How to clean your Apple Watch and band

Whether you wear your Apple Watch all day or only during workouts, it’s important to keep it clean. Over time, dirt, sweat, and bacteria can build up on your watch and band. And you don’t want that.

Cleaning your Apple Watch and band doesn’t have to be a chore. With the right equipment and a bit of care, you can keep your watch and band looking as fresh as the day you unboxed it. So, let’s get ready to clean up!

Is it OK to use disinfectants?

Let’s deal with an important question straight away. You might wonder if it’s okay to use disinfectants on your Apple Watch. The short answer is yes, but with lots of caution.

DO NOT use bleach or hydrogen peroxide. They’re way too harsh and could damage the watch’s finish.

Apple officially recommends using a 70% isopropyl alcohol wipe or Clorox Disinfecting Wipes to gently clean the exterior surfaces of your Apple Watch. This includes the display, Digital Crown, and the casing. These disinfectants are effective in killing germs without causing damage to the watch’s materials.

One crucial thing to remember is to avoid getting moisture into any openings, especially the speaker and microphone ports. While the Apple Watch is water-resistant it's not waterproof - so excessive liquid exposure could still cause some damage.

General cleaning tips

Before we jump into the specifics of cleaning your Apple Watch and its bands, let’s cover some general cleaning tips to make sure you’re using the right materials and techniques.

Use a soft, lint-free cloth. Microfibre cloths are perfect for cleaning your Apple Watch. They’re gentle enough not to scratch the display or casing but effective at removing dirt, smudges, and fingerprints.
Avoid abrasive cleaners. Harsh chemicals, abrasive materials, and scrubbing pads can damage the finish of your Apple Watch and its band. Stick to mild, gentle cleaning agents and tools.
Don’t overdo it with water. While Apple Watches are water-resistant, it’s still best to avoid using too much water when cleaning. A damp cloth should be fine.
Remove the band before cleaning. Detach the band from your Apple Watch to make cleaning easier. It also prevents moisture getting into the little crevices where the band connects to the watch.
Dry thoroughly. After cleaning, make sure to dry your Apple Watch and band thoroughly before you put it back together and wear it. This helps prevent any moisture-related issues.

Cleaning your Apple Watch exterior

Right. Now that you’ve got your materials ready and a few general tips in mind, it’s time to clean the exterior of your Apple Watch.

Power it down. Before you start cleaning, turn off your Apple Watch. This not only keeps you safe but also prevents any accidental inputs on the touchscreen.
Wipe down the display and case. Take your soft, lint-free cloth and dampen it slightly with fresh water if needed. Gently wipe the front and back of the Apple Watch, including the sides and the Digital Crown. If you notice any stubborn smudges or grime, you can lightly dampen the cloth with a 70% isopropyl alcohol solution.
Clean the Digital Crown. The Digital Crown can sometimes get stuck or feel less responsive due to the buildup of dirt or debris. To clean it, rotate the crown while holding it under lightly running, warm, fresh water for about 10 to 15 seconds. Make sure you’re rotating the crown continuously to dislodge any debris that might be inside.
Wipe dry and double-check for leftover grime. Once you’ve cleaned the watch, use a dry, lint-free cloth to wipe away any remaining moisture. Now take a good close look at it, to make sure absolutely all the dirt and grime is gone - especially around the edges of the Digital Crown.
Check the ports and sensor. Now double-check that no moisture has made its way into the speaker, microphone ports, or the heart rate sensors. If you spot any moisture, use the dry cloth to absorb it.

Cleaning different band types

a close up of an apple watch on a black surface

Your Apple Watch band is almost as important as the watch itself. It’s the part that’s in constant contact with your skin, so keeping it clean is vital.

Depending on the material of your band, the cleaning process can vary slightly. Here’s a breakdown of how to clean the different types of Apple Watch bands.

Silicone and sport bands

Silicone and sport bands are some of the most popular around, due to their durability and comfort - especially during workouts. But they can also get grimy quickly, especially with sweat and oils from your skin. Here’s how to get them clean:

Remove the band from the watch. Detach the silicone band from the watch.
Rinse with warm water. Hold the band under warm running water to remove surface dirt and sweat. If needed, use a small amount of gentle hand soap.
Scrub gently with a soft brush. For stubborn stains or dirt stuck in the grooves, use a soft brush to gently scrub the band.
Rinse again and dry. After scrubbing, rinse the band thoroughly under warm water to remove any soap residue. Pat it dry with a lint-free cloth and let it air dry completely before reattaching it to your watch.

Nylon and braided bands

Nylon and braided bands are a comfortable and breathable alternative to silicone, but they can be a bit trickier to clean due to their woven texture:

Remove the band from the watch. Take off the band before cleaning.
Use a mild soap solution. Mix a small amount of mild soap with warm water. Dampen a soft cloth or brush with the soapy water.
Gently scrub the band. Wipe down the band or use a soft brush to clean between the weaves of the fabric. Be careful not to soak the band as too much water can damage the fabric.
Rinse and dry. Rinse the band with fresh water to remove any soap residue. Gently squeeze out excess water (don’t wring it) and lay it flat to air dry.

Leather bands

Leather bands add a touch of style to your Apple Watch, but they need special care to maintain their look and feel:

Remove the band. Start by removing it from the watch.
Wipe with a damp cloth. Use a slightly damp, lint-free cloth to gently wipe the leather. Avoid using excess water as leather can easily become damaged if it gets too wet.
Use a leather conditioner. If your band is looking a bit dry, you can apply a leather conditioner according to the manufacturer’s instructions. This helps keep the leather supple and prevent cracks.
Avoid soaking or submerging. You should never soak a leather band or place it under running water. After cleaning, let it air dry - away from direct sunlight or heat sources.

Stainless steel bands

Stainless steel bands are durable and give your Apple Watch a polished, sophisticated look. Cleaning them is straightforward, and you can even restore some of their original shine.

Remove the band. Start by removing the stainless steel band from your watch.
Wipe with a damp cloth. Use a soft, damp cloth to wipe down the band, removing dirt and fingerprints.
Polish with a homemade solution. For a deeper clean, you can make a simple solution with equal parts water and vinegar. Dampen a cloth with this solution and wipe the band down. This helps to remove any lingering grime, and restores your band’s shine.
Dry and buff. After cleaning, use a dry, lint-free cloth to thoroughly dry and buff the band, bringing back its natural shine and good looks!

Need any help?

Looking for more Apple Warch tips? Here’s how to put your Apple Watch on silent, Or, if you want to learn more about what your smartwatch can do, here’s how to get the most out of your Apple Watch.

Thinking about getting a new Apple Watch? You can check out or smart fitness buying guide, then choose the best Apple Watch for you. Or why not pop in-store and ask one of our colleagues for help? They’re always happy to chat.