- Wipe your watch with a clean microfiber cloth to remove dirt and grime. Then, detach the strap from the watch case.
- Soak the watch strap in lukewarm water and a few drops of dish soap. Then, scrub the strap links with a toothbrush dipped in the soapy cloth.
- Rinse the strap under lukewarm water and dry it with a microfiber cloth. Let the watch air dry for 1 to 2 hours before assembling.
Cleaning the Watch
Wipe your watch with a dry microfiber cloth or chamois. Gently wipe the watch face, case, band, and clasp to remove any dirt, dust, and debris.
Remove the watch from the strap if it’s not water-resistant. Getting the watch case wet, or the circular part that holds the watch’s internal components, can damage your watch. Depending on your style of watch, you might click a button to remove the strap or unscrew a small screw. If you’re not sure how to remove the band, consult your watch’s care manual. Or, look up your watch on the manufacturer’s website. If the strap isn’t removable, wrap paper towels or plastic wrap around the case. Then, secure it with a rubber band to protect the case from water. Do not remove the cover over the watch face. The cover prevents dirt and rust from affecting the watch face.
Soak your watch strap with lukewarm water and dish soap. Just fill a small bowl with water and add a few drops of dish soap. Soaking your watch strap helps loosen stuck on grit and grime. How long you soak the strap depends on how grimy it is: For light dirt and grime, soak it for 10 to 30 minutes. For heavy dirt buildup, soak it for 1 to 2 hours. If your watch is water-resistant, let the watch case soak. Just screw in the crown and any other parts to prevent water entering the case, if necessary. If you’re not sure if your watch case is water-resistant, look up your watch on the manufacturer's website.
Scrub the strap with soapy water and a clean toothbrush. Remove the strap from the soapy water and use gentle, circular motions to scrub the links. This removes dirt and discoloration stuck in hard-to-reach crevices. Keep your hand light and don’t use much pressure when scrubbing. Vigorous scrubs can scratch the stainless steel. Do not use chemicals when cleaning your watch, as substances like benzene can ruin stainless steel and cause skin irritation.
Wipe the watch case with a damp, soapy cloth. Dip a microfiber cloth in the soapy water and gently wipe away any dirty spots, making sure to clean the back and the front. If there are stubborn spots of dirt, dip a soft-bristled brush in the soapy water and gently scrub them away using circular motions. If your watch case has crystals or other decorative pieces on it, gently wipe it with a cotton swab dipped in the soapy water.
Rinse off the soap with lukewarm water. Hold the watch strap under running water to get rid of the soap. Then, dampen a clean microfiber cloth with water and wipe the watch case. Rinsing off the soap prevents your watch from looking dull. If your watch is water-resistant, simply run both the strap and case under water. Do not use extremely hot or cold water. Extreme temperatures can damage the watch’s internal components.
Dry your watch with a clean microfiber cloth. Gently wipe the watch case, strap, and clasp to prevent moisture from getting trapped in the watch. This limits your watch’s risk of rust and corrosion. Wipe your watch down regularly, especially after you work out, get caught in the rain, or wear it underwater.
Let your watch air dry for 1 to 2 hours, then reassemble it. Some water might remain in the watch’s crevices after you pat it dry. Rest it on a towel for 1 to 2 hours to completely dry, then reattach the strap to the watch case.
Caring for a Stainless Steel Watch
Clean your watch once per month. Regularly cleaning your watch with dish soap and water keeps it shiny and working in tip-top condition. Dirt and grime can wear down the strap links and cause it to stretch. To prevent stubborn buildup, wipe your watch with a microfiber cloth daily.
Polish and remove scratches with a stainless steel polishing cloth. Stainless steel is durable, but with wear and tear it can develop scratches. Just gently scrub the marks to buff them out. Then, wipe the watch with a microfiber cloth. For deeper scratches, rub the marks with more force.
Ask a jeweler to clean the watch if you don’t want to damage it. Jewelers have the tools and expertise to clean your stainless steel watch, especially if it’s very expensive or a treasured heirloom. Depending on the watch brand and where you live, a professional watch cleaning can cost $45 to over $200.
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