Repeat this process 1 to 3 times for each side of both straps until you can no longer see any dirt residue on it. Try out the cleaning method on a small spot first to make sure that it does not change the color of the fabric. Doing this will ensure any … Because of this, we need to periodically clean our leather watch band and avoid the appearance of the dreaded cheese smell. 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. 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. Cleaning a leather watchband will prolong the life of the band while removing dirt and odours caused by perspiration. 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. Be careful to not get water on the band when washing your hands. If you really can’t stand to see another ad again, then please consider supporting our work with a contribution to wikiHow. After the strap dries, use a cloth to rub a small amount of leather conditioner onto the strap. We know ads can be annoying, but they’re what allow us to make all of wikiHow available for free. Leather watch bands should be protected from the exposure to water at all times. 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. There are 25 references cited in this article, which can be found at the bottom of the page. If you find this article useful, please share it or leave a comment. Even if you’ve got a minimalist watch with a rather plain-looking band, it can still benefit from a bit of protector. It is a fairly straightforward process however: As with the conditioning, I recommend to just follow the instructions of the product. Use Leather Protector Spray. Ensure cloth is carefully and thoroughly wrung out so it feels very slightly dump and gently wipe the leather. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. What are the advantages of leather watch straps? This step can be repeated several times until the strap is clean. Part of caring for your watch includes cleaning the leather band. How to clean a dirty leather watch band. If your watch had a quick-release button, press and hold the button, and slide the strap into place. In this demo, I am cleaning a leash bu… Clean between the areas of the watch that attach to the watch band. How to Clean Leather. Enjoy Leather’s Beauty and Strength. Sealed leather will appear shiny and smooth, while unfinished leather will have a rough texture. A simple way to clean the leather is by using a cloth and some soapy water. Necessary cookies are absolutely essential for the website to function properly. Most watches will have standard spring bar pins, which look like tiny screws that you can remove with a spring bar tool. Because of this, it is best to avoid contact of the band with moisture as much as possible. If the cracks on your watch strap are scratches on the surface, you can give the leather a face-lift. Apply the waterproof spray to both sides of the watch band. You can apply a leather conditioner to the watch band to keep it supple and to prevent cracking of the leather. These cookies will be stored in your browser only with your consent. But opting out of some of these cookies may have an effect on your browsing experience. Allow the lip balm to soak in for a few hours or overnight. Other straps are not able to be removed altogether. Some are meant for a light application, and some for heavy cleaning. The warm and moist leather is an ideal breeding ground for bacteria, and over time a funky smell develops. If you get into the habit of taking your watch off at night, this will lengthen the times between cleanings. Many people think it’s ok to throw their watch strap in the dishwasher. Learn more... Leather bands on watches are luxurious to wear. Updated On: September 28, 2017. To clean an Apple Watch band and other Apple Watch … A leather watch strap is a natural product that requires care and attention to preserve its genuine features, especially in Summer since heat, salt water and sweat could deteriorate it without a few and essential tricks. 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. Once the straps are dry, you can condition the leather before attaching the straps to the case of the watch. 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. However, it’s important to go about cleaning leather in the right way to keep it looking good and preventing any damage. Clean… Once the straps are dry, you can condition the leather before attaching the straps to the case of the watch. But it is also prone to getting stained. % of people told us that this article helped them. That means you may end up with chlorine, sweat, and mud on your watch strap. Allow the leather watch strap to air-dry before reattaching it to the watch case. To learn how to remove the strap from the watch, keep reading! Store the leather in a dry, well-ventilated area. Simply insert the watch strap into a sock or a pocket in your jeans, and toss in the washing machine. Repeat the process for the other side of the strap, and for both sides of the second strap. 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. Light colored leather is a popular choice for furniture, jackets, purses, and shoes. I love to hear your feedback and questions! Your email address will not be published. Resting the watch strap overnight will ensure that the leather has time to rest and air out. This article was co-authored by our trained team of editors and researchers who validated it for accuracy and comprehensiveness. 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. 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. The baking soda will naturally absorb any moisture or odors the leather retained. -... Leather Honey Leather Conditioner, Best Leather... All Weather Protector - Solemates Water Repellent... Soft microfiber cloths/Jewelry polishing cloths. Remove the watch from your wrist when playing intensive sports that involve a lot of sweating. Just as a leather cleaner/conditioner should be, this product smells invigorating as it pampers your leather with only the best ingredients. 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. 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. Gently clean the strap with a damp cloth and a bit of soap. 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. Unfinished leather can stain very easily if oversaturated. That way, the majority of the sweat will be absorbed before it gets to the watch band. Here is how to bring a shine back to a leather watch band with a good cleaning. Squeeze the towel of any excess water because it should only be damp. Watch bands that are worn in hot and/or humid climates on the other hand (pun intended) need cleaning more frequently. Now you know more about softening leather, you’re ready to augment your wardrobe and home with products made from this durable material. Leather conditioner and saddle soap can be purchased at local hardware and department stores, and both can also be purchased online through major retailers. These cosmetics can stain and discolor the leather when they come in contact with the band. Take care when applying sun screen, perfume, skin creams or other cosmetics around the leather watch strap. Can be applied to other leather items as well. We also use third-party cookies that help us analyze and understand how you use this website. Keep your timepiece looking fresh and working well by giving it a good cleaning. Here’s how to clean your leather watch band: 1. Wipe the leather with a dry cloth Before getting any liquids involved, wipe down the strap with a dry cloth. 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. Once clean, wipe the leather with a fresh cloth dampened with water until the soap residue is gone. Your email address will not be published. Not all watch straps attach to the watch in the same way. Repeat the process for each side of both leather straps. This is not required, but conditioning the leather will add a layer of protection to it. Keep cosmetics away from the strap. Apple cider vinegar can be a substitute as well, just as long as you aren’t interested in sanitizing the leather. I am a big fan of leather watch straps. They are comfortable to wear and add style to any outfit. Last Updated: January 12, 2021 Timely care of your watch strap will ensure it continues to good and feel good along with prolonging its life. The lip balm will add moisture to the leather, and prevent any further cracking. To condition the leather, I recommend following the instructions that come with the leather conditioner. In conclusion, because leather is different from other watch strap materials, we need to take special care to clean and maintain it. References. The best time to condition a leather watch band is after cleaning, because the leather should be clean before conditioning it. 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. Be mindful of any allergic reactions you may have from applying leather lotions or conditioners to your watch band. Leather watch straps that you wear less often do not need as much cleaning, because they are exposed to less sweat and grime and do not get dirty as fast. The best way to let a leather watch strap rest is to take the watch off at night. If you are just doing a light clean, lower the amount of vinegar. wikiHow's. In this video I will tell you how to clean suede fossil leather watch band at home. To prevent odor buildup on the leather strap, let it air out overnight by an open window or a fan. Before cleaning the watch strap, it is best if we detach it from the watch case first. Use a new cloth to remove any excess conditioner from the leather. By: Izzy Moon. Do not directly submerge or spray water onto the leather strap. These tips will help you get a clean leather watch strap. This category only includes cookies that ensures basic functionalities and security features of the website. A brief video on how to clean - condition your custom watch strap. As with the How To Clean Your Watch post, the following is meant to steer most people in the right direction. Instead of using a cotton cloth, you can wipe the leather with a microfiber jewelry cloth as well. As you can see, it is not too difficult to clean your leather watch strap at home. ONUPGO 6PCS Grey Wristbands Sweat Band for Men &... Fiebing's 2-Pack Yellow Saddle Soap, 12 Oz. Let the strap dry away from direct sunlight. This will help protect the watch case and its components while we clean the strap. As the porous leather lets sweat and moisture through, it also absorbs it. Start by wiping the leather with a soft, cotton cloth to remove any buildup. Please help us continue to provide you with our trusted how-to guides and videos for free by whitelisting wikiHow on your ad blocker. Once it is in place, release the button and check that the strap is secure. The conditioner also helps by providing extra protection against moisture, making the leather less vulnerable. 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. In other words, cleaning your watch shouldn't cause a rash on your wrist, or change your brown leather strap to black. Switching to a clean section of the cloth and adding some new soap will help in getting all the dirt and grime off. After reattaching the strap, check that the pin ends are properly inserted in their sockets. To learn how to remove the strap from the watch, keep reading! 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. How to Fix a Cracked Leather Watch Strap. Meridio recommend cleaning the exterior leather with a soft cloth and warm, mild soapy water. These spots can also be removed by wiping them with a dry cloth. HOME STYLE. For really stubborn odors, place your watch band in a plastic bag with approximately 1 tbsp (8.5 g) of baking soda. Create a 50-50 distilled water and white vinegar mixture in a bowl. A lot of the more luxurious and sports watches use quick-release pins. Leather is in many ways similar to our skin. If you notice any white spots on the leather, this could be from fat within the leather rising to the surface. Detach the leather watch strap from the watch. How to clean leather Watch Straps. 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. And just like our skin, a leather watch band needs to air out and breathe regularly. By using our site, you agree to our. Don't neglect the watch band just because it doesn't tell the time. A Q-tip is also a good option. Similarly, in the summer period leather bands will need to be cleaned more often than during the winter period. By signing up you are agreeing to receive emails according to our privacy policy. Remove the watch from your wrist when you go to sleep and while bathing so that the leather can breathe. In addition proper care for leather watch band means that it will last longer and it will look new for many years to come. Unfortunately, if they are not properly cleaned and maintained they can get stained and start to smell. 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. How often should you clean a leather watch strap? How to Clean Leather: It's best to think of leather as skin even though it is detached from its host body. 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. The first step in cleaning leather is to use olive oil, soap, and a towel. Remove the strap Remove the strap from the watch before cleaning it. That way, the strap has the opportunity to properly dry before wearing it again. Apply a tiny dab of conditioner to the leather strap and work it in with a microfiber cloth and gentle, circular movements. Once dry, buff it with a soft cloth. WristClean's Leather Strap Care is the newest band care product available from WristClean. For quick-release pins, slide the button to the inner side and place the strap in the watch case. Applying these to your watch band may irritate your skin after wearing the watch for a long period of time. Use the conditioner to buff the leather once a week or once a month depending on how often you wear the watch. 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. Before cleaning the leather band, it can be useful to check the watch manufacturer’s recommendations and instructions for cleaning. We usually use these for leather jackets or leather shoes, but it applies directly to leather watch straps as well. It's sole purpose is to help protect your leather watch strap from wear. If you are unsure whether your band can be removed, go online or call the manufacture of the watch, and ask a representative. Wipe down any excess spray with a clean microfiber cloth. 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. On this site I share with you my passion for creating, making, repairing and other hobbies. These can be purchased from a local jewelry or department store. Make sure to use cold water, and do not put in the dryer (air dry on a flat surface like above). 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. We use cookies to make wikiHow great. With regards to frequency, once a month is a good starting point. If you notice any welts, redness, or tingling when coming in contact with the treated watch, stop wearing the watch immediately. Repeat this process a few times to remove all of the dirt and oil. {"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":"