Why Cleaning Your Watch Matters
Sweat is mildly acidic and degrades leather, accelerates corrosion on metal, and weakens rubber over time. Dirt trapped between bracelet links grinds against the metal with every wrist movement. A clean watch simply lasts longer. Most damage we see that people attribute to "wear" is actually accelerated by neglect.
What You Need
You don't need specialist products. For most watches, the cleaning kit is: a soft-bristle toothbrush (new or clean), a microfibre cloth, a bowl of lukewarm water, and a drop of mild dish soap. That's it.
No ultrasonic cleaners, no jewellery cleaning fluid, no toothpaste, no alcohol wipes on the case — these are either too abrasive, too harsh for seals and finishes, or both.
Cleaning a Stainless Steel Case
- Dampen the microfibre cloth with lukewarm water. Do not soak it.
- Wipe the case, back, and lugs gently. Pay attention to the area around the crown and pushers where grime accumulates.
- For stubborn build-up in the lugs or engravings, use the soft toothbrush with a small drop of mild soap — very gently, in the direction of any brushed finish to avoid cross-scratching.
- Rinse by wiping with a clean damp cloth (no running water unless the watch is rated at least 5 ATM and the crown is pushed or screwed in). Dry immediately with the microfibre cloth.
Warning: Never use household cleaners, bleach, acetone, or solvent-based sprays on a watch case. These strip lacquer finishes, damage PVD coatings, and degrade rubber gaskets.
Cleaning a Metal Bracelet
Link bracelets accumulate the most visible dirt — sweat, dead skin, and soap get trapped between links and form a grey paste. Use the toothbrush with mild soapy water and work between each link. If the bracelet is removable, you can do this with the case detached. Rinse by wiping clean, then dry thoroughly — moisture between links causes rust on stainless steel and faster oxidation on gold-plated pieces.
Tip: If the bracelet is removable and the watch has a water resistance rating of at least 5 ATM, the bracelet can be rinsed briefly under lukewarm running water. Dry immediately and completely — use a hairdryer on its cool (not hot) setting to blow air between the links.
Cleaning a Leather Strap
Do NOT use water on leather straps. Water causes leather to stiffen, crack, and smell. Even splash-resistant watches should have the strap removed or kept dry during cleaning.
Use a dry or barely damp microfibre cloth to wipe the surface. For dirt that won't lift, a very small amount of leather conditioner on the cloth — not directly on the strap — can help. After cleaning, apply a thin coat of leather conditioner to keep the material supple.
Signs it's time to replace: cracking, severe stiffening, persistent odour despite cleaning, delamination at the edges. Leather straps typically last 1–2 years with good care.
Cleaning a Rubber or Silicone Strap
This is the easiest material to clean. It can be cleaned with mild soapy water and the toothbrush. For stubborn stains, a paste of baking soda and water (brief contact, then rinse) can help — but avoid this near the case. Dry with a cloth.
Note: silicone attracts lint — a quick lint roll or tape removes surface fuzz effectively.
What Never to Do
- Never use toothpaste — it's abrasive enough to scratch polished steel and sapphire crystal.
- Never use paper towels — the wood fibres cause micro-scratches on the crystal and case.
- Never spray cologne or perfume directly onto the watch — alcohol destroys rubber gaskets and strips coatings.
- Never use an ultrasonic cleaner on a watch with a sealed case, leather straps, or any doubt about water resistance.
- Never clean while the crown is pulled out — this removes the seal protection.
- Never use a dishwasher, washing machine, or leave the watch submerged — even if the watch is water resistant.
When Home Cleaning Isn't Enough
Some things a microfibre cloth can't fix: deep scratches on the crystal or case, grime inside the case back seam, corrosion from moisture ingress, or a bracelet that needs a pin removed to clean properly. In these cases, bring it to us — we polish, deep-clean bracelets pin by pin, and can assess any damage at the same time.
Frequently Asked Questions
How often should I clean my watch?
For an everyday watch: wipe down with a microfibre cloth once a week, and do a full material-appropriate clean once a month. More often if you exercise or sweat heavily while wearing it.
Can I use an ultrasonic cleaner on my watch at home?
Not safely for a complete watch. Ultrasonic cleaners vibrate at frequencies that can loosen jewels in the movement, displace lubricants, and damage rubber gaskets. Professionals use them for isolated components like bracelets, not for a fully assembled watch.
Is it safe to clean my watch with alcohol wipes?
For the case exterior of a stainless steel watch with no coating, briefly — but not near the crown, gasket, crystal edge, or any rubber or leather component. Isopropyl alcohol degrades rubber seals and strips coatings. Use a damp cloth instead.
How do I clean under the bracelet links?
Use a soft toothbrush with a small drop of mild soapy water, work it between each link, then wipe clean with a damp cloth. For a deep clean, if the bracelet is removable and the watch is water resistant (5 ATM+), rinse briefly and dry with cool air from a hairdryer.
Want a Professional Clean or Bracelet Service?
If your watch needs a deep bracelet clean, crystal polish, or you want it inspected while we clean — walk in. No appointment needed. We clean and polish while you wait.
Rruga Aleksander Goga · Durrës 2001 · Albania · +355 67 636 0510
Published April 2026 by Iglisi Watch · Durrës, Albania