Ahh, our trusty smartwatches. We do everything with them – tap to pay for a post-run coffee, track sleep patterns, measure VO2 max, check stress levels mid-meeting, take calls and of course, tell the time. But here’s the big question: when was the last time you actually cleaned yours?
If the answer is “Umm… never?”, you’re not alone. But you might want to rethink that. A study found bacteria such as Staphylococcus and E. coli lurking on 95% of tested smartwatch wristbands. Yep, that fitness tracker on your wrist? It’s basically a petri dish.
So, how do you keep your tracker fresh, germ-free and in top condition? Garmin, Huawei and other tech experts have their recommendations on how to clean your smartwatch:
Daily Care And Maintenance
Scratch And Corrosion Resistance
Your watch’s front screen is built tough with scratch-resistant materials like glass and ceramic, but it’s not indestructible. Avoid dropping it onto hard surfaces and keep it away from sharp objects like keys, knives, or rocky terrain.
After workouts, wipe down the rear case and charging contacts to remove sweat and moisture before charging. Keeping these areas dry and clean prevents corrosion and ensures efficient charging.
Water And Dust Protection
Post-swim? Rinse your watch with clean water, wipe it down and let it air dry completely. If you wear a leather or metal strap, dry it immediately to prevent damage.
Note: Your device is resistant to everyday dust exposure (like in offices or storage rooms), but it’s best to avoid particularly dusty environments to prevent buildup in buttons and crevices.
READ MORE: Different Types Of Eczema You Should Know About
How to clean your smartwatch
1. Use The Right Tools
- Microfibre cloths: Ideal for everyday cleaning.
- Mild soap & water: Safe for most watch cases and straps (except leather).
- 70% Isopropyl alcohol wipes: Perfect for disinfecting (but avoid using on leather or fabric bands).
- No harsh chemicals! Bleach, hydrogen peroxide and strong solvents can damage coatings and materials.
2. Strap Care By Material
Leather Straps
- Wipe with a soft, lint-free cloth (dampen slightly for tough dirt).
- Never soak leather. Moisture weakens and discolours it.
- Avoid sunlight, heat and strong cleaning agents.
- Store in a dry, ventilated place when not in use.
Metal Straps
- Wipe with a damp cloth and dry completely.
- Avoid metal polish or abrasives, as they can damage finishes.
- Rinse with clean water after seawater exposure to prevent corrosion.
Nylon/Woven Straps
- Wash with cold water and mild soap.
- Rinse thoroughly and air dry.
- Avoid rough surfaces that could snag the woven fabric.
- Never use a washing machine or dryer.
Silicone & TPU Elastomer Bands
- Rinse with water and dry thoroughly.
- For lotions, sunscreen, or sweat buildup, use rubbing alcohol and a cloth.
- Avoid hand sanitisers, soap, or acidic/alkaline solvents, which can cause irritation.
- For stubborn stains, gently scrub with a soft brush.
3. Keep Sensors Clean
Dirt and sweat can impact sensor accuracy. Wipe the back of your watch with a slightly damp microfibre cloth after workouts.
4. Screen & Device Body
- Screen: Wipe with a soft cotton cloth (dry or with screen cleaner).
- Body: Remove fingerprints and dust with a microfibre cloth or eyewear cleaner.
- Buttons and rotating crown: Power off your watch, rinse with warm water and gently rotate buttons while cleaning. Dry completely before use.
- No sharp objects! Never poke openings like speaker holes.
5. Make Cleaning a Habit
- Quick wipe-down? Daily.
- Deep clean? Once a week.
- Post-gym? Every workout.
READ MORE: 10 Reasons Why Upgrading Your Smartwatch Matters
What NOT To Do
According to Garmin, exposure to the following substances can degrade your watch’s water resistance and materials and might cause possible skin irritations.
- Hair dye
- Insect repellents
- Moisturising creams and lotions
- Oils
- Perfumes
- Sanitisers
- Soaps
- Solvents, detergents or household cleaners
- Sunscreens
Also, avoid ultrasonic cleaners. They may seem high-tech, but they can damage your smartwatch.
But, What About Your Skin?
We spoke to Dr Deepa Parbhoo from Aesthetics by Dr Deepa Parbhoo to get a dermatologist’s take on smartwatch-related skin issues and the best ways to prevent them.
Can My Smartwatch Cause A Rash?
“Yes indeed! There are various pathophysiological mechanisms that play a role in causing skin irritation from smartwatches,” says Dr Parbhoo, like:
- Friction and Pressure with prolonged use. Constant skin contact of the smartwatch can lead to a disrupted skin barrier function, which compromises the skin’s environment and milieu. This, in turn, makes the skin more susceptible to Bacterial and Fungal overgrowth by interfering with the normal flora on the skin’s surface. Warmth, humidity, moisture, sweat and dead skin cells can create an altered environment that can lead to infections such as, folliculitis, cellulitis, or impetigo.
- Irritant Contact Dermatitis. An inflammatory skin condition that may arise in susceptible individuals when the skin barrier is compromised.
- Allergic reactions can develop to the materials used in the smartwatch, eg, Latex or Nickel. This can further lead to an Allergic Contact Dermatitis
A study published in the in 2019 found that 12.5% of smartwatch users reported skin irritation or rashes.
READ MORE: The Everything Guide To Eczema
What Are The Safest Cleaning Methods To Prevent Skin Issues?
HOCL (Hypochlorous acid) is the next generation of skin cleansing for aesthetic purposes. The HOCL molecule is a naturally occurring compound with potent antimicrobial properties. It’s safe to use for all ages and is well-tolerated.
It has the following properties:
- Non Toxic
- Non Irritant
- Hypoallergenic
- Dermatologically tested
- Anti-Inflammatory
It is effective against:
- Bacteria, eg, MRSA, E.Coli
- Viruses, eg, Influenza
- Fungi, eg, Candida
Most HOCL solutions are available as a spray with a fine mist, so this makes it very convenient to use. It acts in seconds! It reduces the microbial load, preventing infections, and enhances wound healing, thereby reducing the risks of any secondary skin infections.
The Bottom Line
Keep your smartwatch clean to prevent skin irritation, bacterial buildup and allergic reactions – especially now that we know how much bacteria can thrive on your device. Regular cleaning with a damp cloth, using dermatologist-approved methods like HOCL, and cleaning it after back-to-back workouts will help keep your skin healthy and your device free from grime.
