Watches are the finishing touch to every outfit, no matter your clothing style. You’re likely to regularly throw your clothes in the washing machine, but your watch? You don’t need to clean it, do you? Well, actually, you do. Each time you wear your watch, fungus, sweat and other dirt settles in and on your watch. Sounds disgusting, right?! The good news is that you really don’t have to take it to the watchmaker to have it cleaned. You can do it yourself! You can give your watch a thorough cleaning, but do you know how? We give you 3 easy step-by-step cleaning tips.

How to clean a watch?

Just like jewellery and other accessories, your watch needs maintenance. Dirt and sweat residue give your watch a dirty and dull look. Luckily, cleaning your watch is a piece of cake! We give you easy step-by-step cleaning tips so you can easily and quickly clean your watch.

Tips before you start cleaning your watch

Before you enthusiastically grab a brush and start scrubbing, there are a few things you may want to take into account.

  • First you determine from which material your watch is made
  • Prevent water damage. Make sure that all the screws and crowns are firmly closed. You really don’t want water to get into your watch case!
  • Avoid damage. Don’t use hard brushes to polish your watch. A soft cloth will work magic.

Things you need to clean your watch

To clean your watch quickly, keep the following thing at hand.

  • A paring knife
  • A bowl of lukewarm water
  • A soft and clean cloth
  • Detergent
  • Mild (baby) shampoo
  • A soft and clean toothbrush
  • Cotton wool pads

3 easy step-by-step cleaning tips

Now it's time to start cleaning your watch. With these tips, cleaning your watch is as easy as one-two-three.

#1 Remove watch strap

Often your watch strap is made of a different material than the watch itself. If you have a leather or silicone strap, it’s best to remove that first. And you can easily do this yourself! The only thing you need is a paring knife. Put the knife between the strap and the case. Now gently pry and the pin in the strap will come loose. Repeat this on the other side.

In case you don’t want to use a paring knife, you can also remove the watch strap using dental floss. 

#2 Cleaning the watch strap

Watch straps can be made of leather, silicone, nylon or metal. Each material requires different care.

How to clean leather watch straps

Get your bowl of lukewarm water and add a drop of mild shampoo to make soapy water. Now get your soft cloth and gently rub a bit of the soapy water on the watch strap. Just make sure that your leather watch strap doesn’t get soaked! A little goes a long way! Use a clean, soft cloth to dry the watch strap.

How to clean silicone watch straps

Make soapy water with lukewarm water and a drop of detergent. Use your fingers or a soft cloth to wipe the silicone strap until it’s clean. Now get a dry, soft cloth and gently dry the watch strap.

How to clean steel watch straps

Steel watch straps can be cleaned with soapy water and a clean, dry toothbrush. Dip the toothbrush into the soapy water and gently scrub the steel watch strap until it’s clean.

How to clean nylon watch straps

Put your nylon watch strap in a laundry bag or pillowcase. Toss it in the washing machine using the gentle cycle. After the washer is done, let the nylon strap dry and you’re done!

#3 Cleaning the watch case

Your watch strap is now squeaky clean. On to the next step: cleaning the watch case! Make sure the crowns of the case are screwed on tight. Pour a little bit of water on a soft cloth or cotton wool pad and rub the case as gently as you can. Please avoid using too much water! Chances are that the water gets into the watch case to cause irreparable damage. Give moisture no chance by thoroughly drying your watch after cleaning.

Do you have a water-resistant watch? Lucky you, because cleaning water-resistant watches is easier than anything. All you have to do is to make soapy water using lukewarm water and a drop of mild shampoo. Dip your watch into the soapy water. Now use your fingers or a soft toothbrush to rub the case clean. After cleaning, use a soft cloth to dry your watch. It’ll be spotless!

How to remove scratches from watch glass?

So, your watch is all clean and as good as new. But there’s an annoying tiny scratch on the watch glass! You can go to the watchmaker and have to scratch repaired, but you can remove shallow scratches yourself. All you need is a tube of toothpaste, no matter what brand. Believe it or not, but toothpaste fills up small scratches! Use a cotton wool pad to smear a bit of toothpaste on the scratch. After you’re done smearing, remove all the toothpaste. 


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