As devices designed to be worn everywhere from the gym to the hiking trails, smartwatches and fitness trackers can quickly collect build-up and bacteria. In fact,one 2023 study found95% of smartwatch bands were contaminated with bacteria. Yet, using the wrong cleaning products on your smartwatch can at best void the warranty and at worst cause permanent damage. Harsh cleaning products can leave a residue behind on the band that could even potentially cause skin irritation.
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The best way to clean your smartwatch will vary based on what the manufacturer specifically recommends, as well as what material the watch band is made from andwhether the watch is waterproof. However, most brands have similar recommendations, with microfiber cloths that can also clean yoursmartphones, tablets andmonitorsconsistently recommended. If you have eyeglasses or lens cleaning cloths on hand, these work well too. However, for a deep disinfecting, you may need more than a quick wipe with a dry cloth.
Amazon Basics Microfiber Cleaning Cloth
Here’s how to keep your smartwatch or fitness tracker both clean and functioning properly, whether you need a daily wipe or rigorous disinfecting.
Cleaning any device with a product not recommended by the manufacturer can void the warranty or even cause damage. Always check the manufacturer’s recommendations before using any water, soaps, or cleaning chemicals on your smartwatch or fitness tracker.
How to clean the smartwatch body
A lint-free microfiber cloth is your friend
Major smartwatch manufacturers, includingApple,Samsung,GoogleandGarminall recommend one product for cleaning the body of your smartwatch: a clean, non-abrasive, lint-free cloth. The microfiber cloths as well as lens cloths designed for cleaning glasses work well for this purpose. Using this method, cleaning your smartwatch is safe, simple, and inexpensive, making this a great method for regular cleaning.
How to disinfect a smartwatch
70% isopropyl wipes can help
Wiping down your smartwatch on a regular basis can help prevent skin irritation as sweat, sunscreen and other debris builds up on the watch. Occasionally, however, your watch may require something more than a cloth to get it clean. Maybe you accidentally dropped your smartwatch in the toilet, maybe you just had a particularly sweaty workout, or maybe it’s simply time for a spring-cleaning. Whatever happens, a dry microfiber cloth alone isn’t going to cut it.
Some manufacturers recommend using rubbing alcohol if you need to disinfect your watch. Rubbing alcohol on a cotton swab or on that microfiber cloth works. Or, pre-moistened wipes with 70% isopropyl alcohol work as well; you may often find these in the first aid section at a drug store or grocery store.
Don’t use soaps, bleach, or cleaning chemicals on a smartwatch. Soap and chemicals can leave a build-up that can irritate your skin, while harsh cleaning chemicals can damage the watch.
While not all manufacturers list alcohol wipes among the list of suggested cleaning options, they do nearly universally agree on one thing: don’t use soaps, bleach, or cleaning chemicals on a smartwatch. Soap and chemicals can leave a build-up that can irritate your skin, while harsh cleaning chemicals can damage the watch. You should also never stick anything inside any openings on the watch, as this can damage the electronics.
To disinfect your smartwatch:
How to clean smartwatch straps
Materials matter most
Smartwatch bands can collect sweat and residue quickly, but the exact instructions on how to clean the band vary based on what material it is made out of. In most cases, you should remove the bands before cleaning them thoroughly. However, if you’re doing a daily cleaning with a dry cloth, this isn’t necessary. All straps should be dry before putting them back on.
Q: How often should you clean your smartwatch?
Smartwatch bands can build up bacteria – one 2023 study found bacteria on 95% of wristbands. Ideally, you should incorporate a basic quick cleaning into your daily routine, such as wiping down the band with a microfiber cloth after your shower or cleaning the watch after hitting the gym. It’s a good idea to do a more thorough cleaning, such as following the manufacturer’s instructions for disinfecting, once a month.
Q: Can you use rubbing alcohol to clean a smartwatch?
Using a cleaner that is not recommended by the manufacturer could void your warranty. However, several manufacturers suggest using a 70% isopropyl alcohol wipe for disinfecting, including Apple and Garmin. Do not submerge the watch – just use a wipe and take care to avoid getting any moisture inside any ports.
Q: What is a soap-free cleanser?
Some manufacturers will suggest cleaning a smartwatch band with a soap-free cleaners – but what does that even mean? A soap-free cleanser does not use fats or alkaline ingredients, which can cause buildup. Browse the soap aisle for bottles that are labeled “cleanser” rather than soap. Options made for sensitive skin are often a great choice for cleaning watch bands, as they also typically skip out on irritating perfumes as well.
Q: How do I clean a Fitbit charger?
Fitbit chargers have metal contacts that need to connect with the metal on the watch to charge. If these metal pieces are dirty, it can prevent the fitness tracker from charging properly. FitBit recommends using a cotton swap and rubbing alcohol to clean the contacts on the charging cable.
