How To Clean a Watch Without Damaging It

Gently does it. Follow these steps on how to clean a watch and keep your timepiece looking like “Day One” all the time.

There is more to preserving and looking after your watch than just cleaning it. But believe it or not, enthusiasts easily fall into bad habits. They forget about keeping their timepiece looking in pristine condition.

Here at The Slender Wrist, we cover watch care and maintenance in great detail. We list the best watch storage solutions and repair kits. We even advise you on where to shop for your next watch strap. 

We also cover watch rolls and winders, which help protect your timepiece from damage and keep it ticking over nicely. But all these things are pointless if you don’t keep your watch clean. 

There are some critical do’s and don’ts when it comes to learning how to clean your watch. You can’t simply dunk your watch in a sink of bubbles and hope for the best, nor can you tackle the marks on your case with a harsh brush. 

The golden rule in cleaning your watch is to go gently. 

I’m going to share all the best tips for cleaning your watch in this article. That way, you can confidently restore the pristine condition of your watch without causing any damage to it. 

How To Clean a Watch Face 

I’m going to start with the essential facts about how to clean a watch face. 

Be Gentle

The hardest thing you should ever clean your watch with is a soft toothbrush. That means that if you pick up a brush and run it over your thumb but still feel unsure, don’t risk it. 

The same goes for your watch face. Most high-end luxury watches feature a sapphire crystal glass top. This kind of glass is incredibly difficult to scratch but always err on the side of caution. You shouldn’t need to use anything too harsh on the watch face. 

Other watch cases may feature mineral or Hardlex glass, especially vintage timepieces. This glass is easier to put a scratch on. Again, play it safe. Most watch glass fronts will clean up with a damp, soft cloth. 

Consider a Cleaning Kit

In a recent article, I discussed some essential watch accessories that every collector should own. My suggestion for a cleaning kit was the Town Talk Luxury Watch Cleaning Kit. 

In this kit, you get a mild cleaning solution, some cleaning cloths, and a brush. The kit contains everything you need for a regular watch cleaning routine. 

Failing that, you can clean your watch case and face at home. If your watch lacks a substantial water-resistant rating, always use a damp cloth. 

For more water-resistant watches (100M+), you can use a toothbrush. However, unless you purchase a cleaning solution from a watch specialist, you may wish to avoid using soapy water. 

Use Your Discretion

The after-sale care advice on maintaining your watch differs from retailer to retailer. Some advise you to make a weak dish soap and warm water solution. 

Others advise against this, mainly because soap particles can sometimes enter a case and cause internal damage.  You can use your discretion with this, but always use gentle soap. 

If you own a dive watch, you can submerge your watch while you clean it. In my other article, you can learn how to preserve and take extra care of your watch with different products. 

How Do You Clean a Silicone Watch Band?

One disadvantage to owning a watch on a rubber band is that it can quickly get dirty. Depending on the quality of the strap, your skin can sweat under the rubber. 

So, how do you clean a silicone watch band? Well, first, remove the band from the watch. Then, grab a clean bowl and create a mild soapy dishwater solution. Use a brush with soft bristles to clean the strap under the water. 

Rinse the band under clean water before drying it with a paper towel. Allow the strap to dry completely before reattaching it to the watch. 

You can use a baking soda and vinegar treatment for more stubborn marks. Using equal parts of baking soda and water, apply a paste to your band, using a brush for hard-to-reach places. 

After brushing, rinse the paste off with water and dip the band into a solution of equal parts vinegar and water. Rinse it thoroughly, dry it with a clean towel, and leave it to dry. 

How Do You Clean a Leather Watch Band?

One question that a watch manual doesn’t always clearly answer is, “How do you clean a leather watch band?” Learning how to do this will prolong the life of the strap. 

You can clean a leather strap by rubbing it in a light circular motion with a damp, warm, soapy cloth. Once you work the soap into the surface, dirt will loosen, and you can rinse it with clean, warm water. 

You should never leave a leather strap damp. Afterward, ensure you thoroughly dry the band with a towel to keep that hide happy!

How To Clean a Metal Watch Bracelet

Remember that little and often, it is better when learning how to clean a metal watch bracelet. Dirt can build up in the joints between the links and can become a nuisance to clean. 

The more often you clean your watch bracelet, the less dirt will build up. To begin with, you can wipe any initial dust and dirt away from your bracelet using a microfiber towel. 

Then, use warm water to create a mild, soapy solution and immerse the bracelet in a bowl. Use gentle circular movements with a soft brush to remove the more stubborn buildup.

Once you’re happy that you’ve removed all the dirt from the bracelet’s links, you can dry it with a microfiber towel. Always ensure the towel is clean to avoid working in scratches with debris trapped in the fibers. 

If you wear your bracelet daily, you should clean it once a month. For watches worn less often, try to clean your bracelet every few months to retain its natural sheen. 

FAQs

Here are some key facts to note about regular watch cleaning.

What’s the best thing to clean a watch with?

You’ll need warm water, a soft cloth, a soft toothbrush, and a very mild soap solution to clean your watch. 

Can I use alcohol wipes to clean my watch?

Some watchmakers recommend using denatured alcohol to clean watch parts. Sometimes, a quick wipeover with an alcohol wipe is safe, but prologued use can cause damage and discoloration. 

How do you clean a smelly wristwatch?

Watch straps can harbor the bacteria your skin produces when you sweat under a bracelet. To clean a dirt strap or caseback, wipe the surface with a warm cloth and mild watch cleaning solution. 

The Takeaway

You should always take special care when learning how to clean a watch. If you attack a watch with harsh chemicals and abrasive materials, you can cause irreversible damage. 

When cleaning your watch, remember the golden rule I mentioned — go gently. Use warm water and avoid soap unless necessary. 

Cleaning your watch a little and often will prevent any stubborn buildup on precious metal cases. But if you do encounter some marks that won’t come off with a soft, warm cloth, you can always use a gentle brush. 

Before long, incorporating a regular watch clean into your weekly routine will become second nature. 

How do you clean yours? Do you have any watch-cleaning tips? Please share them with us in the comments below.