Easy ways to clean your favorite watch and make it shine like new.

Sharing easy ways to clean your watch by yourself

For many people, a 'watch' is an essential daily accessory. Wearing a wristwatch isn't just about telling time; it helps enhance your personality, adds style, and perfectly expresses your identity.

Therefore, cleaning your wristwatch to keep it looking brand new is crucial for those who love this accessory. Many may not know the proper way to clean a watch, both the strap and the watch face. Today, we have gathered some simple methods that you can easily follow.

Double-check before you start cleaning your watch

A single watch consists of hundreds of tiny parts to ensure the mechanism functions correctly, and each part has a different level of fragility. Regardless of the watch cleaning method you choose, you must first know how water-resistant your watch is. Being careless without checking first can lead to cleaning procedures that may damage your favorite watch and could even affect future warranty claims.

If you are certain that your watch is water-resistant, be sure to screw the crown down tightly before cleaning to prevent water from leaking into the movement, which could cause rust and affect performance. In cases where you cannot confirm your watch's water resistance, we recommend taking it to a professional for cleaning to ensure it remains safe.

How to clean the watch case and dial

Once you are confident that your watch is water-resistant and have tightened the crown, place the watch carefully on a towel or a piece of white paper. Now, let’s start cleaning the watch with these prepared items:

1. Prepare warm water in a cleaning container

The first step in cleaning the watch case is to fill a bowl or container with warm water and add a small amount of dish soap. Mix it until there is a light lather; too much soap or a highly concentrated solution may cause wear to the watch.

2. Prepare cleaning tools and wipe the watch

For tools used to clean the watch case, choose a soft-bristled toothbrush to prevent scratches on the dial and case. Dip the soft brush into the soapy water you prepared and gently scrub the watch case while it rests on the towel. Don't forget to scrub harder-to-reach areas to ensure all accumulated dirt is thoroughly removed. As you scrub, keep an eye on the cloth or white paper underneath—if you see dark bubbles, it is a sign that the dirt is coming off.

3. Rinse with warm water and dry thoroughly

The final step in cleaning the watch case is to rinse off all the soap and residue with warm water, then dry it completely using a microfiber cloth designed for watches. This type of cloth prevents scratches and helps remove any remaining invisible debris from the watch case.

How to clean watch straps by material type

Properly cleaning a watch strap doesn't mean using one single method for everything; it means cleaning according to the specific material to keep it looking like new. Here are the methods for each type:

Stainless steel straps

The method to polish a watch stainless steel strap must ensure no scratches occur. The proper way is to use a cloth dampened with warm water and a little dish soap, wiping the strap carefully. To add extra shine, you can also use a cloth dampened with glass cleaner for a final touch.

Leather straps

Leather straps require specific care as they absorb sweat and dirt, making them prone to stains. They need more frequent and proper cleaning compared to other materials. You should avoid using plain water, as it can cause the leather to become soggy. Instead, use a specialized leather cleaner to preserve the material, prevent cracking, and maintain its color.

Fluoroelastomer straps

Fluoroelastomer, a synthetic rubber known for its flexibility, durability, and resistance to tearing and chemicals, is commonly found in smartwatches. Cleaning these is easy: simply rub liquid soap over the strap with your hands and wipe it dry.

Nylon straps

Nylon watch straps are the easiest to clean. Because the material is fabric, you can remove the strap and wash it with a gentle laundry detergent without worry. You can choose a formula that removes stains while keeping the fabric colors vibrant and looking new.

Avoid these things to keep your watch looking like new

Beyond regular watch cleaning, avoiding the following will also help keep your watch looking brand new:

• Store your watch in a box, away from sunlight, heat, and moisture.
• Let lotions, perfumes, or cosmetics dry before putting on your watch to avoid staining or deterioration.
• Keep your watch away from magnetic fields such as mobile phones, speakers, or other electrical appliances, as they may cause timekeeping errors.
• Do not wear your watch alongside a bracelet, as it can cause scratches.
• Do not pull the crown to adjust the time while wearing the watch, as it may put unnecessary stress on the movement.

For watch enthusiasts, cleaning is a process that requires special care and attention to keep your favorite timepiece looking beautiful. If you are looking for a new watch, or want to buy or sell high-quality pre-owned brand-name watches at fair market rates, PIXIU WATCH is ready to serve you. Click here!