How to clean your Apple Watch

Before cleaning, remove your device from the charger and turn it off. If your Apple Watch is attached to a band that is not water-resistant, remove the band as well.

• Wipe down your Apple Watch with a nonabrasive, lint-free cloth. Lightly dampen the cloth with water if needed, or hold the device under warm running water for ten to fifteen seconds.
• Spin and press the Digital Crown under low-running, warm water to clear substances like dirt or lotion from the Digital Crown.
• Dry your entire device front and back using a dry, nonabrasive, lint-free cloth.

According to Apple, you can also disinfect your watch with a Clorox wipe and certain alcohol wipes, but don’t introduce any other soaps or cleaning products.

Related: How to clean your computer screen

Apple Watch bands come at a variety of costs, from affordable to somewhat astronomical. Depending on how much you’ve invested in your particular band, it’s best to follow the manufacturer’s directions. If you are looking for a new band for your device, check out our dedicated guide.

Silicone Apple Watch bands

You can’t close those rings without breaking a sweat. Bands made of synthetic rubber or silicone are often marketed specifically for working out, so easy cleaning is made a priority. Water-resistant and sweat-resistant, these materials can be cleaned with soap and warm water.

• For light cleaning, remove the band from your Apple Watch and wipe it clean with a nonabrasive, lint-free cloth.
• For a deeper clean, rinse the band with warm water and mild hand soap.
• Dry the band with a nonabrasive, lint-free cloth before reattaching it to your Apple Watch.

Nylon or braided loop bands

Nylon bands are great for sleep tracking but aren’t impervious to stains. Likewise, Apple’s Braided Solo Loop is made from polyester yarn braided around silicone thread, forming an eye-catching design that unfortunately also catches grime and dirt.

• Remove the band from your Apple Watch and wipe clean with a nonabrasive, lint-free cloth. If needed, lightly dampen the cloth with warm water.
  • If you own a loop band, some users suggest cleaning the intricacies of this band with a soft bristle toothbrush and warm water but do so at your own risk. Apple recommends only using a nonabrasive lint-free cloth, slightly dampened if necessary. Venturing from these guidelines may void the item’s one-year limited warranty.
• Allow the band to air dry before reattaching it to your Apple Watch.

Leather bands

Leather bands are not water-resistant, so deep cleaning after a particularly sweaty session isn’t easy. To start, never soak your leather band in water, and try to avoid external heat sources.

• Remove the band from your Apple Watch and wipe clean with a nonabrasive, lint-free cloth. Lightly dampen the cloth if necessary but avoid focusing moisture too much in one spot. Some third-party retailers advise using warm soapy water on stains, though Apple doesn’t suggest it.
• Allow the band to air dry before reattaching it to your Apple Watch.

Metal bands

Metal bands can elevate your Apple Watch for special occasions or help you fit in with the office dress code. When cleaning these high-end bands, make sure your cloth is completely clear of dirt and debris to avoid scratching the metal.

• Remove the band from your Apple Watch and wipe clean with a nonabrasive, lint-free cloth. If needed, lightly dampen the cloth with warm water.
• Dry the band with a dry, nonabrasive, lint-free cloth before reattaching it to your Apple Watch.

Read more: The most common Apple Watch problems and solutions