Can you use alcohol wipes on smartwatch
How-To Geek
Washing your hands is an important part of personal hygiene, but what about the gadget on your wrist? Everywhere you go, it goes, too. You probably also use it with dirty hands while you're out and about.
The coronavirus can live on a smartphone for up to 96 hours. Your smartwatch or wearable could also be a vector for disease, unless you clean it regularly.
How to Clean and Disinfect Your Smartwatch
Your smartwatch is a fitness tracker, communication device, and can even replace your bank card for contactless payments. Going to the gym, accepting calls, and touching payment terminals can contaminate your wearable. If you touch your watch without cleaning it properly, you could be transferring germs.
Microorganisms that cause the flu and COVID-19 have been found to live on hard metal surfaces for up to three days, so cleaning everything regularly is important to avoid getting sick.
Apple recently updated its cleaning guidelines, recommending people disinfect their gadgets with isopropyl (rubbing) alcohol of around 70 percent concentration, or withdisinfectant wipesthat contain the same. Rubbing alcohol kills most microorganisms on contact, and then evaporates, leaving a clean and smudge-free surface.
While the guidelines for cleaning your Apple Watch are specific to Apple products, most manufacturers use similar materials, including glass, stainless steel, and nylon. This suggests Apple's guidance can be applied to similar products. Just remember, if you break something by not following the manufacturer's cleaning instructions, your warranty will be void.
You should be mindful of the instructions provided by your smartwatch manufacturer when cleaning it. Water isn't sufficient if you want to properly sanitize your watch. Apple's guidelines reiterate that alcohol shouldn't damage glass, metal, silicon, or many plastics. It's a decision you'll have to make yourself.
With that in mind, cleaning your smartwatch is pretty straightforward. First,remove the watch band from the main unit.Assuming the watch is water-resistant, rinse the watch in warm water to remove as much dirt and grime as possible before you disinfect.
Dirt can trap germs and other harmful microbes, so you want to be sure to remove it all, and then disinfect afterward. You can saturate a cotton ball in isopropyl alcohol to spot clean any particularly stubborn grime.
Next, use rubbing alcohol or similar wipes to disinfect the watch all over.Clean the band according to the manufacturer instructions---take care to spot clean leather without saturating it. If possible (and if you're comfortable doing so), disinfect the band with isopropyl alcohol.
Metal, silicone, and plastic watchbands are unlikely to be damaged by isopropyl alcohol. Nylon bands are also unlikely to be damaged, although Apple recommends against using rubbing alcohol on any of its fabric bands. We recommend performing a tester on an inconspicuous spot first.
Finally, allow the alcohol to evaporate before reassembling your watch. All done!
Related: How to Clean and Disinfect Your Apple Watch
How to Clean Your Fitness Tracker
Fitness trackers are a lot like smartwatches, except they're usually designed to be worn for longer periods of time. Fitbit has specific recommendations for cleaning its fitness trackers.Like Apple, this includes using isopropyl (rubbing) alcohol to disinfect devices.
Further, Fitbit recommends avoiding soap-based cleansers and other products that can get trapped in the band and cause skin irritation. Instead, the company recommends soap-free cleansers, plus a good rinse to make sure any dirt is sufficiently washed away.
Fitness and activity trackers are designed for exercise, so, of course, they get sweaty. A quick rinse in the shower is a good start, but it won't kill germs or remove more stubborn, stuck-on grime where harmful microorganisms can live.
That's why you should take care to remove and clean your fitness tracker regularly---especially after you work out.
Cleaning your fitness tracker is just like cleaning a smartwatch. You'll first need toremove the band from the unit, if possible (Fitbit owners can follow the company'sofficial guidelinesto do this).
Assuming the tracker is water-resistant, rinse it under a tap to remove as much dirt as possible.If you see dirt remove as much of it as possible. Spot clean any stubborn patches with isopropyl alcohol and a cotton swab to loosen it up.
When the tracker is visibly clean, thoroughly disinfect it with rubbing alcohol or similar disinfectant wipes.Clean the band according to manufacturer's instructions (again, Fitbit hasofficial guidelines).Disinfect the band with isopropyl alcohol or disinfectant wipes, if possible.
After the alcohol evaporates completely, reattach the band.
Don't Forget Your Other Wearables
Smartwatches and fitness trackers aren't the only wearables you need to clean regularly. Anything you wear out of the house is exposed to potentially harmful germs. This includes jewelry, badges, wearable cameras, and headphones and earbuds.
You should also sanitize regularly anything you touch a lot, like your smartphone, keyboard, mouse, and any other gadgets.
Related: How to Clean and Disinfect All Your Gadgets
How to clean your Apple Watch
Is it OK to use a disinfectant on my Apple Watch?
Using a 70 percent isopropyl alcohol wipe, 75 percent ethyl alcohol wipe, or Clorox Disinfecting Wipes, you may gently wipe the exterior surfaces of your Apple Watch and your Solo Loop, Sport Band, Nike Sport Band, Ocean Band, or metal band. Don't use on fabric or leather bands. Don't use products containing bleach or hydrogen peroxide. Avoid getting moisture in any openings, and dont submerge your Apple Watch in any cleaning agents.
Get helpful tips on avoiding skin irritation, especially if you have allergies or skin sensitivities.
Keep your Apple Watch clean and dry. Soaps, cleaning products, abrasive materials,* compressed air, ultrasonic cleaning, and external heat sources can cause damage and shouldn't be used with your Apple Watch.
To clean your Apple Watch, follow these steps:
Turn off your Apple Watch and remove it from the charger.
If you have a leather band, remove it from your Apple Watch.
Wipe your Apple Watch clean with a nonabrasive, lint-free cloth. If necessary, lightly dampen the cloth with fresh water. If your Apple Watch has substances or debris visible in places such as the speaker ports, you can hold your Apple Watch under lightly running, warm, fresh water until it's clean. Soaps and other cleaning products shouldnt be used.
Dry your Apple Watch with a nonabrasive, lint-free cloth, including the surface of the back crystal.
* Apple Watch is manufactured with extreme care and precision, while leveraging state-of-the-art technology to provide the best customer experience. To ensure the watch maintains all functionality and to keep a consistent finish across the enclosure and external components, Apple does not recommend polishing or buffing the watch with abrasives.
If the Digital Crown gets stuck or wont move, check for debris and wipe down your Apple Watch. If you find substances around the Digital Crown, follow these steps to clean it, and repeat as needed:
Turn off your Apple Watch and remove it from the charger.
If you have a leather band, remove it from your Apple Watch.
Hold the Digital Crown under lightly running, warm, fresh water from a faucet. Soaps and other cleaning products shouldn't be used.
Turn and press the Digital Crown continuously as water runs over the small gap between the crown and the housing.
When the debris or substance has been washed away, dry your Apple Watch with an absorbent, non-abrasive, lint-free cloth. Rotate and press the Digital Crown as you dry it, and be sure to remove water from the surface of the Digital Crown, the space between the Digital Crown and the watch case, and the surrounding surfaces.
Remove the band from your Apple Watch before cleaning. This cleaning information applies to Apple-branded bands only. For all other bands, follow the care information provided with the band.
For leather bands:
Wipe the leather portions of the bands clean with a nonabrasive, lint-free cloth. If necessary, lightly dampen the cloth with fresh water.* Dont soak leather bands in water. The leather bands aren't water resistant.
Let the band air dry thoroughly before you attach it to your Apple Watch. Dont store leather bands in direct sunlight, at high temperatures, or in high humidity.
For Solo Loop, Braided Solo Loop, Sport Band, Sport Loop, Ocean Band, Alpine Loop, and Trail Loop:
Wipe the band clean with a nonabrasive, lint-free cloth. If necessary, lightly dampen the cloth with fresh water. With these bands, you can also use mild hypoallergenic hand soap for cleaning.
Dry the band with a nonabrasive, lint-free cloth before you attach it to your Apple Watch.
For FineWoven bands, including Magnetic Link and Modern Buckle:
In a clean container, mix 1 tsp. (5 mL) of liquid laundry detergent into 1 cup (250 mL) of water.
Dip a lint-free cloth into the soapy water solution, wring it out slightly, and rub the cloth on the band gently for 1 minute.
Wipe the band clean with a separate cloth that's slightly dampened with fresh water. Don't soak FineWoven bands in water. This material is not water resistant.
Dry the band with a soft, dry, lint-free cloth, making sure to remove any excess moisture.
Lay your band flat to dry for at least a day before you use it again.
For Herms bands:
Rubber: Clean the band with a nonabrasive soft cloth and fresh water. If necessary, you can use soapy water to remove stains. Herms rubber bands are swimproof and aren't sensitive to light or cosmetics.
Knit: Clean the band with a nonabrasive soft cloth. If necessary, lightly dampen the cloth with fresh water and gently rub the band to get rid of stains. Herms knit is not swimproof, so you should avoid getting it wet.
Woven: Clean the band with a nonabrasive soft cloth. If necessary, lightly dampen the cloth with fresh water and gently rub the band to get rid of stains. Herms woven bands are swimproof.
For all other bands, buckles, and closures:
Wipe the band clean with a nonabrasive, lint-free cloth. If necessary, lightly dampen the cloth with fresh water.
Dry the band with a nonabrasive, lint-free cloth before you attach it to your Apple Watch.
* Leather usually takes on a patina after normal wear. The leather might also change color due to exposure to substances like perfume, insect repellent, oil, lotion, or dyed materials like denim. The Apple Watch and band colors may vary or fade over time. As of September 2023, Apple no longer sells leather bands.
Wearing your Apple Watch with the right fit not too tight, not too loose, and with room for your skin to breathe will keep you comfortable.
Keeping your Apple Watch and bands as well as your skin clean and dry will maximize comfort and prevent long-term damage to the watch. This is especially important after workouts or exposure to liquids such as sweat, soap, sunscreen, and lotions that can potentially cause skin irritations.
Pick the right Apple Watch and band. If you have known allergies or sensitivities to substances like metals or plastics, check the materials in each Apple Watch and band.
Many third parties make accessory bands for Apple Watch. Such bands may not fit properly, may interfere with the Apple Watch Wrist Detect feature, may contain materials that cause skin sensitivities or other health concerns, and may even damage Apple Watch. For best results, use only Apple branded or Apple authorized bands.
Information about products not manufactured by Apple, or independent websites not controlled or tested by Apple, is provided without recommendation or endorsement. Apple assumes no responsibility with regard to the selection, performance, or use of third-party websites or products. Apple makes no representations regarding third-party website accuracy or reliability. Contact the vendor for additional information.
Published Date:
Pocket-lint
Key Takeaways
- Most smartwatch bands are contaminated with bacteria, but harsh cleaning products can damage devices.
- Cleaning methods vary based on manufacturer recommendations and band materials.
- 70% isopropyl alcohol wipes are recommended for disinfecting, but always follow manufacturer guidelines.
As devices designed to be worn everywhere from the gym to the hiking trails, smartwatches and fitness trackers can quickly collect build-up and bacteria. In fact, one 2023 study found 95% of smartwatch bands were contaminated with bacteria. Yet, using the wrong cleaning products on your smartwatch can at best void the warranty and at worst cause permanent damage. Harsh cleaning products can leave a residue behind on the band that could even potentially cause skin irritation.
RelatedFrom the newest Apple Watches to Android options, these are the best smartwatches for tracking time and fitness, according to our testing.The best way to clean your smartwatch will vary based on what the manufacturer specifically recommends, as well as what material the watch band is made from and whether the watch is waterproof. However, most brands have similar recommendations, with microfiber cloths that can also clean your smartphones, tablets and monitors consistently recommended. If you have eyeglasses or lens cleaning cloths on hand, these work well too. However, for a deep disinfecting, you may need more than a quick wipe with a dry cloth.
Amazon Basics Microfiber Cleaning Cloth
Here's how to keep your smartwatch or fitness tracker both clean and functioning properly, whether you need a daily wipe or rigorous disinfecting.
Cleaning any device with a product not recommended by the manufacturer can void the warranty or even cause damage. Always check the manufacturer's recommendations before using any water, soaps, or cleaning chemicals on your smartwatch or fitness tracker.
How to clean the smartwatch body
A lint-free microfiber cloth is your friend
Major smartwatch manufacturers, including Apple, Samsung, Google and Garmin all recommend one product for cleaning the body of your smartwatch: a clean, non-abrasive, lint-free cloth. The microfiber cloths as well as lens cloths designed for cleaning glasses work well for this purpose. Using this method, cleaning your smartwatch is safe, simple, and inexpensive, making this a great method for regular cleaning.
- Ensure your smartwatch is disconnected from the charger. You may also want to power off the watch first -- both Apple and Google recommend turning the watch off before cleaning.
- Remove the watch straps. While you can do a daily wipe with the cloth with the watch intact, it's a good idea to occasionally remove the band to clean trapped debris or build-up.
- Using a soft lint-free cloth, wipe all sides of the watch's body to polish away debris.
- Optional: If you are using a waterproof smartwatch or fitness tracker, dampen the cloth to help remove stubborn build-up.
How to disinfect a smartwatch
70% isopropyl wipes can help
Wiping down your smartwatch on a regular basis can help prevent skin irritation as sweat, sunscreen and other debris builds up on the watch. Occasionally, however, your watch may require something more than a cloth to get it clean. Maybe you accidentally dropped your smartwatch in the toilet, maybe you just had a particularly sweaty workout, or maybe it's simply time for a spring-cleaning. Whatever happens, a dry microfiber cloth alone isn't going to cut it.
Some manufacturers recommend using rubbing alcohol if you need to disinfect your watch. Rubbing alcohol on a cotton swab or on that microfiber cloth works. Or, pre-moistened wipes with 70% isopropyl alcohol work as well; you can often find these in the first aid section at a drug store or grocery store.
Don't use soaps, bleach, or cleaning chemicals on a smartwatch. Soap and chemicals can leave a build-up that can irritate your skin, while harsh cleaning chemicals can damage the watch.
While not all manufacturers list alcohol wipes among the list of suggested cleaning options, they do nearly universally agree on one thing: don't use soaps, bleach, or cleaning chemicals on a smartwatch. Soap and chemicals can leave a build-up that can irritate your skin, while harsh cleaning chemicals can damage the watch. You should also never stick anything inside any openings on the watch, as this can damage the electronics.
To disinfect your smartwatch:
- Check with your manufacturer's guidelines for your particular watch as to what cleaners can be used. Apple and Garmin both recommend isopropyl wipes for cleaning. Always follow the manufacturer's recommendations to avoid damaging your watch.
- Prepare your watch for cleaning. Remove the watch band, power it off, and remove it from the charger.
- Using a 70% isopropyl alcohol wipe or the manufacturer's suggested cleaning agent, wipe down the surface of the watch, being careful not to get any liquid inside any ports or openings.
- Once clean, re-assemble the watch.
How to clean smartwatch straps
Materials matter most
Smartwatch bands can collect sweat and residue quickly, but the exact instructions on how to clean the band vary based on what material it is made out of. In most cases, you should remove the bands before cleaning them thoroughly. However, if you're doing a daily cleaning with a dry cloth, this isn't necessary. All straps should be dry before putting them back on.
- For leather: Use a dry, lint-free cloth to wipe clean. Leather bands are not water-resistant, but lightly dampening the cloth may be warranted for tougher build-up. Real leather will develop a patina over time. This is a normal characteristic of the material.
- For silicone or rubber: Detach the straps, then clean with water. Rubbing alcohol wipes can be used to remove build-up if needed. Dry with lint-free cloth.
- For nylon: Wash the detached straps in cold water. Use a mild soap designed for sensitive skin or a soap-free cleanser for more severe cases. Let the strap air dry before reattaching the watch.
- For metal: Studies show metal bands are among the cleanest, though that doesn't mean you should never clean a metal band. Do not use abrasive fabrics or metal cleaner on metal watch bands. Instead, use the lint-free microfiber cloth to polish the metal. If the metal band has a build-up between the links that won't come clean with a cloth, use a new soft-bristle toothbrush.
FAQ
Q: How often should you clean your smartwatch?
Smartwatch bands can build up bacteria -- one 2023 study found bacteria on 95% of wristbands. Ideally, you should incorporate a basic quick cleaning into your daily routine, such as wiping down the band with a microfiber cloth after your shower or cleaning the watch after hitting the gym. It's a good idea to do a more thorough cleaning, such as following the manufacturer's instructions for disinfecting, once a month.
Q: Can you use rubbing alcohol to clean a smartwatch?
Using a cleaner that is not recommended by the manufacturer could void your warranty. However, several manufacturers suggest using a 70% isopropyl alcohol wipe for disinfecting, including Apple and Garmin. Do not submerge the watch -- just use a wipe and take care to avoid getting any moisture inside any ports.
Q: What is a soap-free cleanser?
Some manufacturers will suggest cleaning a smartwatch band with a soap-free cleaners -- but what does that even mean? A soap-free cleanser does not use fats or alkaline ingredients, which can cause buildup. Browse the soap aisle for bottles that are labeled " width="50"cleanser" rather than soap. Options made for sensitive skin are often a great choice for cleaning watch bands, as they also typically skip out on irritating perfumes as well.
Q: How do I clean a Fitbit charger?
Fitbit chargers have metal contacts that need to connect with the metal on the watch to charge. If these metal pieces are dirty, it can prevent the fitness tracker from charging properly. FitBit recommends using a cotton swap and rubbing alcohol to clean the contacts on the charging cable.
