Follow this guide on how to clean a stainless steel watch and keep your watch looking brand new all year round.
Luckily, stainless steel is a watch case material that doesn’t rust easily. But that doesn’t mean you shouldn’t be taking good care of it. Steel cases are still susceptible to dirt, dust, and saltwater. Removing these remnants can prevent corrosion and wear over time. Preserving your watch’s luster and shine by cleaning it regularly can restore a “good as new” look. What’s more, you don’t even need to leave your home. Here are some DIY tips on how to clean a stainless steel watch.
Why Stainless Steel?
In the world of watch collecting, rarity is an implied condition. The value of a watch depends on its perceived availability and its desirability. And not all rare materials are the most covetable. Don’t believe me? Then, explain how a steel Royal Oak or Nautilus can sell for more than a gold one.
The driving force behind a high-in-demand watch is emotion. And the good thing about stainless steel watches is that they can simultaneously be emotive and practical. Surprisingly, of all the precious metals in watchmaking (platinum and gold included), steel can sometimes be the most precious of all.
There are two main types of stainless steel in watchmaking. You have the most common of all – the 316L type – or Rolex’s 904L. Both can exude a high luster when cleaning, polishing, and looking after them. Sometimes, it can give a subtle bluish tint in some lights. This is especially so when you compare it to the yellowish hue of white gold.
Many collectors don’t like to pay a premium for a slight variance in appearance or shade. That’s why stainless steel is often (but not always) the most affordable and logical option. As a much smarter buy, stainless steel gives you more bang for your buck. But the properties of steel really leave precious metals in the dust. While gold and platinum need mixing with other alloys to strengthen them, steel is naturally tough.
If you’re reading this article, you probably already own a stainless steel watch. So, without further ado, let’s delve into how to clean one with this simple guide.
Essential Supplies for Cleaning
Before you begin this guide on how to clean a stainless steel watch at home, you’ll need to gather some items. These essential supplies for cleaning are as follows;
- A watch tool or repair kit
- A cleaning brush with soft bristles
- A microfiber cloth
- A toothpick
- Mild soap solution
- A bowl of lukewarm water
You’re ready to clean your watch once you set out these essentials.
Steps in How To Clean a Stainless Steel Watch at Home
The steps in how to clean a stainless steel watch at home will depend on the condition of your timepiece. If your watch has minimal dirt buildup, it only requires gentle wiping. A warm, damp cloth should suffice. If it’s particularly dirty, you can follow the steps below.
Before you begin, preparing your watch and the area around you is essential. Set up a microfiber cloth under your bowl and remove the strap or bracelet. This enables you to clean the bracelet separately and thoroughly afterward and protects straps that aren’t water-resistant. You should also be mindful of whether your watch is water resistant to a suitable depth. If your watch has anything less than 100M water resistance, avoid submerging it in water. Also, consider the condition of the crown, bezel, and crystal. It’s not rocket science, but if there is damage to any of these parts, don’t get your watch wet.
Other logical precautions should be self-explanatory. If you aren’t sure of the condition of your watch, get it checked by a professional. And if your watch has stubborn stains, don’t risk scratching the case. You should instead pursue a thorough cleaning service with a watch specialist. Another home remedy for cleaning a watch is to use a solution of equal parts soda, water, and vinegar. We covered this in more detail in our guide to “How to Clean a Watch.”
1. Wipe Your Watch
It’s important to wipe your watch before you begin cleaning the case. Ideally, you want to remove loose debris and dust from the watch. This will prevent any unnecessary contamination of the water. In the bowl of water, create a mild, soapy solution. Of course, you won’t require the soapy solution if you only want a light clean.
Next, gently submerge a cloth in the bowl of warm water to massage the dirt and debris out. You can remove the more stubborn marks from the case surface using a soft brush. Sometimes, a tool or repair kit will include a soft brush. A buildup of dirt in the watch’s lug holes or the bezel may require the use of a toothpick covered with a wet wipe.
2. Dry With a Soft Cloth
It’s important to dry your watch’s case and bracelet after the cleaning process. To do this, you’ll need a soft, dry microfiber towel. Take the towel and gently cushion the watch, gently wiping over the metal’s surface. Leave the watch to dry for an hour before returning it to your wrist.
If you don’t have a microfiber, some kitchen towel or soft tissue will work just as well. The main thing here is to ensure that your watch is thoroughly dry before you continue using it and wearing it. Doing so will prevent dust and debris from sticking to the wet surface before it dries.
3. Polish for Sparkle and Shine
There are ways to polish and brush out scratches in a watch. But I recommend taking your watch to a specialist unless you know what you’re doing. Some watch accessories, like watch cleaning kits, include stainless steel watch cleaner products. These can add a nice shine to the case. Alternatively, you can purchase polishing cloths from a watch repair center or watch shop.
If you’re using a polishing cloth, apply gentle, light pressure and stroke back and forth. Continue doing this until you achieve your desired level of polishing. Once complete, your watch should look as good as new!
There’s a reason why it’s a good idea to seek the help of an expert when polishing your watch. First and foremost, the process removes material from the case. This isn’t the same as simply buffing your watch to create a nice sheen. A professional case polish is better since this is a permanent process. Needless to say, you can’t remove any damage or mistakes once you make them.
Tips for Cleaning a Stainless Steel Watch Band
Tips for cleaning a stainless steel watch band can help you achieve a pristine finish. Cleaning a bracelet is an intricate process, so removing it from the watch is always better before you begin.
You can clean a stainless steel watch band using the steps above for the watch case. Trickier sections between the links can benefit from a strap-changing tool covered by a wet wipe. This time, however, you can dip the bracelet into the mild soapy solution for a more thorough clean. Before you do, wipe the bracelet down with a warm, damp cloth to remove the initial layer of dust.
If the dirt between the links of your bracelet looks particularly stubborn, you may wish to soak the bracelet in water. This should dissolve the grease and debris left on the links.
How To Clean a Stainless Steel Apple Watch Band
Watch bands get dirty, too. Apple watch bands are a great example since they’re often rubber. If you own a rubber Apple watch band, you can remove debris and dirt by wiping it down with a warm, soapy cloth. However, Apple watch brands come in other materials, like titanium, steel, and gold.
Wondering how to clean a stainless steel Apple watch band? It’s simple. Clean it the same way you would clean any steel bracelet. Steel Apple watch bands are the same 316L steel you see in any conventional analog watch. Simply remove excess dust by wiping the watch. If you don’t want to remove the bracelet, clean it in the same way you would a steel case. Submerge a microfiber (lint-free) cloth in soapy water and bring it to the bracelet, massaging the dirt out. Again, ensure your bracelet is dry before reattaching it to the case or putting the watch back on your wrist.
How Often Should You Clean Your Stainless Steel Watch?
So, how often should you clean your stainless steel watch? If you keep your watch clean, you won’t need to use many cleaning items. Perhaps you give your watch a wipe-over every day or even weekly. Doing so prevents larger buildups of residue on the watch’s surface. Still, dirt can build up in the nooks and crannies you least expect. So, a thorough cleaning now and again is what I’d recommend. Likewise, if you work in a dirty environment for your job, you’ll need to pay extra attention to the condition of your watch.
A stubborn buildup of dirt can lead to corrosion. Plus, you should always want to look your best. And believe me, a person will judge you on how clean your jewelry and accessories look.
Helpful Tips for Maintaining Your Stainless Steel Watch
Here are some helpful tips for maintaining your stainless steel watch. Firstly, it’s not just about how well you clean it. One of your primary concerns when caring for your watch should be its water resistance. You want to preserve those gaskets and seals on a watch. These elements can perish if you don’t keep your watch clean.
However, other factors affect watch health, too. Showering with your watch or excessively exposing it to water can hinder a watch’s water-resistant rating. If you take to the water regularly, whether for swimming or water sports, opt for a watch with diving capabilities. And never shower with a watch with less than 100M water resistance.
Other helpful tips for maintaining your stainless steel watch are also available. These include servicing your watch regularly and repairing damage sooner rather than later. If you notice your watch is letting water in, don’t sit on it for weeks. Send it to a specialist and get the work done to prevent a domino effect and risking further damage. Water is the movement’s enemy and, over time, can gradually erode its delicate components.
You should also avoid exposing your watch to unnecessary shock or impact. If you play a lot of tennis or golf, for example, make sure your watch can take the power of a hard swing. Tool watches that resist impact or those with shock-resistant housing around the movement are best.
Also, avoid winding your watch while it’s still on your wrist. Take your watch off first to prevent adding unnecessary pressure to the stem. Taking your watch off first ensures you have full access to the crown. Be mindful of where you wind your watch, too. Winding over a tiled floor is not a good idea. Sit down, take the time to wind your watch, and enjoy the cathartic effect of re-powering your watch.
FAQ
Here’s some extra information about what you should and shouldn’t do when cleaning your stainless steel watch.
Can You Clean a Stainless Steel Watch With Alcohol?
We don’t recommend using alcohol on a stainless steel watch. Alcohol can damage the seals of a watch case and the material’s surface.
Can You Put a Watch in an Ultrasonic Cleaner?
You can use an ultrasonic cleaner to clean a watch, but it’s predominantly for professional use. Ultrasonic cleaners are useful for specialists who disassemble the small parts of a watch during a professional clean.
How Do You Remove Smells From a Watch?
Cleaning your watch regularly is the only way to remove smells and odors. Changing the strap once it ages will also help maintain hygiene and reduce lingering odors.
Conclusion
Now that you know how to clean a stainless steel watch, you have no excuses! Your favorite timepiece should always look as good as new, no matter where and how you wear it. The best way to clean a stainless steel watch is with a mild, soapy solution, but warm water may suffice.
Always consider your watch’s water-resistant rating before you clean it, and never submerge a watch with less than 100 meters of water resistance. Above all, clean your watch regularly, even if you don’t think it needs it. Regular cleaning enables you to maintain its appearance. It’s really just about using your intuition and common sense. If you want it to look good, treat it well.
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