Smartwatches get filthy, including their band. Especially if you use it everyday while you're out of your home. Your smartwatch will be exposed to sweat, dust, and other elements. 

Did you know that coronavirus can live on a smartphone for days? This also means that your smartwatch or wearable could be a vector for disease. Apart from the deadly virus, you can also get skin irritation if you don't clean your smartwatch band regularly. You might experience rashes, a reaction to certain materials on your watch band. 

As such, you should regularly clean your band and wrist, especially if you have sensitive skin. However, there are things your need to take note of before you clean your smartwatch band. One of them is to not use hand soap, dish soap, hand sanitizers, cleaning wipes, household cleaners, or other cleaning products to clean your band. You should keep in mind that those substances are difficult. They also could get trapped beneath the band and irritate your skin. 

How to Clean Your Smartwatch Band/Strap

Smartwatches and fitness trackers have a variety of bands. Since these bands are made of different materials, there are also different ways to clean them. Take note, this cleaning procedure applies to white, black, and any other color of bands. 

To make it easier to clean your watch band, you should detach it from your smartwatch first. 

For leather bands. Leather bands are not water resistant. Soaking it in water might cause damage to the band. Leather bands are usually intended for casual wear. You should bear in mind that it is not recommended for vigorous activity. Here's how you can clean your leather band: 

• You should wipe your leather band clean with a non-abrasive, lint-free cloth. Lightly dampen the cloth with fresh water if necessary.
• Leather bands are not water resistant. As such, you should not soak your leather band in water.
• After that, let the band air dry thoroughly before attaching it to your smartwatch. Make sure not to expose your leather or metal band to direct sunlight, high humidity, and high temperature. 

For metal bands. Metal bands are often the toughest to clean. This is because they have so many chain links and other gaps. These gaps are areas where grime can get trapped. Here's how you should clean your metal band:

• Most metals can be cleaned through a quick dip in a diluted bath of liquid soap. Use water to loosen any grit. 
• You can use a toothbrush for a quick pass.
• Rinse your metal band in warm water. After that, pat your band dry and air dry.

For Solo Loop, Sport Band, and Nike Sport Band. The following are the steps on how you can clean your solo loop, sport band, and Nike sport band: 

• First, you should wipe the band clean with a non-abrasive, lint-free cloth. If you think it's necessary, lightly dampen the cloth with fresh water. You can also use mild hypoallergenic hand soap for cleaning these bands.
• After that, dry the band with a non-abrasive, lint-free cloth. And then, attach it to your smartwatch.  

For silicone bands. The following are the steps on how you can clean your silicone band: 

• Rinse your band with water.
• Before using any products to clean your silicone band, you should check the manufacturer's instructions.
• You can use a soap-free cleanser on silicone bands. You might even be able to scrub stains with a moist, soft-bristled toothbrush. However, as mentioned above, you should check the manufacturer's instructions first.

For Nylon bands. Here's how you can clean your nylon watch bands: 

• Wash your nylon band with water. You can wash it in cold water.
• If there are dirt or stains, you can use mild soap to remove them. 

Why Should You Clean Your Smartwatch Band?

Wearables such as smartwatches are like smartphones that need to be cleaned and disinfected. Even without the threat of the coronavirus, you should still clean your wearables regularly. This is to prevent sweat, bacteria, and dirt from building up. This will cause irritation to your skin. 

You should also avoid certain substances from coming into contact with your wearable. These substances are insect repellent, alcohol, makeup, perfume, sunscreen, and other lotions.   

How to Avoid Skin Irritation

I'm sure you already heard of reports of people complaining of having rashes on their wrists. It is because they're experiencing a reaction to certain materials found on their watch band. This is due to eczema, allergies, or other skin sensitivities. They can become worse when irritants get trapped beneath the band and irritate the skin. Among these skin irritants are sweat and soap. 

If you have sensitive skin, you should be aware of products that may contain nickel and acrylates. 

Here's what you should do if you have allergies or sensitive skin: 

• Wear a watch band with the right fit. Your band should not be too tight and not too loose. You should make sure that there's room for your skin to breathe. You check if it is comfortable on your wrist. 

• Keep your watch band clean and dry. Keeping your band clean and dry will maximize comfort and prevent long-term damage to the smartwatch. This is important to do especially after workouts or exposure to liquids that can cause skin irritations. Some of those liquids are sweat, soap, sunscreen, and lotions. 

• Pick the right watch band. If you have known allergies or sensitivities to substances like metals or plastics, make sure to check the materials in your band. There are several shops like Apple, Fitbit, Amazon, and Spartan Watches that offer a variety of watch bands. You can find the right band for you there. 

It is important to keep your watch bands clean but you should also remember to clean your smartwatch. In cleaning your smartwatch, you should check your watch manufacturer. You should also be mindful of the instructions given to prevent damages to your smartwatch.