How To Clean Apple Watch Band in 5 Steps (With Photos)

Are you ready to give your Apple Watch band a much-needed spa day? We all love our trusty little devices, but let’s be real, they can get pretty grubby after a while. From dirt and dust to sweat and dead skin, all that gunk can start accumulating in the nooks and crannies of your watch. And if you’re not careful, it can even impact the functionality of your beloved Apple Watch. But fear not, my friends! 

In this comprehensive guide, we’re going to show you how to give your watch band a deep clean and get it back to tip-top shape. From tackling stubborn dirt on the Digital Crown to unclogging speaker ports, we’ve got you covered. So grab your cleaning supplies, and let’s get started on giving your Apple Watch band and the rest of your Watch the spa day it deserves!

Getting Started: How to Clean Apple Watch Band

The Apple Watch cleaning process is broken down into five easy steps. Here are the tools that will be helpful in this process:

• Cotton Swabs 
• Clean microfiber towels (or other non-abrasive, lint-free cloths) 
• Clean water 
• Toothbrush (optional)
• A dirty Apple Watch

1. Remove the Watchband from the Watch

To begin, take the band off of your Apple Watch. You have to clean the band and watch the face separately.

Placing the watch face down on a level, clean surface is the first step in removing the band. Locate the release buttons. These two buttons may be found in the middle of the band, just next to the point where the band connects to the watch. 

Maintain downward pressure on the buttons for the band to release. Holding down the release buttons, you have to work by sliding the band out of its position. The Apple Watch band should slide right off.

2. Perform a Thorough Examination

Before we begin, it’s important to give your Apple Watch a thorough examination to locate any dirt or grime that may have accumulated in hard-to-reach areas. If you want a clean Apple Watch band, pay special attention to the button, Digital Crown, band hole, and speaker ports.

To remove dirt and grime, use a cotton swab to gently dislodge any debris lodged in the crevices of your watch. If the dirt is stubborn, try holding your watch under a gentle stream of water. Be sure to check the support page for your specific Apple Watch model to determine its water-resistance level. Never use soap or compressed air during the cleaning process.

For tight spaces, a toothbrush brush can be an effective tool, but use caution and avoid using the pointed end of the brush. Stick to the sides of the brush instead.

Remember, always be extra cautious when cleaning your Apple Watch and never use compressed air, which can be damaging to the device.

3. Clean the Outside and Inside of the Apple Watch

You’re just a few moments away from a clean Apple Watch band. Now, it is time to give your Apple Watch a good scrub-down! First things first, take one of your trusty cleaning cloths and give the front and back of your watch a good wipe down to get rid of any dust or debris that may have accumulated.

But, hold up! Before you start scrubbing away, make sure that the cloth is damp but not dripping wet. Give it a squeeze to get rid of any excess water. This will ensure that you’re not accidentally drenching your watch while you’re trying to clean it.

Take a look around for any dirt that may have been loosened up by the brush, and wipe it away with a clean towel.

And, a word of caution: do not use any soap or other cleaning solutions, and do not immerse your watch in water to clean it. This is especially important for earlier versions of the Apple Watch. So, keep it simple, folks!

4. Clean Apple Watch Band by Wiping it Down or Washing it

When it comes to keeping your Apple Watch band looking fresh and clean, it all depends on the material it’s made of. If it’s a non-leather band, like Aluminum or Stainless Steel, you’re in luck! A quick wipe-down with a damp cloth or a gentle wash with some mild hand soap will do the trick.

But, if your band is made of leather, things get a little tricky. Apple advises against cleaning it, so you’ll just have to rock that vintage, worn-in look.

Additionally, it’s worth noting that over time, the color of your band will shift due to normal wear and tear. But don’t let that stop you from keeping it clean, just make sure to steer clear of any abrasive soaps or harsh cleaning chemicals. These can cause further fading or discoloration. So, if you want to keep your band looking as good as new, stick to mild hand soap and be gentle with it.

5. Dry It off With a Towel and Put it Back Together

When drying off your freshly cleaned Apple Watch band, grab a trusty, lint-free towel to get the job done. Before you slip the band back on, double-check that every nook and cranny of your watch and band is completely dry.

To reassemble your Apple Watch, flip it over and set it down on a clean surface. Hold the band with the letters and numbers facing you, and carefully slot each link into its corresponding place until you hear a satisfying click. And just like that, your Apple Watch looks as good as new!

Instructions for How to Clean the Digital Crown on the Apple Watch

When it comes to cleaning the Digital Crown on your Apple Watch, first give the area a good examination for any debris that may be present. If the Crown becomes stuck or won’t move, give it a quick wipe-down to remove any dirt or grime.

Additionally, if you notice any dust or debris on the Crown, turn off your watch and remove it from its charging cable. If your band is made of materials that are not water-resistant, such as leather or stainless steel, remove it before cleaning the Crown.

Next, hold the Digital Crown under a warm water faucet for 10-15 seconds. Remember, no soap or cleaning products are permitted. Rotate and gently push the Crown while the water runs through the space between the crown and the rest of the watch.

Finally, ensure your watch is completely dry using a gentle, lint-free cloth. And voila! Your Digital Crown is now shining like new.

How to Keep the Band of the Apple Watch Clean for a Longer Period of Time?

If possible, it’s a good idea to remove your Apple Watch band before engaging in physically demanding activities. This will help prevent sweat from getting on the band. If you’re an avid gym-goer, make sure to clean your band regularly and give it time to air out after each workout. 

Additionally, it’s best to avoid applying things like perfume, oils, and other skin products directly on the band. And, try not to wear your watch to bed at night as we tend to perspire more heavily while sleeping — although this isn’t possible if you are tracking your sleep using Apple Watch. Either way, remember that keeping the band clean is key to preventing the build-up of dirt and grime.