How to Clean a Watch and Bracelet Without Damaging It

Knowing how to clean a watch properly keeps it looking good and helps it last. A watch worn daily collects sweat, skin cells, dust and lotion, especially between the links of a steel bracelet. The good news is that cleaning is simple. The important part is knowing what each material can tolerate.

Before You Start: Check Water Resistance

The single most important step is knowing whether your watch can safely get wet.

• If the watch is rated to 100 metres or more and has been serviced recently, a quick rinse under a gentle tap is generally fine.
• If it is rated to 30 or 50 metres, is vintage, or has not had its seals checked in years, keep water away from the case and use a slightly damp cloth only.
• If it has a screw-down crown, make sure it is fully screwed down before any water touches it.

What You Need

• A soft microfibre cloth.
• A soft toothbrush.
• Lukewarm water and a small amount of mild soap.
• Cotton buds for tight spaces.

Avoid alcohol, solvents, bleach and abrasive cleaners, which can damage gaskets, coatings and finishes.

How to Clean a Steel Bracelet

1. If possible, remove the bracelet from the case. This lets you clean it more thoroughly without risking the watch head.
2. Soak the bracelet in lukewarm soapy water for a few minutes to loosen grime.
3. Scrub gently between the links and around the clasp with a soft toothbrush.
4. Rinse in clean water and dry thoroughly with a microfibre cloth, paying attention to the gaps between links.

If you cannot remove the bracelet, and the watch is water resistant, you can clean it on the watch with a damp toothbrush, keeping the crown screwed down and rinsing briefly.

How to Clean the Case and Crystal

• Wipe the case with a slightly damp microfibre cloth, then dry it.
• Use a soft toothbrush or cotton bud for the gaps around the bezel and lugs, where grime builds up.
• Clean sapphire crystals with a dry or slightly damp microfibre cloth. Acrylic crystals scratch more easily, so use very light pressure.

How to Clean Leather Straps

Leather should not be soaked. Wipe it with a barely damp cloth, let it air dry away from heat and sunlight, and consider a leather conditioner occasionally. Rotating between straps lets leather dry out between wears and helps it last longer.

How to Clean Rubber and Silicone Straps

Rubber straps are the easiest to clean. Wash with mild soapy water, rinse and dry. They are the best choice if you swim or sweat a lot.

How to Clean Fabric and NATO Straps

Remove the strap from the watch and hand wash it in lukewarm soapy water, then let it air dry fully before refitting. Some owners use a laundry bag in a gentle machine cycle, but hand washing is safer for the strap's shape.

After Swimming in the Sea or a Pool

Salt water and chlorine are harsh on seals and finishes. If your watch is suitable for swimming, rinse it in fresh water afterwards and dry it, especially around the bezel and bracelet.

How Often Should You Clean a Watch?

A light wipe every week or two is enough for most watches, with a deeper bracelet clean every month or so for watches worn daily. More often in summer or after exercise.

When to Leave It to a Professional

Never open the caseback yourself. If you notice condensation under the crystal, a crown that feels loose, or dirt inside the dial, take the watch to a watchmaker. A professional service also includes a full clean and new gaskets, restoring water resistance properly.

Related reading

• Watch Water Resistance Explained: What 30m, 100m and 200m Actually Mean
• How Often Should You Service a Mechanical Watch? A Practical Guide
• Sapphire vs Mineral vs Acrylic Watch Crystal: A Practical Guide

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I wash my watch with soap and water?

A water resistant watch with good seals can be rinsed gently with lukewarm water and mild soap, with the crown fully closed. Watches rated to 30 or 50 metres, vintage watches and leather straps should only be wiped with a slightly damp cloth.

How do I clean a steel watch bracelet?

Remove it from the watch if possible, soak it in lukewarm soapy water, scrub gently between the links with a soft toothbrush, then rinse and dry thoroughly.

Can I use alcohol to clean my watch?

It is best avoided. Alcohol and solvents can dry out gaskets and damage some finishes and straps. Mild soap and water are safer.

How often should I clean my watch?

A light wipe every week or two, with a deeper bracelet clean roughly once a month for a watch worn daily, and more often after exercise or swimming.