How to clean your Apple Watch (and keep it looking brand new)

Your Apple Watch is more than a timepiece – it’s a fitness tracker, notification hub and your ultimate sidekick. But let’s face it: a dirty Apple Watch band or smudged screen can quickly take it from sleek to shabby. So, what’s the best way to clean your Apple Watch? Let’s break it down step-by-step so your favourite gadget can stay looking its best!


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How often should I clean my Apple Watch?

Before you get started with cleaning your Apple Watch, you’ll want to know how often you’ll need to clean it.

If you wear your Apple Watch daily (especially for workouts), a weekly clean is a good rule of thumb. For those using their watch less frequently, aim for a quick wipe-down every couple of weeks. And don’t forget to clean the underside – that’s where sweat and grime love to hide!

How to properly clean a smartwatch

It’s surprisingly easy to clean your Apple Watch or smartwatch. Just follow these steps to clean the screen and case of your watch:

  1. Power down your Apple Watch and detach it from its charger and band before cleaning.
  2. Wipe down your Apple Watch with a clean, lint-free cloth.
  3. If needed, you can lightly dampen the cloth or run your watch under lighting running warm fresh water to remove any dirt and debris from the ports or around the digital crown.
  4. Do not use soap to clean the screen or case of your Apple Watch.
  5. Dry your Apple Watch with a microfibre cloth.

Now that we’ve got the essentials down, let’s get into the nitty-gritty details!

How to clean a silicone watch band

Silicone bands are durable and easy to clean, making them a popular choice – especially for those who lead active lifestyles. Here’s how to keep them fresh:

  1. Remove the band from your watch.
  2. Rinse it under warm water.
  3. Add a drop of gentle soap to a damp cloth and wipe the band thoroughly.
  4. Rinse again and pat dry with a soft, lint-free cloth.

Bonus tip: To tackle a particularly dirty Apple Watch band, you can soak it in warm, soapy water for a few minutes before wiping it clean.

How to clean a canvas watch strap

Canvas straps have a stylish look but can absorb dirt and sweat over time. Here’s how to clean your smartwatch’s canvas strap:

  1. Mix a small amount of mild soap with water.
  2. Use a soft-bristled brush or an old toothbrush to gently scrub the strap.
  3. Wipe it down with a damp cloth to remove soap residue.
  4. Allow it to air dry completely before reattaching it to your watch.

How to clean a stainless steel band

If you’re after a traditional-looking smartwatch, a stainless steel band is a great option and they’re pretty easy to clean too:

  1. Use a microfibre cloth dampened with water or a bit of isopropyl alcohol to wipe the band clean.
  2. Dry the band immediately with a microfibre cloth to avoid water spots.

How to clean a leather strap

Leather straps require a bit more TLC to clean:

  1. Wipe with a dry cloth to remove dust.
  2. Use a leather cleaner sparingly to clean any stains.
  3. Do not soak your leather strap in water!

Want to save even more money on your next smartwatch? Check out the huge range of refurbished Apple Watch devices and refurbished smartwatches on the musicMagpie Store! You can also trade in your smartwatch to help make the upgrade cheaper.