Tips: How to Properly Clean Your Apple Watch and Strap

The Apple Watch is an incredible gadget that keeps you connected to your phone without constantly taking it out of your pocket. However, being worn on your wrist all the time means it requires special care. Unlike other watches, it's essential not to use abrasive products to clean its delicate surface. Here are the best tips to safely clean your Apple Watch!

Protect your apple watch

Why should you clean your Apple Watch?

Regular cleaning of your Apple Watch is essential because dirt and debris can accumulate on the case and buttons. Additionally, bacteria can multiply in these areas, causing skin infections or allergies. Fortunately, cleaning your watch is easy, even if you're short on time. Here are some useful tips for safely cleaning your Apple Watch:


  1. Use a soft, non-abrasive cloth to wipe the screen.
  2. Avoid using harsh chemicals like detergents or solvents, as they can damage the screen.

How to clean the screen of your Apple Watch

Before cleaning your Apple Watch, it's important to turn it off to avoid any damage. To turn it off, press the side button until the "Power Off" slider appears, then slide it to the right.


Next, remove the Apple Watch strap. It's best to remove it before cleaning, as this allows you to easily clean both the case and the strap. To remove the strap, press the two release buttons on the back of your Apple Watch and slide the strap out.


Then, use a soft, clean, lint-free cloth to wipe the screen and case. You can use a microfiber cloth or a soft fabric like cotton. Never use paper towels or other abrasive paper products, as they can damage or scratch the screen.


To remove stubborn stains, slightly dampen the cloth with warm water before cleaning the screen. Do not use hot water, as it can damage the screen. Not all Apple Watches are waterproof, so be careful not to soak the cloth. If you need a deeper clean, use a small amount of 70% isopropyl alcohol.

How to clean the crown and buttons of your Apple Watch?

If you have an Apple Watch, you know it's a handy tool for tracking your fitness and health. However, like any watch, it needs regular cleaning to function properly. Here's how to clean the crown and buttons:

  1. Use a soft, dry cloth to wipe the surface of the crown.

  2. Use a soft toothbrush to remove any accumulated dirt or dust if you have metal buttons.

  3. For plastic buttons, use a damp cloth soaked in soapy water. Then, rinse with clean water and dry thoroughly.

How to clean different types of Apple Watch straps

It is important to clean your Apple Watch regularly, as it can easily accumulate dust and dirt. To clean the screen, you can use a soft cloth, but you have to be more careful with the strap, especially since each strap is made of different materials: fabric, silicone, metal or leather. Each type of strap must be cleaned in a specific way depending on the material it is made of.

How to clean your Apple Watch fabric strap

Fabric straps can be submerged in water for cleaning. For best results, place them under warm water, taking care to clean the entire strap. Use a damp, soft-bristled brush to gently scrub the fabric. You should be able to remove any dirt or lint with your fingers. When drying, use a fan or hair dryer to speed up the drying process as nylon absorbs a lot of liquid. If you don't dry it quickly enough, the strap can give off quite unpleasant odors. Be careful not to use alcohol, as you may damage the material by doing so.

How to clean your Apple Watch silicone strap

Silicone or rubber bands are easy to clean because they are more durable and sweat-resistant. Clean the band with warm water and mild soap to remove stubborn stains. You can also use a damp, soft-bristled brush. Just like fabric or nylon bands, dry your band with a hair dryer to avoid unpleasant odors.

How to clean your metal Apple Watch band

Metal or stainless steel bands are fairly easy to clean. Clean the band with warm water and mild soap, or you can use a damp, soft-bristled brush to remove any stubborn or dried-on dirt from the metal bands. Use a soft cloth to wipe the band dry. Dry the band thoroughly after cleaning, as water can cause rust over time.

How to clean your leather Apple Watch strap

Leather bands are much trickier to clean and should not be completely submerged in water. Apple recommends wiping your leather band with a clean, damp cloth and then letting it air dry. A leather cleaner should be applied occasionally to protect the leather. As with fabric bands, be careful not to use alcohol, which can damage the leather. Isopropyl alcohol can dry out the leather or cause it to fade in color.

How to protect your Apple Watch?

Protecting your Apple Watch is crucial to ensure its durability and proper functioning. The best way to protect your Apple Watch is with a protective case and screen protector to prevent scratches and damage to the screen. Luckily, at RHINOSHIELD, we offer 3D shockproof cases and screen protectors for Apple Watch, including the latest model, the Apple Watch Ultra! 

Best tips to extend the life of your Apple Watch

Protecting your Apple Watch with a case and screen protector is important to ensure its longevity and proper functioning, but that's not all! It is best to remove it before doing activities that could damage it, such as painting or DIY.


Extreme temperatures can affect the performance of your Apple Watch and reduce battery life, so it's important to avoid leaving your watch in very hot or cold places.


It’s also a good idea to avoid strong magnetic fields and dry your watch properly after water activity. While most Apple Watches are water-resistant, it’s best to avoid exposing them to water for long periods of time or to significant depths.


To prevent internal damage, it is best to avoid strong shocks, such as knocks or drops. Similarly, it is important not to charge your watch when it is wet or damp and to avoid exposure to chemicals such as perfumes or household cleaners.

It’s essential to take care of your Apple Watch by cleaning it regularly, especially if you wear it daily. By following these simple tips, you can extend the life of your watch and keep it running smoothly. And if you already have scratches on your Apple Watch screen, don’t worry! We’ve written an article that explains how to prevent and remove scratches on your Apple Watch screen .