabric bands.
• You can use a soft toothbrush for hard-to-clean bands such as stainless steel ones.
• Never soak non-waterproof bands in water.
• Don’t skip proper drying, which can lead to damage.
• Always follow the care instructions given by the band manufacturer.

Given the variety of great Apple Watch bands on the market, you should get familiar with how to clean the most common types available.

Types of Apple Watch bands and their materials

Apple Watch bands come in various materials and designs, catering to different styles, occasions, and use cases. Below is an overview of the most common types of Apple Watch bands:

• Silicone (Sport Bands): Durable, lightweight, and water-resistant, silicone bands like the Spigen Silicone Fit are perfect for workouts, swimming, and everyday use.
• Leather: These look elegant and timeless, so are well-suited for formal occasions and casual wear. A great example is the Tasikar leather band.
• Stainless Steel: Sleek and sturdy, stainless steel bands such as Spigen’s Modern Fit offer a classy, polished look, making them ideal for professional or formal settings.
• Fabric (Nylon or Woven): These are soft, breathable, and lightweight, which makes them versatile and comfortable choices for everyday wear. A great option is the Surundo Apple Watch band made of tough nylon.
• Specialized Bands (e.g., Link Bracelet, Milanese Loop): Premium options like the stainless steel Link Bracelet and the woven Milanese Loop by Apple are designed for a sophisticated and adjustable fit.

Cleaning different types of Apple Watch bands

No matter which kind of band you use, the first step to cleaning it is to detach it from your Apple Watch. Here’s how to do it:

1. Turn the Apple Watch face down on a soft surface.
2. Press and hold the band release button on the back of the watch.
3. Gently slide the band sideways out of its slot.
   
   

Once done, prepare the following general cleaning supplies to help in the process:

• Microfiber cloth or lint-free cloth
• Gentle soap or mild dish soap
• Warm water
• Soft-bristled toothbrush (optional for detailed cleaning)
• Leather conditioner (if cleaning leather bands)

Now, follow specific care instructions for your band type, as explained below, to clean it.

Rubber or silicone watch strap

1. Wash the band in warm soapy water.
2. Scrub gently with a small brush for stubborn stains.
3. Rinse thoroughly and dry with a microfiber towel such as the WHOOSH cleaning cloth.
   
   

Leather bands

1. First, wipe the leather band with a soft, damp cloth such as the WHOOSH cleaning cloth.
2. Avoid soaking leather bands in water as this can damage the leather. You can use a little bit of leather cleaner if required.
3. Finally, apply a leather conditioner to maintain softness and prevent cracking. We recommend trying the all-in-one leather cleaning kit by Leather Honey.

Stainless steel or metal bands

1. Soak the band in warm soapy water. You can add a bit of non-abrasive cleaning solution if needed.
2. Scrub gently with a soft toothbrush, especially between the metal links
3. Give it a final rinse and then dry the band thoroughly to avoid water spots on the metal. Try the WHOOSH cleaning cloth that’s soft and effective.
   
   

Fabric (nylon or woven) bands

1. Gently rub the band clean with mild soap and water.
2. Rinse under running water and gently squeeze out excess water.
3. Allow the band to air-dry completely before reattaching it.
   
   

Specialized bands (Link Bracelet, Milanese Loop, etc.)

If your band does not fit into any of the categories above or you’re not sure how to clean it, follow the steps below:

1. Use a microfiber cloth to polish and clean the band.
2. If it’s a link bracelet, clean between links using a soft brush.

Avoid prolonged exposure to water or harsh cleaners.

How often should you clean your Apple Watch band?

While cleaning your Apple Watch band regularly may seem logical, how often you should do it depends on your usage and the type of material the band uses.

• You should wipe down the band every few days to remove sweat, dirt, and oils if you use it every day.
• If you wear your Apple Watch during workouts or outdoor activities, clean it after each session to prevent the buildup of sweat and bacteria.
• In the case of leather bands, clean less frequently—around once a month—to preserve their quality, but wipe with a dry cloth after use to get rid of excess moisture.

Pro tips for maintaining your Apple Watch band

To keep your Apple Watch band looking new for a long time, follow these tips:

• Switch between wearing different bands to reduce wear and tear. This also has the advantage of giving you a new look every few days.
• Store your watch bands properly when you’re not using them. Keep them away from direct sunlight and moisture.
• Check your watch bands regularly for any signs of wear or damage so you can take appropriate care of any issues.

Signing off

We hope this guide gives you all the information you need to clean and take care of your Apple Watch band. Let us know in the comments below if you have any questions.

Also read:

• All Apple Watch icons and symbols meanings explained
• Is your Apple Watch not charging? Here’s what to do
• How to clean your Apple Watch