HOW TO CLEAN A WATCH

Your watch is with you all day, every day, so it’s only a matter of time before it begins to get a little dirty. Things like sweat, salt water, dirt, and grime can dull its shine, but regular cleaning will keep it looking as handsome as the day you got it. 

Cleaning your watch at home may seem straightforward, but it’s important to keep a few things in mind so that you don’t cause any unintentional damage to its delicate parts. To help you make sure you’re going about it properly, today we’re covering how to clean a watch and sharing some tips for overall watch maintenance.

Materials Needed

So, where to begin? Having the right materials on hand is a good start. Here are some that most watch enthusiasts swear by:

• Soft Cloth: Think microfiber, or the type of cloth you’d use to clean your glasses or sunglasses. You’ll be using this to gently wipe down parts like the case or crystal without scratching them.
• Mild Soap or Specialized Watch Cleaner: Opt for a gentle soap that will remove grime without damaging the finish on your watch’s case material.
• Soft-Bristled Brush or Toothbrush: This is great for getting into those hard-to-reach places, like the crevices between the links of a metal bracelet.
• Lukewarm Water: When dampening your cloth, make sure the water isn’t too hot or too cold.
• Cleaning Kit (Optional): Comprehensive kits often include all the tools you need for a thorough clean.

Safety Precautions

As we’ve already mentioned, you want to be mindful when cleaning your watch so that you don’t accidentally cause any damage to it. Here are the most important things to remember before starting:

• Water resistance: Make sure your watch is water resistant to some degree before getting it wet or using any liquid cleaner on it. You can usually find this information on the watch’s caseback, dial, or in its user manual. For Timex watches, the water resistance rating can be found under the “Specifications” dropdown on the watch’s product page.
• Remove the watch from your wrist: Always take your watch off before cleaning it. This will ensure you can easily access parts like the caseback and lugs.
• Avoid harsh chemicals: Don’t use any harsh chemicals or abrasive cleaners on your watch, as they can damage the finish of certain materials. Use a mild soap or a cleaner specifically made for watches. 

Step-by-step Cleaning Guide

Getting your watch dirty is unavoidable. So, when it’s time for a cleaning, here’s what to do:

Detach the Strap

Detaching your watch’s strap will make it easier to clean both the strap and case. Watch straps can be removed in many ways; some have quick-release spring bars for swift removal, while others have a special slip-thru design that allows them to be detached from the watch case easily. You can learn more about how to remove your watch’s strap in our other post, How to Change the Strap on a Watch.

Clean the Watch Case

Slightly dampen your cloth and use it to remove any oil or grime from the case. You can also use a soft bristle brush to get a little deeper into small spaces but avoid anything abrasive that will scratch the polished metal.

Clean the Strap

Watch straps come in a variety of different materials, such as fabric, leather, synthetic rubber, and stainless-steel, and each requires special care. Here’s a quick list of the most common strap types and how to clean them:

Metal:

• Use a soft cloth and a small amount of mild soap diluted in lukewarm water.
• Gently scrub with a soft-bristled brush.
• Rinse with clean water and dry thoroughly with a clean, soft cloth.

• Wipe with a dry soft cloth to remove surface dirt before using a leather cleaner or a mixture of mild soap and water applied sparingly.
• Avoid soaking the leather; instead, gently rub the cleaner in and wipe off any excess.
• Allow the strap to air dry completely, away from direct sunlight or heat.
• Read our blog post to learn more about how to clean your leather watch strap.

• Hand wash with mild soap and lukewarm water.
• Gently scrub with a soft brush.
• Rinse thoroughly and pat dry with a towel.
• Let the strap air dry completely before reattaching it to the watch.

Rinse and Dry

Triple check that you’ve thoroughly removed any remaining soap or watch cleaner from your watch’s case, lugs, crystal, and strap. Lingering soap can make your watch appear dirty, so be sure to get into every nook and cranny.

One of the most important steps of cleaning your watch is the final step: drying. Allow your watch to air dry completely before putting it back on your wrist. Not only can a damp watch strap irritate your skin, but lingering moisture can start to smell bad.

Maintenance Tips

Cleaning your watch isn’t a one-and-done ordeal. While it isn’t necessary to deep clean your watch every single day, you will want to clean it on a regular basis. Depending on how often you wear your watch, aim to clean it every few weeks. You can also bring your watch to a professional for servicing every few years. They can perform thorough maintenance and ensure that the internal mechanisms are properly lubricated and functioning correctly.

And finally, when not wearing your watch, store it in a clean, dry place to protect it from dust and potential scratches. For automatic watches, using a watch winder can keep them running smoothly.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

While cleaning your watch is fairly straightforward, here are a few common mistakes to avoid when doing so:

• Stay away from rough cloths or strong cleaning agents that can scratch up your watch and ruin its finish.
• Don't over-soak your leather strap. Leather and water don’t mix well, and over-soaking your strap can cause the leather to discolor and lose its shape.
• Don’t forget to check your watch’s water resistance. Watches that aren’t water-resistant can get seriously damaged if they get wet.
• While alcohol wipes are generally safe for stainless-steel cases and glass crystals, skip them on leather straps—alcohol can dry out the leather, causing it to crack and discolor. 

CLEANING YOUR WATCH PRESENTS THE OPPORTUNITY TO TRY A WATCH STRAP IN A NEW COLOR, MATERIAL, OR STYLE. SHOP A FEW OF OUR FAVORITES SO THAT YOU'RE GOOD TO GO NEXT TIME YOU CLEAN YOUR WATCH:

• 
  21mm Quick Release Silicone Strap

  White/N/A

  $18.00
• 
  22mm Quick-Release Fabric Strap

  Camo

  $30.00
• 
  16mm Leather Strap

  Gray

  $30.00
• 
  20mm Fabric Slip-Thru Double Layer Strap

  Red

  $18.00
• 
  18mm Mesh Band

  Gold-Tone

  $30.00
• 
  22mm Quick Release Leather Strap

  Tan

  $30.00
• 
  16mm Leather Strap

  Pink

  $30.00

Key Takeaway

Regular cleaning keeps dirt and grime from messing with your watch’s shine and mechanics. Use the right materials, check your watch’s water resistance, and avoid harsh chemicals. A little care goes a long way, but don’t forget about occasional professional servicing and proper storage to keep your watch looking fresh.