How to wash a silicone watch strap

Since wristwatches appeared more than a century ago, our affection for them has not faded at all, and this is largely dictated by the comfort and convenience of wearing them on the hand. Which, in turn, is impossible to imagine without such an important “encompassing” element as a watch belt.

Having started with small-scale production volumes, each watch brand, along with watch movements, also had to take care of the proper appearance and quality of watch belts for their watches - this important component of the watch appearance was dynamically developed and modernized taking into account new requests from consumers. Watchmakers have tried all sorts of materials, shapes and colors over the years, trying to please both the technical and functional needs and the cultural and aesthetic tastes of billions of consumers. The logical result of this development is that today there are such large manufacturers of watch belts as HIRSCH, Morellato, Condor, etc., which annually supply hundreds of millions of watch belts to hundreds of watch brands. They also offer consumers no less of them for subsequent replacement of worn-out belts with new ones - after all, many experts recommend that customers change their leather strap at least once a year. But some of them clarify that this applies to a greater extent to straps made of calfskin, and is not so categorical for straps made of more exotic types of leather.

Throwing away an old strap and buying a new one in return doesn’t seem like such a tricky thing, but, as our daily experience shows, it’s sometimes quite troublesome and sometimes very costly. Therefore, we propose to figure it out together: is there any alternative to this? We will talk about straps made of genuine leather and other most common materials today in our next article.

How to clean a silicone strap

Strap for fitness bracelet

The tracker itself can be removed and rearranged into a bracelet of a different color or material. There are leather, silicone, and metal straps for fitness trackers, and everything so that you can successfully fit them into your everyday look. And the most popular are silicone ones, because they are initially included in the kit and are several times cheaper than alternative fashionable bracelets.

Since a fitness bracelet requires 24/7 wear, it gets dirty quite quickly. It is not always possible to wash a silicone bracelet with soap and water. There are four ways we know of to clean a silicone bracelet so that it looks as good as new.

Eraser

Using a regular office eraser, you can get rid of dirt on light-colored silicone straps. Just rub the eraser on the strap in dirty places, and all the accumulated dust on it will turn into pellets, and the strap will remain clean. This is the most budget-friendly and fastest way to clean straps.

Acetone

Some use technical acetone, others use nail polish remover. This method is suitable for cleaning white, light and bright bracelets. It’s strange, but this method does not work on black bracelets and can ruin the bracelet: the strap delaminates and crumbles. Perhaps some other material is used to make it.

You can also apply technical acetone using a spray bottle and leave for a few minutes to act. If the strap is not too dirty, apply acetone to a cotton pad and rub the bracelet. You can also pour nail polish remover into a small jar with a lid and soak the bracelet (without the tracker) in it overnight.

The next morning, take out the bracelet and rinse it under running water. Due to the fact that it lies in acetone for several hours, the bracelet increases in size. Leave it for a day in a dry, well-ventilated place so that the remaining acetone evaporates and returns to its original size.

Melamine sponge

An inexpensive and quick way to get rid of many contaminants in the house. It is also called the “magic” sponge. Using a melamine sponge, you can wipe off not only dirt, but also traces of a ballpoint pen and paint. No additional detergents are needed. Just rub the bracelet with a sponge, and the melamine pressed crystals that make up the sponge will do their job.

Toothpaste

Another product that is always on hand is toothpaste. Apply toothpaste to the entire surface of the silicone bracelet and rub with a brush in the most dirty areas. Then leave the bracelet in the toothpaste for 15 minutes. Then rinse off the toothpaste with warm water. The method is very good not only for white bracelets, but also for silicone phone cases.

Now you don’t have to worry about buying a new bracelet and can wear your old but clean silicone fitness bracelet strap. I especially liked the method with acetone, it works great!

Every time you put the tracker on charge, check if it’s time to clean the strap. After all, you wear the strap all the time and everywhere. This is largely part of hygiene, and not just a way to maintain the aesthetic appearance of a silicone strap. Which cleaning method did you like best?

Source of the article: https://takprosto.cc/remeshok-dlya-fitnes-brasleta/

How to clean a watch strap: leather, silicone, rubber, How to wash a silicone watch strap.

How to clean a silicone bracelet?

The light-colored fitness tracker bracelet has dark spots in the places where it rubs against clothing. How to clean a silicone bracelet?

The problem is that silicone absorbs dirt very well. And if the stains are old, then nothing will help. Therefore, it is recommended to wash silicone products frequently to prevent dirt from being absorbed. Of course, you can try regular laundry soap and a toothbrush. But the silicone cannot be completely cleaned. The stain will remain anyway. Just keep in mind for the future that such material needs to be cleaned more often, then it will not absorb anything and you won’t have to think about what to do in this case. This applies to soft silicone.

If the silicone is dense, then there is still hope. Soak it in soapy hot water, and once your hands can tolerate warm water, start scrubbing the bracelet with a regular toothbrush.

Perhaps you have your own opinions on the topic “How to clean a rubber watch bracelet”? Write about it in the comments.

How to properly clean a watch strap at home

During use, wristwatches collect dust, dirt, absorb sebum and become dirty. As a result, the product strap loses its attractive appearance. In addition, such pollution creates a favorable environment for the proliferation of harmful bacteria, which negatively affects human health.

Therefore, it is recommended to clean the product periodically. In this article we will look at how to clean a watch strap, be it leather, silicone, rubber or any other material.

Features of cleaning a watch strap

If you wear your watch regularly, it is recommended to clean it every two months. For more complete cleaning, it is advisable to detach the strap from the dial. But if you don’t know how to do it correctly, you can wipe the strap with a product and a soft brush, toothbrush, cotton swab or cotton pad.

Simply wipe the dial with a damp and then a dry cloth or napkin. What to do with the bracelet? Some cleaning methods and products can damage, scratch and even destroy the material.

Therefore, cleaning methods and cleaning products must be selected strictly according to the material from which the watch is made. Straps are made of leather, metal (gold and silver), steel, plastic and silicone, fabric and rubber.

Basic cleaning methods:

Soda and water solution for skin;
A solution of water, liquid soap and ammonia for leather and silicone;
Protein and milk solution for white and fair skin;
Polish with powder, baby powder or crushed gold chalk;
Soda and vinegar solution for silver and steel;
Dishwashing detergents for fabrics;
Toothpaste or laundry soap solution for plastic and rubber.

If a lot of dirt has accumulated on the watch, cracks or scratches appear, it is better to take the product to a jewelry or watch workshop. Experts will carry out proper cleaning and, if necessary, restore the accessory. The watch will be like new! But if you want to clean your bracelet at home, we offer a detailed description of each cleaning method.

Sequence of work

Cleaning a watch is not limited to cleaning the mechanism itself; the watch body, including the glass and the strap or bracelet, also needs it.

Although it is usually recommended to start cleaning the mechanism immediately, it is advisable to clean the case with glass first, since after cleaning the mechanism itself, it will need to be placed in the case as quickly as possible to prevent dust particles from entering it . You can, of course, cover it with paper or cloth, but even from them particles that are almost invisible to the eye can get into the mechanism, which will negate all your work.

So, cleaning a mechanical watch is carried out in the following sequence .

Disassembling the watch

Remove the winding screw that secures the mechanism into the case.
Open the case and carefully remove the mechanism from it.
If there are large, clearly visible contaminants that are easily accessible, they can be removed with a toothpick. But be careful : if its tip breaks off and remains inside, it will damage the mechanism, and then you definitely won’t be able to do it without a watchmaker.
Using a rubber blower, clean the mechanism with compressed air. Make sure that the pressure is not too strong, otherwise the miniature parts may be damaged.
Clean the housing in the same way - the pressure may be stronger here.

Cleaning the case

Use a cotton pad or swab soaked in gasoline/alcohol to wipe the watch case.
If there are stubborn stains , they can be easily removed with a brush or toothbrush.
To clean the dial, use first a damp and then a dry cloth.
Do not wipe the glass with gasoline/alcohol, as this may impair its transparency (this applies to inexpensive watches with low-quality glass).
Finally, wipe the body cloth .

Cleaning the mechanism

Remember that you need to clean the mechanism of a wristwatch very carefully, avoiding strong pressure on the parts, otherwise they may become deformed - this is an indispensable condition for home cleaning. Ideally, it is advisable to find instructions for this particular watch model, since if assembled incorrectly, they will simply become unusable.

You need to start with a balance : it is immersed in alcohol or gasoline, poured into a cup or glass to a height of about 2 cm. Take the balance with tweezers by the rim, immerse it in the cup and rinse, then move it through the air to allow the gasoline/alcohol to evaporate, and place it into birch sawdust for final drying - they absorb liquid better than others.
The anchor fork and anchorage are cleaned in the same way, but dried on paper, since these parts are smaller.
All other parts are cleaned in the same way . Large ones are placed in sawdust for drying, and small ones are placed on paper.
Let all parts dry . If after this you notice plaque on them, carefully clean it off with a brush or toothbrush.
The mechanism must be assembled after have completely dried and done as quickly as possible to prevent dust from getting into it.
Upon completion of assembly, lubricate the parts with watch oil (this is convenient to do with a pipette) and immediately insert into the case.

How and with what to clean a leather strap

To clean the skin, use a soap solution. Pour the liquid into a container, add a few drops of ammonia and dilute with warm water. Soak a cotton pad in the container and wipe the product thoroughly on each side.

The soap is washed off with a damp cloth, then wiped with a cotton napkin or cloth and left until completely dry. It is not recommended to soak a leather strap in the solution.

For severe dirt, use a solution of soda and water in a ratio of 1 to 1. The mixture is applied to particularly dirty areas and left for an hour. Then the soda is wiped off with a cotton pad and wiped with a damp cloth. By the way, to prevent the skin from becoming too hard after such a procedure, rub two or three drops of glycerin into the material.

A white and light leather bracelet is cleaned using egg white. Break the egg, separate the white and add to a glass of milk. Beat the mixture and dip a cotton pad in the container, treat the surface of the bracelet. Then wipe the strap with a damp cloth and leave to dry. This way, you will not only clean the surface, but also preserve the color.

How to Clean Gold, Silver and Steel Watches

A gold bracelet should be polished using baby powder, cosmetic powder or crushed chalk. Sprinkle a little product onto a dry flannel cloth and thoroughly polish the surface on each side, then wipe with a dry, clean cloth. No water is used to clean gold! Therefore, be sure to take dry cloths.

To clean a silver bracelet, mix vinegar or ammonia with baking soda. Apply the composition to the surface of the product without rubbing, and coat every crack. Leave for half an hour, then wipe with a damp cloth and polish with a cloth or microfiber cloth.

A mixture of baking soda and vinegar can also be used to clean steel bracelets. You can also use regular hair shampoo, a mild kitchen detergent, or a mild dishwashing gel for cleaning.

Dilute this product with water, place the product and leave for 30 minutes. Then the strap is cleaned with a cotton swab or toothbrush and rinsed with running water. After this, wipe the surface with a dry cotton or microfiber cloth.

How to clean smart and waterproof watches

Smartwatches or smart watches like the Apple Watch are washed with soap and water. By the way, soap can also be replaced with dishwashing liquid. The strap is removed and placed in the prepared solution, left for 30-40 minutes, then cleaned with a clean cloth, washed in running water and left to dry.

Shockproof and waterproof, the G shock type watch can be safely washed entirely. First, rinse the product under running water, then place it in a glass of warm water at a temperature of 30-40 degrees and leave for 15-20 minutes.

Take out the accessory and clean it with a cotton swab, especially carefully wiping the inside of the strap. The dial is wiped with a dry microfiber cloth. After the procedures have been completed, the remaining water is removed from the product using a vacuum cleaner.

Smart, shockproof and waterproof watches are recommended to be washed regularly. Dirt, dust and sweat that accumulate in the product negatively affect the operation of the sensor. As a result, the clock will show the wrong time.

Do not use a hair dryer to dry your waterproof watch! It can melt plastic parts. By the way, to avoid such lengthy cleaning, just leave the product in water for a few minutes after wearing it every day, and then rinse under running water.

The working process

First you need to thoroughly soak the brush and toothbrush in gasoline or alcohol. While the tools are soaking, you can begin disassembling the watch. It is best to find instructions for disassembling your particular model, since even the slightest deviations during disassembly or assembly will lead to incorrect operation.

Once you have separated all the parts, start with the balance. Cleaning is always done from there. To do this, you need to pour gasoline or alcohol into a prepared container. About two centimeters of liquid in a glass is enough. Using tweezers, lower the balance by the rim into the glass and gently rinse it in the liquid.

When finished, lightly move the part in the air to evaporate any remaining gasoline. Now you can put the balance in sawdust to dry completely. Birch sawdust is good because it absorbs large amounts of liquids. That is why we recommend using them when working.

The next parts to clean will be the anchor fork bridge and hanger. The procedure is the same, only to dry you should place the parts on a clean sheet of thin paper. Then the anchor fork itself is cleaned and also placed on paper.

Now you need to clean all the remaining parts, including the platinum and drum. Large parts are placed in sawdust, small parts are placed on paper. When finished, wait a few minutes for the parts to dry. If after drying you see deposits or other defects, carefully go over it with a brush or a soft-bristled toothbrush. Upon completion, wait until the mechanisms are completely dry and assemble them together. Assembly must be carried out as quickly as possible to avoid dust ingress.

When the working mechanism of the watch is assembled, it must be lubricated. In this case, it is not recommended to use a brush, since lint may remain with the oil. It is better to use a pipette and gently drip onto the parts. The watch oil used is quite liquid, so there will be no difficulty in applying it with a pipette.

Once you have finished lubricating, you can insert the clock mechanism into the case of the product and complete the assembly of the watch. After all operations are completed, the watch will work with an accuracy of about two to three years.

How to care for leather goods

Simply wipe the dial with a damp and then a dry cloth or napkin. What to do with the bracelet? Some cleaning methods and products can damage, scratch and even destroy the material.

Expert opinion

Ksenia Diyanova, expert on beauty, purity, harmony

Ask me any questions, I will be happy to answer!

I first researched local stores, and when I didn't find anything useful, I ordered a pack of melamine sponges from AliExpress. Take out the accessory and clean it with a cotton swab, especially carefully wiping the inside of the strap. How to clean a stainless steel watch bracelet? Ask me all your questions, I will be happy to answer!

How to clean other types of straps

Clean fabric straps in warm running water with a toothbrush or other small brush and dishwashing liquid. First, wipe the dirty areas, rinse the product and blot with a dry towel. Leave until dry.

Silicone straps are also washed in soapy water, just like leather straps. By the way, if the silicone has darkened over time, you can rub the surface with a white eraser.

The plastic and rubber strap can be washed with laundry soap. Grate half a piece on a coarse grater and pour a glass of warm water. Stir and wait until the mixture forms a porridge.

The solution is applied to the strap using a cotton pad and left for half an hour. Then rub the heavily soiled areas with a hard sponge and rinse the strap under warm water. Wipe the product with a dry microfiber cloth and leave until completely dry.

Laundry soap will not only clean the product, but also get rid of yellowness, which is especially important if it is a white strap. You can also use toothpaste for a rubber bracelet and colored plastic. Apply the paste to contaminated areas and wipe with a soft brush or finger, then rinse in water and leave to dry.

To properly care for your watch, it is not enough to just wash the strap and dial. Once every three years, you need to lubricate the watch mechanism if it is a mechanical accessory. To do this, it is better to contact specialists.

Source of the article: https://vsepodomu.ru/garderob/kak-pochistit-remeshok-ot-chasov/

How to clean a watch strap: leather, silicone, rubber, How to wash a silicone watch strap.

What not to do to avoid damaging the silicone product

Do not place the item next to heating devices or in direct sunlight: heating and ultraviolet radiation cause the case to fade;
Do not scrub silicone phone cases from yellowing with aggressive solutions (acetone, bleach or gasoline);
frequent removal and donning deforms and stretches the model;
Do not remove stubborn dirt with abrasive powders, sandpaper, or a hard brush, as scratches will appear.

To protect the accessory from damage, the model is selected according to the size of the phone.

Silicone cases require regular maintenance

How to properly clean a watch strap at home

Therefore, it is recommended to clean the product periodically. In this article we will look at how to clean a watch strap, be it leather, silicone, rubber or any other material.

***

Well, that’s probably all we wanted to tell you regarding the question: “How to clean a watch strap?” As always, we are happy to share with you useful information on a wide variety of watch issues. And of course, in the DECA retail chain stores you can find a variety of professional care products for your favorite watches and the widest selection of high-quality straps from one of the world leaders in the watch “strap industry”, the Austrian company HIRSCH.

I learned this method in the eighties in some collection of useful tips from technical magazines sent by readers. In those distant times, home and garage craftsmen, without manuals, without the Internet, without auto chemicals, often without tools, spare parts and in the field, managed to repair cars, motorcycles and other equipment. Sometimes it was simply impossible to believe in the methods of such repairs, and sometimes it was simply a miracle, which eyewitnesses later swearing told to amazed listeners. Since then, this method has helped me out more than once. It works if the rubber has stretched, swollen, increased in volume, flattened due to improper installation, become stiff, or lost elasticity. But of course, torn, cut rubber cannot be restored in this way. Just now, when cleaning the valves of the variable valve timing drives, the rubber seals on the valves swollen with solvents so much that they fell out of the grooves.

rubber bands on valves

Having removed the rubber bands, I washed them under hot water and soap, rinsed them with boiling water from a kettle, then again with soap and threw them into a vessel with boiling water, placing them on the stove. During cooking, the smell of solvent was felt, I changed the water a couple of times and in literally ten minutes the rubber bands were restored to their original size. When restoring flattened, pinched rubber bands, the cooking time must be increased by monitoring the process, examining and checking the dimensions.

When you buy an Apple Watch Series 5, you are probably wondering how you can remove the strap and change it to another one.

As it turned out, this is quite simple to do, but you need to know a couple of characteristic points so as not to break anything. Let's figure it out.

Leather belt

And I would like to start with the thesis that timely, regular and proper care can sometimes significantly extend the service life of many of our watch straps. After all, there is nothing unusual in the fact that our various shoes require certain and regular care. So, why are watch straps worse? Especially when you consider that, like shoes, wristwatches are always in full view of the general public, which means they must look impeccable. Therefore, if for someone this is not yet so obvious, then in our expert opinion it would still be worthwhile to familiarize yourself with a selection of a set of preventive and cleaning measures to increase the “survivability” of straps.

Preventive measures

So, a few simple recommendations that can significantly increase the life of leather straps.

Do not fasten the strap on your wrist too tightly - it is advisable that your little finger can fit between it and your hand. This way it will create less discomfort and absorb sweat, as well as deform and stretch in the area of the fastener. When fastening the strap, try not to bend it more than 90 degrees so that the fastener tongue fits into the hole on its free part.
We recommend taking the watch off at night so that the strap can be properly ventilated and straightened.
Avoid direct contact of the strap with active chemicals and natural substances that may harm its condition. We advise you to first remove your watch or protect it with the cuffs of your clothing in case of possible unfavorable situations.
Since genuine leather can become deformed after being saturated with moisture and subsequent drying, remove the watch before inevitable water procedures (swimming pool, sauna, etc.), even if the watch itself has a high level of water protection. If the strap gets pretty wet, then it should definitely be dried in a cool place, protected from bright light, and always with the front side up.
Do not leave the strap near sources of intense heat (radiators, heaters, etc.), or for long periods of time in direct sunlight or strong sources of artificial light.
It is also possible to rub the leather of the strap with vegetable oil (olive or castor) or glycerin in order to maintain its elasticity and shine of the outer surface.
It is better to store a watch with a leather strap in an unfastened, loose state. If you store your watch in a box, do not fasten it with a clasp around the bolster, but simply thread the free end of the strap over the clasp.

Cleaning a leather strap

Prevention is prevention, but even if you follow all the above recommendations, little by little the strap still becomes dirty, loses its former shine, and sometimes acquires a specific smell. So, if you wear the same watch model all the time, then it is recommended to clean the strap from dirt, dust and bacteria at least once every six months, and even a little more often in the summer.

Nowadays, it is quite easy to find in watch or shoe stores specially designed cleaning wipes, oils, water- and alcohol-based liquids, as well as deodorants, such as HELI. If you use such professional cleaning products, the procedure for caring for a leather strap will only take a few minutes. But we would like to note that it would not be amiss if first you test the effect of the cleanser on a small area of leather on the inside of the strap.

If you don’t buy special products, then you can use improvised ones that are easy to find in your kitchen or bathroom. Just remember to first remove the strap from your watch to make it safer for both your watch and your convenience. Now let’s take a closer look at some popular methods for cleaning leather straps (mostly calfskin):

Take a little neutral liquid soap and dilute it in warm water. Add a few drops of ammonia there. And then, using a cotton swab dipped in this solution, wipe the strap first from the front side, and then from the inside. When working on the front side, do not work too hard so as not to damage the surface layer of the skin. Then rinse the strap in warm running water and lay it out to dry horizontally, face up, in a cool place, away from bright light.
If the strap is very light, and especially if you want to clean a white watch strap, try cleaning it with a whipped mixture of milk and egg white (proportion: one white per glass of milk), which will help to better preserve its color. Using a cotton swab soaked in this solution, wipe the strap, and then rinse off the remaining mixture with warm water.
Heavy dirt on the strap is best removed using a paste of soda and water in a 1:1 ratio. The mixture is applied evenly to all surfaces of the strap, left for about an hour, and then washed off with warm water.
To clean the inner surface of the strap, you can wipe it with a cotton swab dipped in hydrogen peroxide, and after drying, treat it with a small amount of antiperspirant.
After cleaning, you can also rinse the strap in warm water with a little citric acid to refresh the color and neutralize the odor.
To prevent the leather from drying out too much and cracking after cleaning procedures, you can rub the slightly damp strap with a drop of glycerin or vegetable oil (olive, castor), and after drying completely, polish its outer surface with a soft, clean cloth.

Attention! For straps made of exotic materials (ostrich, elephant, stingray, snake or lizard skin), experts still do not recommend using conventional detergents or soap solution. In such cases, it is better to consult with sales consultants and rely on special products for cleaning straps.

How to clean the internal mechanism

pour into a shallow container;
immerse the watch strap in it and leave it for half an hour;
then take it out and wipe it with a polishing cloth or just a soft, lint-free one;
fold and unfold several times to get to hard-to-reach corners, which is where dead skin particles and dirt tend to accumulate;
You can use a toothpick to clean the most difficult places;

Now you know how to clean your wristwatch at home.

Prevention of yellowness

To avoid having to google tips on how to lighten a case, you should handle it carefully, otherwise the material will begin to lose color ahead of time.

Avoid scratches and abrasions - surface defects are quickly clogged with dirt.
Do not touch your smartphone with very dirty hands or place it on dirty surfaces.
Wipe the case with a damp cloth more often (at least once a week). Moreover, it is advisable to do this not only outside, but also inside.
Do not leave your smartphone in direct sunlight or near strong heat sources.

Even if all conditions are met, any silicone case will fade or turn yellow over time. This is a feature of the material that cannot be avoided. Therefore, instead of fussing over it, it’s better to just take a new one, especially since they are inexpensive and can maintain a presentable appearance for at least several months. Well, don’t buy purely transparent cases, because these are the ones where marks appear the fastest. It is better to take a silicone, but opaque, leather or hard plastic case.

Do you know how to whiten a yellowed silicone case in other ways that we forgot to mention? Or have you tried some tips but they didn't help? Share your experience under the article!

Which bracelet should I buy for Mi Band 2?

Dark colors

If you don’t want to constantly clean your bracelet from dirt, then the best solution is to buy a black bracelet. Over time, it will also get dirty, but it will be at least less noticeable.

Verified stores

If the black color is not suitable and you need something lighter or brighter, then you will have to come to terms with the fact that you will have to change the strap periodically.

Leather straps

Silicone straps, no matter how high quality they are, still get dirty quite quickly and in this case the best option would be to buy. They are reliable, look more classic, and also have a metal capsule, which makes the tracker look more expensive.

Metal bracelets

Silicone and leather straps for a fitness bracelet are quite common, but the industry has gone even further, so you can even purchase one for the Mi Band. It does not have to be washed and replaced every few months, like silicone.

Silicone with pattern

If you are ready to exchange a silicone bracelet only for a silicone one, then we recommend paying attention to bracelets with a pattern and various perforations. Your Mi Band will not be like others with bracelets that are already in the KTS network.

If you were able to restore your bracelet to its original form using a special solution, great. If not, you should replace the old strap with a new one: leather, metal or silicone with a pattern and perforation. The choice is yours; besides, they are all available on the KTS network. How to clean white leather goods.

Wooden

Use compressed air to clean the entire mechanism. Just apply light pressure so as not to damage the delicate connections of all watch parts.
Carry out the same procedure with the body. In this case, you can increase the air pressure for better cleaning.
Take a thin brush and moisten it in pure gasoline or alcohol. Use gentle, smooth movements to process all the details of your mechanical watch.
Wipe with a cloth or napkin if there are rough stains on the parts.
Allow the entire mechanism to dry completely.

Any watch must be regularly cleaned of dirt and dust, and if necessary, the steel or gold case must be polished - this golden rule is known to all watch owners. But the need to care for a leather or satin leather-based strap is often forgotten, and this leads to the fact that it needs to be replaced frequently: spend money on an expensive original belt (which, moreover, may already be discontinued) or choose another one - not always a perfect match, for example, in the color of the dial.

Rubber or silicone strap

As soon as wristwatches began to acquire more and more water-resistant designs, the question of how to replace their leather strap, which is so sensitive to the aquatic environment, quickly came up on the agenda. And the optimal solution was found quite quickly, since rubber and rubber products were already in full swing in the rapidly developing automotive and aviation industries. But naturally, divers benefited most from the use of rubber for watch straps, and only then other lovers of water and sports activities willingly joined them. Somewhat later, straps made of polyurethane (as, for example, in CASIO watches) and silicone appeared, now often used by a variety of watch brands.

Preventive measures

Compared to leather straps, straps made of polymer, rubber and silicone are less demanding in terms of preventive measures for their long-term operation. The only exceptions are factors unfavorable for them, such as extremely high differences in operating temperature conditions under significant operating loads and the process of natural aging (polymerization) of the strap material. That's why.

Despite the high flexibility and elasticity of such straps, we still do not recommend fastening the straps too tightly on the wrist. Also, avoid excessive bending of the straps (more than 90 degrees) at the contact point between the holes and the buckle tongue when fastening and unfastening the watch strap.
In cases where the watch straps are very light, and especially white, try not to combine them with dark clothing with long sleeves, which, with their cuffs, can significantly color their outer surface. This is especially true for denim products in dark blue, black, and acid-bright colors.
Do not leave watches with polymer straps near sources of intense heat (batteries, heaters, etc.), or for long periods of time in direct sunlight or strong sources of artificial light. The same applies to operation or storage at very low temperatures - from -10 degrees and below.

Cleaning

Attention! Before you clean your rubber watch strap, we, as watch experts, cannot help but remind you again that first of all you need to find the original instructions for your watch and once again read what it says about cleaning the strap of this model. If there is no information on this matter, then, as you understand, all your actions are performed at your own peril and risk.

Considering that there are practically no special means for cleaning this category of watch straps, we suggest that you familiarize yourself with the following practical tips regarding cleaning them.

First of all, try to clean the rubber (silicone, polymer) watch strap using a soap solution or dishwashing liquid. Moreover, to prepare a concentrated soap solution, it is preferable to use simple laundry soap. And unlike leather belts, where greater delicacy is required in handling, here instead of a cotton swab, an old toothbrush or kitchen sponge is more useful. We advise you to first thickly smear the soap solution on the dirtiest places on the strap, and after a while, cleaning it with a brush or sponge, wash it off the strap. If the contamination is not severe, then you can, without delay, immediately walk centimeter by centimeter with a brush or sponge with a solution along the entire length of the strap on both sides. And then rinse it with warm running water. At the same time, we sincerely hope that your watch with polymer straps has at least a water resistance of 5 ATM - well, this is to ensure that you do not “drown” it during the process of cleaning the belt.
If your belt was white, and this method did not significantly clean it, then you should try chlorine-free household products for cleaning tiles and bathrooms. But just be careful, use protective gloves, and do not apply the solution to the entire strap at once, but first try to practice on a small area of it using a cotton swab. If the result suits you, then you can proceed to cleaning the entire strap. After cleaning, be sure to rinse the strap with plenty of warm water.
By the way, sometimes to clean dirt it is enough to rub the most contaminated areas of the strap with a stationery eraser. We also came across information about successful experiences using certain nail polish removers to clean straps.

But no matter which method, dear readers, you choose, please remember that, unlike classic watch models with a conventional strap fastening, watches with polymer straps can have a design integrated with the case. And if during your experimental cleaning such a belt is significantly damaged, then replacing it with a new one can be very problematic. Therefore, first we think, and then we act!

Basic tips for caring for a silicone case

Silicone cases are very popular. Manufacturers create protective accessories of completely different types, depending on the model and type of gadget: bumpers and covers, sports and others. A properly selected model with proper care can serve you for years.

Silicone is a fairly flexible and dense material. Silicone rubber products are valued for their strength, lightness and durability. The main disadvantage of the material is its ability to absorb dirt and change color or degree of transparency.

We recommend choosing protection made from matte silicone; products made from it retain their presentable appearance longer.

Silicone protective products come in shiny and matte finishes. Matte ones are considered less burdensome to care for. Therefore, if you are faced with the task of buying an accessory for a phone or other device, we recommend choosing a matte model.

What not to do

It is forbidden to bleach silicone with bleach, as this will definitely ruin the product.
It is not allowed to use pure acetone and gasoline to clean and restore shine to the protective accessory.
It is not recommended to scrub off dirt with sandpaper, a metal scraper or hard brushes. Remember that the silicone surface is very delicate and should be treated with care. For the same reason, you should not use abrasive powders or other aggressive cleaning products.
It is forbidden to leave the product in direct sunlight, as well as near radiators and radiators. Overheating and exposure to UV rays can cause the material to become cloudy.
You should not take off and put on the protective device frequently, as this can cause it to stretch.

Choose protection that matches your phone model. An accessory that is too large will not ensure the safety of the device, and a small one can cause harm by exerting excessive pressure.

Do you like guys with long hair?

Not really

In recent years, the phone has become our constant companion, and the case that protects it is subject to the influence of various negative factors, taking their blows. That is why it needs constant care and regular cleaning. Let's talk in more detail about ways to clean a protective accessory from stains.

Use a melamine sponge for this.

Interesting fact: once I even tried to remove such stains with nail polish remover - it didn’t help. Yes, branded silicone straps for Apple Watch can be easily cleaned with a melamine sponge.
But how do I know this? About three months ago, furniture maker Vadim, who worked on the kitchen for my small apartment, advised me to use melamine sponges to clean the countertops and facades. Matte white furniture easily absorbs dirt, so the question turned out to be difficult.

I first researched local stores, and when I didn't find anything useful, I ordered a pack of melamine sponges from AliExpress.

This dirt is already ingrained, it cannot be washed or washed off without special means.

A month later I had a box of sponges.

With their help, I easily cleaned not only the countertops and facades in the kitchen, but also removed stains from painted walls, brought my AirPort Express, as well as the treasured white Apple Watch strap, to new condition.

Melamine sponge on AliExpress (from 5 rubles per piece)

How not to clean silicone

if it was not possible to quickly wash the material, and the traces do not go away at all, then most likely nothing will be done;
If there are drawings on the cover, or the bumper itself is not completely transparent, it is better to wash it with non-aggressive means - no ammonia or nail polish remover - otherwise the original shade may change;
Do not use hard “tools” (like a metal sponge for dishes) - you will scratch the case or leave abrasions, but the yellowness will remain.

Silicone quickly absorbs dirt, changes color, and becomes stained. Therefore, the covers are properly looked after: cleaned, removed dust and stains; do not use aggressive substances or sharp objects. Preventive measures delay the appearance of defects and extend the service life of the accessory.

Textile (fabric, nylon) strap

Textile straps, and especially those with special impregnation, can sometimes even outlast leather straps in terms of durability. And this is not surprising, because products made from woven synthetic fibers are less prone to abrasion and deformation than genuine leather. The main thing is to choose straps from a reliable manufacturer and preferably with metal holes for the fastener, as is often the case with NATO straps, for example. The presence of this feature in the strap significantly increases its service life.

Preventive measures

In order for a textile strap to last as long as possible, it is enough to follow the same recommendations that we described earlier for leather straps. But regarding the mandatory drying in the straightened state, everything is not so strict - the textile strap can be dried directly on the hand, which is especially important in the case of frequent water procedures.

Cleaning

Regarding cleaning textile straps, we note that you can use a wider arsenal of synthetic detergents, including dishwashing liquid, than in the case of leather straps. The main thing is not to overdo it too much with the concentration and high temperature of the water. Well, naturally, it is also better to dry such straps without using heating devices.

How to care for a suede or nubuck strap

If the belt is made of reverse leather or nubuck, it is better to treat it with a special spray before use, as we do with suede shoes. This will make the belt more resistant to the same accidental splashes of water or oil. It would be nice to buy a spray that is not neutral, but a shade that matches the color of the strap. Then the spray will help not only maintain water-repellent qualities, but also refresh the color.

Things to remember

You cannot soak the bracelet for a long time: not every coating will react happily to this. It may change color or fade.

Also, do not clean the bracelet with abrasive agents: undissolved soda, sand, etc. This can scratch or erase the bracelet's protective coating.

If the watch is expensive and you are afraid to take risks, then it is better to take the watch to a service center: the dirt will be treated with an ultrasonic cleaner, and the stains will be safely removed. In addition, it can be difficult to remove the bracelet from the watch yourself, and soaking the bracelet together with the watch is strictly forbidden.

Faux leather

Preventive measures

Don’t flatter yourself too much - faux leather straps, in principle, cannot last longer than genuine ones, no matter how well they are cared for. The loads that the hand creates during active and prolonged wear of watches with such straps are quite traumatic for their initially very attractive “external image”. Therefore, when using them, it is enough to adhere to the same recommendations that we described earlier for leather straps, and then, of course, as God willing.

Cleaning

Faux leather straps are wiped with a soft sponge or cotton swab soaked in a warm solution of detergent for synthetic fabrics, trying to avoid excessive wetting of both sides of the strap and its internal contents. Residues of detergent and excess moisture are removed first with a slightly dampened and then dry soft cotton cloth. Dry the straps in a straightened state at room temperature.

Naturally, it is useless to soften and treat artificial leather with oils; in this case, it is better to wipe it with silicone glitter to make it look a little “fresher.”

How to Clean Gold, Silver and Steel Watches

A mixture of baking soda and vinegar can also be used to clean steel bracelets. You can also use regular hair shampoo, a mild kitchen detergent, or a mild dishwashing gel for cleaning.

How to clean a silicone strap

Tags

Strap for fitness bracelet

Eraser

Acetone

Melamine sponge

Toothpaste

How to clean a silicone bracelet?

How to properly clean a watch strap at home

Features of cleaning a watch strap

Sequence of work

Disassembling the watch

Cleaning the case

Cleaning the mechanism

How and with what to clean a leather strap

How to Clean Gold, Silver and Steel Watches

How to clean smart and waterproof watches

The working process

How to clean other types of straps

What not to do to avoid damaging the silicone product

How to properly clean a watch strap at home

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Leather belt

Preventive measures

Cleaning a leather strap

How to clean the internal mechanism

Prevention of yellowness

Which bracelet should I buy for Mi Band 2?

Dark colors

Verified stores

Leather straps

Metal bracelets

Silicone with pattern

Wooden

Rubber or silicone strap

Preventive measures

Cleaning

Basic tips for caring for a silicone case

What not to do

Use a melamine sponge for this.

How not to clean silicone

Textile (fabric, nylon) strap

Preventive measures

Cleaning

How to care for a suede or nubuck strap

Things to remember

Faux leather

Preventive measures

Cleaning

How to Clean Gold, Silver and Steel Watches