This website uses cookies to ensure you get the best experience on our website. I love to hear your feedback and questions! 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 … Many people think it’s ok to throw their watch strap in the dishwasher. Unlike other watch bands, leather requires general maintenance to retain a soft texture and a quality shine. Thanks to all authors for creating a page that has been read 22,458 times. Let your leather watch strap dry, add some conditioner, and it’ll be as good as new. 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. This will give the leather a chance to breathe and dry out from any sweat accumulation. Keep your timepiece looking fresh and working well by giving it a good cleaning. In this demo, I am cleaning a leash bu… Wipe down the watch strap with a dry microfiber cloth. You can apply a leather conditioner to the watch band to keep it supple and to prevent cracking of the leather. Remove the watch from your wrist when you go to sleep and while bathing so that the leather can breathe. 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. The Ultimate Guide to Cleaning Leather Watch Straps. This especially happens when the watch strap is worn daily or around-the-clock. I am a big fan of leather watch straps. If you get into the habit of taking your watch off at night, this will lengthen the times between cleanings. 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. Sealed leather will appear shiny and smooth, while unfinished leather will have a rough texture. In that case we do need to be more careful around the watch case and be careful not to get any conditioner in the buttons or the crown. For really stubborn odors, place your watch band in a plastic bag with approximately 1 tbsp (8.5 g) of baking soda. 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. When you do remove the pins, make sure to put them in a safe place where you will not lose them. Use a spring bar tool to remove the pins holding the leather band in place. 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. The conditioner also helps by providing extra protection against moisture, making the leather less vulnerable. This step can be repeated several times until the strap is clean. Do not dry your watch in direct sunlight. Wipe down any excess spray with a clean microfiber cloth. Don't neglect the watch band just because it doesn't tell the time. You also have the option to opt-out of these cookies. How to Clean Leather: It's best to think of leather as skin even though it is detached from its host body. These cookies will be stored in your browser only with your consent. In this video I will tell you how to clean suede fossil leather watch band at home. Meridio recommend cleaning the exterior leather with a soft cloth and warm, mild soapy water. Even if you’ve got a minimalist watch with a rather plain-looking band, it can still benefit from a bit of protector. These spots can also be removed by wiping them with a dry cloth. -... Leather Honey Leather Conditioner, Best Leather... All Weather Protector - Solemates Water Repellent... Soft microfiber cloths/Jewelry polishing cloths. 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. Keep cosmetics away from the strap. You can even condition the leather band in only a few more steps and give your watch band extra protection and care. Leather is in many ways similar to our skin. 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. These cosmetics can stain and discolor the leather when they come in contact with the band. Use Leather Protector Spray. This tool can be purchased at a local hardware store, or online with large retailers. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. That way, the strap has the opportunity to properly dry before wearing it again. Limit exposure to both sun and heat. 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. In fact, you can clean your watch strap at home by following these 5 simple steps: wikiHow's. Remove the strap Remove the strap from the watch before cleaning it. Use a new cloth to remove any excess conditioner from the leather. Sunlight can cause the leather to fade, dry out, and even crack over time. Leather watch bands should be protected from the exposure to water at all times. Unfortunately, if they are not properly cleaned and maintained they can get stained and start to smell. By signing up you are agreeing to receive emails according to our privacy policy. Allow the leather watch strap to air-dry before reattaching it to the watch case. If the cracks on your watch strap are scratches on the surface, you can give the leather a face-lift. In addition proper care for leather watch band means that it will last longer and it will look new for many years to come. 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. 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. Learn more... Leather bands on watches are luxurious to wear. 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. Let the strap dry away from direct sunlight. That means you may end up with chlorine, sweat, and mud on your watch strap. Just as a leather cleaner/conditioner should be, this product smells invigorating as it pampers your leather with only the best ingredients. Do not use any leather lotions or conditioners that are intended for furniture. On this site I share with you my passion for creating, making, repairing and other hobbies. 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. Wiping down the leather daily with a soft, cotton cloth will further extend the deep cleaning intervals for the band. To condition the leather, I recommend following the instructions that come with the leather conditioner. 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. Making a habit of these cleaning methods can keep your leather band in good condition and give it a long life. 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. Before cleaning the watch strap, it is best if we detach it from the watch case first. Most straps use spring bar pins. Take care when applying sun screen, perfume, skin creams or other cosmetics around the leather watch strap. Simply rub the beeswax onto the watch strap with a soft, lint-free cloth. How to clean a leather watch strap at home. Wipe the leather with a dry cloth Before getting any liquids involved, wipe down the strap with a dry cloth. Applying these to your watch band may irritate your skin after wearing the watch for a long period of time. To clean an Apple Watch band and other Apple Watch … Once it is in place, release the button and check that the strap is secure. But, before you coat your alligator watch strap in beeswax, do a patch test in a discreet area of the watch strap to ensure it does not discolor the leather. Not all watch straps attach to the watch in the same way. The baking soda will naturally absorb any moisture or odors the leather retained. Making a habit of these methods will significantly extend the strap’s lifespan. Let the watch band rest in the bag for 12-24 hours. A simple way to clean the leather is by using a cloth and some soapy water. References. Here’s how to clean your leather watch band: 1. To prevent odor buildup on the leather strap, let it air out overnight by an open window or a fan. 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. Other straps are not able to be removed altogether. Conditioning it with a leather conditioner once in a while will keep it in a good state. Because of this, we need to periodically clean our leather watch band and avoid the appearance of the dreaded cheese smell. What are the advantages of leather watch straps? This category only includes cookies that ensures basic functionalities and security features of the website. 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. Next, run the towel along the jacket's surface using long, smooth strokes, paying particular attention to water spots, discolored patches, dirt, and oil residue. Choosing a watch with a nylon strap is a good idea if you plan to wear the watch on a daily basis. Then condition the leather after each cleaning to further extend its life. This is not required, but conditioning the leather will add a layer of protection to it. Wait for the leather to absorb the waterproof spray. But opting out of some of these cookies may have an effect on your browsing experience. Repeat this process 1 to 3 times for each side of both straps until you can no longer see any dirt residue on it. In conclusion, because leather is different from other watch strap materials, we need to take special care to clean and maintain it. Repeat the process for each side of both leather straps. If you are unsure whether your band can be removed, go online or call the manufacture of the watch, and ask a representative. Doing this will ensure any … 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. Timely care of your watch strap will ensure it continues to good and feel good along with prolonging its life. 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. Once dry, buff it with a soft cloth. All tip submissions are carefully reviewed before being published. Because of this, it is best to avoid contact of the band with moisture as much as possible. Similarly, in the summer period leather bands will need to be cleaned more often than during the winter period. Once the straps are dry, you can condition the leather before attaching the straps to the case of the watch. Include your email address to get a message when this question is answered. How to clean a dirty leather watch band. Necessary cookies are absolutely essential for the website to function properly. Your email address will not be published. We usually use these for leather jackets or leather shoes, but it applies directly to leather watch straps as well. Squeeze the towel of any excess water because it should only be damp. ONUPGO 6PCS Grey Wristbands Sweat Band for Men &... Fiebing's 2-Pack Yellow Saddle Soap, 12 Oz. Once clean, wipe the leather with a fresh cloth dampened with water until the soap residue is gone. Aside from creating a medium for the growth of bacteria and smells, exposure to moisture can also alter the shape and color of a leather watch band. The best way to let a leather watch strap rest is to take the watch off at night. Switching to a clean section of the cloth and adding some new soap will help in getting all the dirt and grime off. Detach the leather watch strap from the watch. Be very careful when cleaning leather that does not have a waterproof or wax seal. This article was co-authored by our trained team of editors and researchers who validated it for accuracy and comprehensiveness. You can use a tooth pick to get into these areas. As with the How To Clean Your Watch post, the following is meant to steer most people in the right direction. If you have a strap care routine that's working, I'm not suggesting that you change a thing. 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. HOME STYLE. Afterward, use a damp towel with a little soap to clean the leather. With regards to frequency, once a month is a good starting point. This website uses cookies to improve your experience while you navigate through the website. 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. 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. As the porous leather lets sweat and moisture through, it also absorbs it. It's sole purpose is to help protect your leather watch strap from wear. Cleaning a leather watchband will prolong the life of the band while removing dirt and odours caused by perspiration. This helps protect the watch case and dial. Your experience will be able to guide you after a while. Create a 50-50 distilled water and white vinegar mixture in a bowl. A brief video on how to clean - condition your custom watch strap. It will have details on how much waterproofing spray to apply, and how long to wait for the spray to absorb. 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. Do not directly submerge or spray water onto the leather strap. And just like our skin, a leather watch band needs to air out and breathe regularly. This will help protect the watch case and its components while we clean the strap. Watch bands that are worn in hot and/or humid climates on the other hand (pun intended) need cleaning more frequently. Nylon is an extremely durable fiber that can last for years if maintained properly. (link to how to care for your leather watch strap)If you’re considering purchasing your first leather watch strap, don’t let the thought of potential odors deter you. Wipe the solution over your leather until it is damp. Most watches will have standard spring bar pins, which look like tiny screws that you can remove with a spring bar tool. These can be purchased from a local jewelry or department store. Be careful to not get water on the band when washing your hands. However, it’s important to go about cleaning leather in the right way to keep it looking good and preventing any damage. 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. Remove the watch from your wrist when playing intensive sports that involve a lot of sweating. How often should you clean a leather watch strap? This is not required, but conditioning the leather will add a layer of protection from water and sweat, which is always useful. By using our site, you agree to our. How to Clean Leather. Clean the strap with leather cleaner and a soft cloth, following product instructions. They are comfortable to wear and add style to any outfit. If you really can’t stand to see another ad again, then please consider supporting our work with a contribution to wikiHow. Apple Watch sports bands are great as you can wear them when exercising, whether you’re swimming, working out at the gym or running. If you notice any white spots on the leather, this could be from fat within the leather rising to the surface. Allow the lip balm to soak in for a few hours or overnight. To learn how to remove the strap from the watch, keep reading! Gently clean the strap with a damp cloth and a bit of soap. We know ads can be annoying, but they’re what allow us to make all of wikiHow available for free. Once the straps are dry, you can condition the leather before attaching the straps to the case of the watch. It is a fairly straightforward process however: As with the conditioning, I recommend to just follow the instructions of the product. https://gearpatrol.com/2012/04/10/timekeeping-how-to-change-a-watch-strap/, https://www.slideshare.net/robertherrmann123/a-guide-to-maintaining-leather-watch-straps, https://www.tipsbulletin.com/how-to-clean-leather-with-simple-homemade-leather-cleaning-recipes/, https://abbottlyon.zendesk.com/hc/en-gb/articles/360001454585-Leather-Care, https://www.cleanipedia.com/gb/floor-and-surface-cleaning/the-best-leather-cleaning-methods.html, https://www.artofmanliness.com/articles/how-to-care-for-leather/, https://www.esquire.com/style/mens-accessories/a55553/watch-smells-cleaning/, https://brightside.me/inspiration-tips-and-tricks/10-surprising-uses-for-chapstick-you-didnt-know-about-271260/, https://www.forbes.com/sites/houzz/2016/12/13/how-to-clean-and-care-for-leather-furniture/#59103e191ff9, https://flyanddine.boardingarea.com/tips-for-cleaning-that-stinky-leather-bag-from-overseas/, https://grandfolk.com/guide/how-to-get-smell-out-of-leather-couch/, https://www.health.com/allergy/weird-allergens#16-leather-allergy, limpiar la correa de cuero de un reloj de pulsera, consider supporting our work with a contribution to wikiHow. Apple cider vinegar can be a substitute as well, just as long as you aren’t interested in sanitizing the leather. Light colored leather is a popular choice for furniture, jackets, purses, and shoes. The best time to condition a leather watch band is after cleaning, because the leather should be clean before conditioning it. How to Fix a Cracked Leather Watch Strap. If you are unsure about how to detach the strap, it is always a good idea to check the watch manual or check with the manufacturer of the watch. 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. Instead of using a cotton cloth, you can wipe the leather with a microfiber jewelry cloth as well. Clean mildewed leather with a cloth dampened in a solution of one-cup denatured alcohol and one-cup water, then cleanse with soapy water. 2. Apply a tiny dab of conditioner to the leather strap and work it in with a microfiber cloth and gentle, circular movements. Leather watches are one of the classiest variants of watches out there in the world. There are 25 references cited in this article, which can be found at the bottom of the page. Enjoy Leather’s Beauty and Strength. By: Izzy Moon. Use the conditioner to buff the leather once a week or once a month depending on how often you wear the watch. The warm and moist leather is an ideal breeding ground for bacteria, and over time a funky smell develops. These cookies do not store any personal information. 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. In other words, cleaning your watch shouldn't cause a rash on your wrist, or change your brown leather strap to black. % of people told us that this article helped them. Get more cleaning tips here. But it is also prone to getting stained. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/e\/e0\/Clean-a-Leather-Watch-Strap-Step-1.jpg\/v4-460px-Clean-a-Leather-Watch-Strap-Step-1.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/e\/e0\/Clean-a-Leather-Watch-Strap-Step-1.jpg\/aid10410531-v4-728px-Clean-a-Leather-Watch-Strap-Step-1.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":259,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":410,"licensing":"