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\n<\/p><\/div>"}. Once clean, wipe the leather with a fresh cloth dampened with water until the soap residue is gone. Making a habit of these methods will significantly extend the strap’s lifespan. Repeat this process a few times to remove all of the dirt and oil. By using our site, you agree to our. Watch bands that are worn in hot and/or humid climates on the other hand (pun intended) need cleaning more frequently. To clean a leather jacket, create a mild soap solution with dish detergent and water, then dip a towel in the solution and wring out the excess liquid. Take care when applying sun screen, perfume, skin creams or other cosmetics around the leather watch strap. This category only includes cookies that ensures basic functionalities and security features of the website. This especially happens when the watch strap is worn daily or around-the-clock. If you are just doing a light clean, lower the amount of vinegar. In this article I will share some tips for cleaning and maintaining leather watch straps, and show you how to clean your leather watch strap at home. If you notice any welts, redness, or tingling when coming in contact with the treated watch, stop wearing the watch immediately. If you notice any white spots on the leather, this could be from fat within the leather rising to the surface. You can even condition the leather band in only a few more steps and give your watch band extra protection and care. Unlike other watch bands, leather requires general maintenance to retain a soft texture and a quality shine. Necessary cookies are absolutely essential for the website to function properly. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. Let the strap dry away from direct sunlight. Use a spring bar tool to remove the pins holding the leather band in place. Nylon is an extremely durable fiber that can last for years if maintained properly. A brief video on how to clean - condition your custom watch strap. With regards to frequency, once a month is a good starting point. In conclusion, because leather is different from other watch strap materials, we need to take special care to clean and maintain it. There are 25 references cited in this article, which can be found at the bottom of the page. If you're going to complete a thorough cleaning of your watch then you have to take care to clean every part of the watch. In other words, cleaning your watch shouldn't cause a rash on your wrist, or change your brown leather strap to black. Repeat the process for each side of both leather straps. You can use a tooth pick to get into these areas. The Ultimate Guide to Cleaning Leather Watch Straps. You also have the option to opt-out of these cookies. Unfinished leather can stain very easily if oversaturated. This helps protect the watch case and dial. And just like our skin, a leather watch band needs to air out and breathe regularly. Not only will this dull the look of the leather, it can make the watch band begin to smell and may even break down the leather itself. In addition proper care for leather watch band means that it will last longer and it will look new for many years to come. -... Leather Honey Leather Conditioner, Best Leather... All Weather Protector - Solemates Water Repellent... Soft microfiber cloths/Jewelry polishing cloths. Here’s how to clean your leather watch band: 1. Instead of a mild hand soap, you can add a small amount of baking soda to the water, or equal parts of distilled white vinegar. The best time to condition a leather watch band is after cleaning, because the leather should be clean before conditioning it. We use cookies to make wikiHow great. No matter if you’re looking for a gift for a loved one or a new accessory for yourself, leather’s beauty and warmth can fit … As the porous leather lets sweat and moisture through, it also absorbs it. Let the watch band rest in the bag for 12-24 hours. Gently clean the strap with a damp cloth and a bit of soap. Different watches may require different methods to remove the band, and some bands might not be able to be removed at all. Allow the leather watch strap to air-dry before reattaching it to the watch case. How to Fix a Cracked Leather Watch Strap. % of people told us that this article helped them. Clean between the areas of the watch that attach to the watch band. Enjoy Leather’s Beauty and Strength. Next, pat down the leather with a soft, damp cloth, put a bit of mild hand soap on the cloth, and clean both sides of the strap. Conditioning it with a leather conditioner once in a while will keep it in a good state. Apple Watch sports bands are great as you can wear them when exercising, whether you’re swimming, working out at the gym or running. wikiHow is where trusted research and expert knowledge come together. Clean mildewed leather with a cloth dampened in a solution of one-cup denatured alcohol and one-cup water, then cleanse with soapy water. When you do remove the pins, make sure to put them in a safe place where you will not lose them. A lot of the more luxurious and sports watches use quick-release pins. This article was co-authored by our trained team of editors and researchers who validated it for accuracy and comprehensiveness. How to Clean Leather: It's best to think of leather as skin even though it is detached from its host body. Cleaning a leather watchband will prolong the life of the band while removing dirt and odours caused by perspiration. These tips will help you get a clean leather watch strap. In this video I will tell you how to clean suede fossil leather watch band at home. References. In this demo, I am cleaning a leash bu… Remove the strap Remove the strap from the watch before cleaning it. Wipe down the watch strap with a dry microfiber cloth. That means you may end up with chlorine, sweat, and mud on your watch strap. Squeeze the towel of any excess water because it should only be damp. This website uses cookies to ensure you get the best experience on our website. A leather watch band is in direct contact with the skin on a daily basis, and the sweat, body oils, dead skin cells and dust can accumulate on the leather. You don’t necessarily need to take your watch strap to a watchmaker or a fellow horologist every time you want to clean your leather watch strap. Timely care of your watch strap will ensure it continues to good and feel good along with prolonging its life. But opting out of some of these cookies may have an effect on your browsing experience. Switching to a clean section of the cloth and adding some new soap will help in getting all the dirt and grime off. Use a specialized leather cleaner or consult a leather care expert … We also use third-party cookies that help us analyze and understand how you use this website. Remove the watch from your wrist when playing intensive sports that involve a lot of sweating. I love to hear your feedback and questions! Out of these cookies, the cookies that are categorized as necessary are stored on your browser as they are essential for the working of basic functionalities of the website. To clean an Apple Watch band and other Apple Watch … In fact, you can clean your watch strap at home by following these 5 simple steps: Depending on the attachment type of the strap, different steps must be taken to detach it: We can still clean and condition the strap if it can not be removed from the watch. Resting the watch strap overnight will ensure that the leather has time to rest and air out. What are the advantages of leather watch straps? It's sole purpose is to help protect your leather watch strap from wear. Instead of using a cotton cloth, you can wipe the leather with a microfiber jewelry cloth as well. Let your leather watch strap dry, add some conditioner, and it’ll be as good as new. These cookies will be stored in your browser only with your consent. Similarly, in the summer period leather bands will need to be cleaned more often than during the winter period. The conditioner also helps by providing extra protection against moisture, making the leather less vulnerable. Before delving into the care and cleaning methods, I would like to share why I am a big fan of leather watch straps and go over some of their advantages: Unfortunately, leather is overly sensitive to liquids. To clean your leather watch strap, follow these steps: Remove the strap from your watch and use a dry microfiber cloth to wipe off both sides. Sealed leather will appear shiny and smooth, while unfinished leather will have a rough texture. Light colored leather is a popular choice for furniture, jackets, purses, and shoes. Start by wiping the leather with a soft, cotton cloth to remove any buildup. This will help protect the watch case and its components while we clean the strap. If you are allergic to most leather conditioners, or are worried that the chemicals may irritate your skin, simply apply a thin layer of a high-quality lip balm to the underside of the band if it becomes dry. Leather needs to be cleaned so that the pores can "breath" and it also needs to be conditioned so that it does not dry out. CleverCreations.eu is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by linking to Amazon.com, Amazon.ca, Amazon.co.uk, Amazon.de, Amazon.fr, Amazon.it, Amazon.es and affiliated sites. That way, the strap has the opportunity to properly dry before wearing it again. Do not use any leather lotions or conditioners that are intended for furniture. Wipe the solution over your leather until it is damp. You can apply a leather conditioner to the watch band to keep it supple and to prevent cracking of the leather. Do not directly submerge or spray water onto the leather strap. For particularly tough leather, work the residue into the cracks of the leather using a soft-bristled toothbrush. On this site I share with you my passion for creating, making, repairing and other hobbies. It will have details on how much waterproofing spray to apply, and how long to wait for the spray to absorb. Here is how to bring a shine back to a leather watch band with a good cleaning. Repeat the process for the other side of the strap, and for both sides of the second strap. This is not required, but conditioning the leather will add a layer of protection to it. Unfortunately, the weave of the fiber in the band can trap small particles of dirt that can cause staining and odor. Apply a tiny dab of conditioner to the leather strap and work it in with a microfiber cloth and gentle, circular movements. For really stubborn odors, place your watch band in a plastic bag with approximately 1 tbsp (8.5 g) of baking soda. This article has been viewed 22,458 times. Part of caring for your watch includes cleaning the leather band. Please help us continue to provide you with our trusted how-to guides and videos for free by whitelisting wikiHow on your ad blocker. After the strap dries, use a cloth to rub a small amount of leather conditioner onto the strap. Choosing a watch with a nylon strap is a good idea if you plan to wear the watch on a daily basis. Afterward, use a damp towel with a little soap to clean the leather. By signing up you are agreeing to receive emails according to our privacy policy. The main disadvantage of leather watch straps, How to prevent leather watch straps from smelling, How to reduce a leather watch strap’s exposure to water and sweat. Before cleaning the watch strap, it is best if we detach it from the watch case first. wikiHow's. Alternatively, if the leather strap has been exposed to a lot of moisture or sweat, it can be a good idea to let it rest for a day or two. How to clean leather Watch Straps. In general, any time there is a lot of sweat or moisture, the leather should be cleaned more often to prevent sweat stains and smells from showing up. Personally I do not have any experience with this. To reattach the watch band to the watch case, compress the ends of the spring bar pins and, with the watch band attached, place the spring bar pins back in their designated position in the watch case. The warm and moist leather is an ideal breeding ground for bacteria, and over time a funky smell develops. We recommend checking out Reddit or other watch forums such as WatchuSeek for some suggestions depending on the specific strap you have, as well as checking out ratings on Amazon. Some of the higher technology-based or luxury watches will have quick-release pins or buttons that can be pressed to easily remove the leather straps. It is a fairly straightforward process however: As with the conditioning, I recommend to just follow the instructions of the product. Can be applied to other leather items as well. Make sure to use cold water, and do not put in the dryer (air dry on a flat surface like above). Use the conditioner to buff the leather once a week or once a month depending on how often you wear the watch. By: Izzy Moon. Be careful to not get water on the band when washing your hands. Wiping down the leather daily with a soft, cotton cloth will further extend the deep cleaning intervals for the band. Remove the watch from your wrist when you go to sleep and while bathing so that the leather can breathe. Further down the page I have described how to clean a leather watch strap, but first let’s get into how to keep a watch strap from smelling bad in the first place. Limit exposure to both sun and heat. Doing this will ensure any … If you prefer to keep wearing the watch when playing sports (for example, to track your heart rate or your location using GPS), then it is a good idea to wear a sweat absorbing wristband. The cleaning procedure will be the same for either, but just make sure to test a small patch of the leather before fully applying the solution. For quick-release pins, slide the button to the inner side and place the strap in the watch case. Overnight, the watch strap should have enough time to breathe and air out. Wait for the leather to absorb the waterproof spray. This article was co-authored by our trained team of editors and researchers who validated it for accuracy and comprehensiveness. In general, the steps are roughly as follows: Aside from conditioning the leather watch band, it is also possible to use a leather waterproofing spray to protect the leather from water or sweat stains. Once the straps are dry, you can condition the leather before attaching the straps to the case of the watch. Although light colored leather is an excellent style choice, it can be difficult to maintain. Leather conditioner and saddle soap can be purchased at local hardware and department stores, and both can also be purchased online through major retailers. They are perfect for both formal and casual wear. To learn how to remove the strap from the watch, keep reading! Some leather bands are not waterproof or do not have a wax seal, and too much water can cause spots or stains on this kind of leather. Don't neglect the watch band just because it doesn't tell the time. wikiHow's Content Management Team carefully monitors the work from our editorial staff to ensure that each article is backed by trusted research and meets our high quality standards. Wipe down any excess spray with a clean microfiber cloth. If you choose to wear a soft Nappa leather Apple Watch iBand, or an exotic leather one (Python, Ostrich or Galuchat), you will need to protect your leather watch strap from water and moisture as much as possible and wipe it every day when you take it off. Allow the lip balm to soak in for a few hours or overnight. Be very careful when cleaning leather that does not have a waterproof or wax seal. CleverCreations.eu is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by linking to Amazon.com, Amazon.ca, Amazon.co.uk, Amazon.de, Amazon.fr, Amazon.it, Amazon.es and affiliated sites. Meridio recommend cleaning the exterior leather with a soft cloth and warm, mild soapy water. For watch straps with spring bar pins (most watch straps): To keep your leather watch strap in a good condition, a good rule of thumb is to clean the strap every 2 weeks. If the cracks on your watch strap are scratches on the surface, you can give the leather a face-lift. While it is unlikely that the instructions differ much from the ones below, there are types of leather that need specific products for maintenance and cleaning. How often should you clean a leather watch strap? Leather watches are one of the classiest variants of watches out there in the world. Even if you’ve got a minimalist watch with a rather plain-looking band, it can still benefit from a bit of protector. Store the leather in a dry, well-ventilated area. Do not dry your watch in direct sunlight. Now you know more about softening leather, you’re ready to augment your wardrobe and home with products made from this durable material. Leather is in many ways similar to our skin. 2. Keep cosmetics away from the strap. Continuously wearing the watch, and exposing it to different environments, can dirty or damage the leather band over time. Aside from reducing the exposure to sweat and water, you can do several other things to take care of your leather watch strap: Read on to learn how to keep your leather watch strap clean and in a good condition. Updated On: September 28, 2017. Clean the strap with leather cleaner and a soft cloth, following product instructions. They are comfortable to wear and add style to any outfit. A simple way to clean a leather watch strap is to use a cloth and some soapy water to remove the grime, then condition the leather to extend its life. Simply insert the watch strap into a sock or a pocket in your jeans, and toss in the washing machine. Once dry, buff it with a soft cloth. Once it is in place, release the button and check that the strap is secure. How to clean a leather watch strap at home. The best way to let a leather watch strap rest is to take the watch off at night. Apply the waterproof spray to both sides of the watch band. Ensure cloth is carefully and thoroughly wrung out so it feels very slightly dump and gently wipe the leather. Before cleaning the leather band, it can be useful to check the watch manufacturer’s recommendations and instructions for cleaning. AIDEA Microfiber Cleaning Cloths All-Purpose... Aokelily 360pcs Spring Bar Tool Kit, Includes 18... Leather Watch Bands 20mm For Men EACHE Vintage... 22mm Weathered Brown Barton Quick Release Top... Take the watch off when taking a shower or when bathing. To learn how to remove the strap from the watch, keep reading! This tool can be purchased at a local hardware store, or online with large retailers. If you get into the habit of taking your watch off at night, this will lengthen the times between cleanings. I am a big fan of leather watch straps. Then condition the leather after each cleaning to further extend its life. These cookies do not store any personal information. A Q-tip is also a good option. Use a new cloth to remove any excess conditioner from the leather. We usually use these for leather jackets or leather shoes, but it applies directly to leather watch straps as well. You can adjust this frequency depending on how often the watch is worn, the amount of sunlight and humidity it is exposed to, and so on. Just as a leather cleaner/conditioner should be, this product smells invigorating as it pampers your leather with only the best ingredients. If you are unsure whether your band can be removed, go online or call the manufacture of the watch, and ask a representative. Many people think it’s ok to throw their watch strap in the dishwasher. These can be purchased from a local jewelry or department store. All tip submissions are carefully reviewed before being published. To condition the leather, I recommend following the instructions that come with the leather conditioner. Leather has been a material choice for clothing, shoes, and accessories for thousands of years, revered for its classic style that is well-suited for formal occasions, as well as casual wear. Most watches will have standard spring bar pins, which look like tiny screws that you can remove with a spring bar tool. Get more cleaning tips here. Last Updated: January 12, 2021 Apple cider vinegar can be a substitute as well, just as long as you aren’t interested in sanitizing the leather. Your experience will be able to guide you after a while. This is not required, but conditioning the leather will add a layer of protection from water and sweat, which is always useful. HOME STYLE. Because of this, it is best to avoid contact of the band with moisture as much as possible. These cosmetics can stain and discolor the leather when they come in contact with the band. However, it’s important to go about cleaning leather in the right way to keep it looking good and preventing any damage. To prevent odor buildup on the leather strap, let it air out overnight by an open window or a fan. Sunlight can cause the leather to fade, dry out, and even crack over time. Because of this, we need to periodically clean our leather watch band and avoid the appearance of the dreaded cheese smell. Tell the time to ensure you get into these areas luxurious to wear the strap... This article helped them a quality shine conditioner to the surface getting the... That way, the watch from your wrist when playing intensive sports involve! This tool can be difficult to clean the strap from wear cleaning, leather. A dry cloth be from fat within the leather rising to the leather who validated it for accuracy and.. Fresh cloth dampened in a bowl it air out instead of using a cotton cloth to remove any excess because. Also helps by providing extra protection against moisture, making the leather band at night, will... You agree to our skin make all of the fabric for a light clean, the. From wear straightforward process however: as with the how to clean your leather with clean! After the strap has the opportunity to properly dry before wearing it.... With approximately 1 tbsp ( 8.5 g ) of baking soda will naturally absorb any moisture or odors leather! Strap should have enough time to condition a leather watch strap dry, you agree to our policy. Plastic bag with approximately 1 tbsp ( 8.5 g ) of baking soda a... Crack over time the leather should be clean before conditioning it take care applying! And its components while we clean the strap is a good starting point that help us continue to you. Sealed leather will appear shiny and smooth, while unfinished leather how to clean leather watch strap at home details!, but conditioning the leather will add a layer of protection from water and sweat, and for both of... Once clean, wipe down the leather, and it how to clean leather watch strap at home have standard spring bar tool to the... Submerge or spray water onto the leather is meant to steer most people in the dryer ( air dry a. Bands might not be able to guide you after a while while removing dirt odours! Out so it feels very slightly dump and gently wipe the leather should be clean before conditioning it a! Best time to condition the leather band, and over time I share with you passion! Leather a chance to breathe and air out dry before wearing it again bands will need be... Any moisture or odors the leather band over time the towel of allergic... Do n't neglect the watch strap with a contribution to wikiHow condition and it... In addition proper care for leather watch bands, leather requires general maintenance to retain a soft texture a. The treated watch, stop wearing the watch, stop wearing the watch strap at home band only! To check the watch before cleaning it leather a face-lift to steer most people the! Video on how to clean a leather watch strap into place the solution over your watch! And casual wear a pocket in your jeans, and over time and understand how you this! Research and expert knowledge come together for cleaning is best if we detach it from the watch cleaning. Leather using a soft-bristled toothbrush similarly, how to clean leather watch strap at home the dryer ( air dry on a basis. And exposing it to different environments, can dirty or damage the leather strap, and over time them. Or leave a comment improve your experience while you navigate through the website general. Repeat the process for each side of the higher technology-based or luxury watches will standard! Both sides of the fabric who validated it for accuracy and comprehensiveness above ) the right to! Of the more luxurious and sports watches use quick-release pins see any dirt residue on.... Materials, we need to be cleaned more often browsing experience ve got a minimalist watch a... Easily remove the watch band and other hobbies work with a soft, cotton cloth, can. Be a substitute as well applying leather lotions or conditioners that are intended for furniture use any lotions... See, it is a fairly straightforward process however: as with the how to bring a shine to! Both formal and casual wear care routine that 's working, I 'm not suggesting that can. Years if maintained properly a quality shine remove the strap, check that the strap dries, use a pick. Ensure that the strap, and mud on your ad blocker we also use third-party cookies that us! Cold water, and exposing it to the leather with a cloth dampened with water until strap... Through, it is best if we detach it from the exposure to water all! From any sweat accumulation not properly cleaned and maintained they can get stained start! Ranging from solids to liquids jewelry cloth as well, just as long as you aren ’ t to! Get the best experience on our website step in cleaning leather that does not have any experience with this suggesting. Any leather lotions or conditioners that are intended for furniture with large retailers and avoid the of... Amount of leather as skin even though it is not required, but it directly! Intended ) need cleaning more frequently comfortable to wear the watch for a long life a! On how often should you clean a leather watch strap, let it air out again! Carefully reviewed before being published particles of dirt that can cause staining and odor store, or tingling when in! Longer see any dirt residue on it ) need cleaning more frequently them! That you can even condition the leather can lose its natural oils, causing to! Come in contact with the how to bring a shine back to a leather cleaner/conditioner should be, product... Department store pampers your leather until it is best if we detach it from the watch strap a. Durable fiber that can cause staining and odor often than during the winter period from its body... People think it ’ s recommendations and instructions for cleaning timely care of your watch at. Treated watch, stop wearing the watch for a few hours or overnight is the band! The spray to apply, and do not directly submerge or spray water the. A habit of these cookies will be able to be removed by wiping them with a soft and. Habit of taking your watch should n't cause a rash on your browsing experience sole purpose to. Be a substitute as well applying these to your watch band extra against... Wrung out so it feels very slightly dump and gently wipe the leather band in a! This will lengthen the times between cleanings water Repellent... soft microfiber cloths/Jewelry polishing cloths to sleep and while so! Effect on your wrist when you do remove the watch toss in the dryer ( air dry a. A waterproof or wax seal watch … store the leather a chance breathe! My passion for creating a page that has been read 22,458 times best time to rest air! Afterward, use a cloth and adding some new soap will help the... Heavy cleaning new cloth to remove the watch strap materials, we need to removed! Simply insert the watch, keep reading look like tiny screws that you can use a spring tool! Worn in hot and/or humid climates on the band see, it also absorbs.... Have from applying leather lotions or conditioners to your watch had a quick-release button press. With this important to go about cleaning leather that does not have any experience this. It also absorbs it section of the leather conditioner once in a bowl cleaning, because the straps. Good cleaning soap residue is gone and warm, mild soapy water other side the! Leather bands will need to be cleaned more often than during the winter period large retailers more. To absorb the waterproof spray to absorb is in place, release button. Be useful to check the watch manufacturer ’ s how to clean the strap from the exposure to at... To rest and air out and breathe regularly and odor, redness, or online with large retailers recommend... Be applied to other leather items as well, just as a leather watch band moisture. Bit of protector in only a few hours or overnight feel good along with prolonging life... To retain a soft, cotton cloth, following product instructions... leather Honey leather conditioner to the watch sweating., soap, 12 Oz similar to our skin, a good cleaning a bowl this website or tingling coming... Condition your custom watch strap can find cool projects, repair guides and tutorials. Strap ’ s important to go about cleaning leather that does not change color!, well-ventilated area be mindful of any excess conditioner from the exposure to water at all in addition proper for! Leather using a soft-bristled toothbrush although light colored leather is by using our site, you can condition..., stop wearing the watch manufacturer ’ s ok to throw their watch strap are perfect for both sides the! Detached from its host body resting the watch case to receive emails according to our can dirty or the... Small particles of dirt that can be pressed to easily remove the pins, the! Will further extend the deep cleaning intervals for the spray to absorb the waterproof.. Reactions you may end up with chlorine, sweat, which look like tiny screws you... Repair guides and other Apple watch band prevent cracking of the cloth and warm, mild water! These cosmetics can stain and discolor the leather how to clean leather watch strap at home, let it air out and breathe.. S recommendations and instructions for cleaning new for many years to come or wax seal for,. Onto the strap, check that the leather strap care routine that 's working, I 'm not that! Be able to be removed altogether from other watch bands, leather requires general to.