As your fitness expert, I know you just finished an intense workout while wearing your Apple Watch. Great job pushing yourself! However, now it’s crucial to clean your Apple Watch properly to remove any sweat, grime, and bacteria that accumulated during your exercise session.
Cleaning your Apple Watch regularly, especially after workouts, helps prevent skin irritation from sweat and debris buildup. It also protects the watch from corrosion over time caused by salt and minerals in sweat. By following a thorough cleaning routine, you’ll keep your Apple Watch performing optimally for workout tracking, heart rate monitoring, and all-day wear.
In this guide, I’ll take you through the proper techniques and materials for cleaning your Apple Watch post-workout. I’ll also share some precautions to take to avoid damaging this delicate tech device while cleaning. With just a few affordable items and some simple steps, you’ll have your Apple Watch looking like new again!
Clean Apple Watch After Workout: What You’ll Need
Before cleaning your Apple Watch, gather the following supplies:
- Microfiber cloth: A soft microfiber cloth is ideal for gently wiping down the Apple Watch without scratching or harming the screen.
- Warm water: Use warm water to loosen dirt and rinse away grime on the watch band. Avoid submerging the watch face itself in water.
- Mild soap: A small amount of mild, hypoallergenic soap dilutes well in water to clean the watch band without harsh chemicals. Avoid soaps with strong fragrances.
- Soft-bristled toothbrush: The soft bristles can gently scrub away stubborn sweat and dirt, especially in crevices and grooves.
- Hand sanitizer (optional): If desired, apply a small amount of sanitizer to a microfiber cloth to disinfect the watch face. Look for brands without strong chemicals.
- Drying towel: Have a clean lint-free towel on hand to thoroughly dry the watch after cleaning.
Step-By-Step Cleaning Instructions
Follow these steps to properly clean your Apple Watch after your workout:
- Rinse the band under warm running water. Hold the watch face away from the water stream to avoid splash damage. Let the water run over both the top and underside of the band to rinse away chlorine, sweat, and sunscreen.
- Work a tiny drop of mild soap into a damp microfiber cloth. Avoid using the soap directly on the watch.
- Gently wipe the band with the soapy cloth, scrubbing lightly to loosen dirt in the nooks and crannies. Clean the entire upper and lower side of the band.
- For extra grime removal, use a soft-bristled toothbrush to gently scrub the watch crevices. Don’t press too hard or use a stiff brush.
- Rinse the band under warm water again. Rotate your wrist to let the water wash over the whole band surface.
- Dry the band thoroughly with a fresh microfiber cloth. Remove all moisture to prevent skin irritation and bacterial growth.
- If desired, put a small amount of hand sanitizer on a microfiber cloth and gently wipe the watch face to disinfect. Avoid harsh scrubbing on the screen.
- Dry the watch face completely with a lint-free towel. Buff the screen with the microfiber cloth to polish away water spots and smudges.
- Check that no moisture remains on the watch, especially on the underside of the band where it contacts your skin. Let air dry for 10-15 minutes before putting on your watch again.
Precautions When Cleaning Your Apple Watch
To safely clean your Apple Watch without causing any damage, keep these precautions in mind:
- Never submerge or place the Apple Watch under running water, as it is not fully waterproof. The water pressure could damage internal components.
- Avoid getting soap or cleaning solutions directly on the watch face, as harsh chemicals can damage the screen coating. Always apply cleaners to a cloth first.
- Do not use abrasive cloths, scrub brushes, or aggressively scrub the watch. This can scratch the watch face and bands.
- Stick to water and mild soap. Cleaning products containing alcohol, bleach, acetone, etc. can strip waterproof coatings.
- Don’t attempt to clean behind the watch face or scrub at seams containing internal components. Only clean externally.
- Skip the toothbrush scrubbing if you have a metal link band, as this may damage the finish over time.
- Make sure the watch is completely dry before putting it back on. Moisture left under the band can irritate skin.
By being cautious about water exposure, using non-abrasive cleaning materials, and avoiding harsh chemicals, you’ll be able to safely clean your Apple Watch after workouts while keeping it looking pristine.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some common questions about cleaning an Apple Watch after workouts:
How often should I clean my Apple Watch after exercising?
Ideally, you should clean your Apple Watch after every sweaty workout. The frequency depends on how intense your workouts are. Wiping down the band takes just a minute, so aim to make it part of your post-workout routine.
What’s the best way to dry an Apple Watch after cleaning?
Gently blot the band with a microfiber cloth, then let the watch air dry for 10-15 minutes. Don’t put the watch on or charge it until fully dry, as moisture can damage internal components. Avoid heat sources like hairdryers.
Can I use alcohol wipes on my Apple Watch?
Avoid alcohol wipes, as these can dry out and fade the silicone band material with frequent use. The small amount of alcohol in hand sanitizer is okay for occasional disinfecting. But wipes with high alcohol content are too harsh for an Apple Watch.
How do I clean the mesh band on my Apple Watch?
Rinsing and air drying is best for woven mesh bands. Gently blot with a microfiber cloth – don’t vigorously rub. Skip the toothbrush scrubbing to avoid snagging or damaging the delicate mesh material.
What about cleaning products like jewelry cleaner or electronic wipes?
Avoid commercial cleaners, as these may be too abrasive or contain chemicals that can strip the waterproof coatings. Mild soap and water are safest for the watch face and band.
Can I wear my Apple Watch in the shower after a workout?
It’s best to avoid showering with your Apple Watch on, as the high water pressure could push past seals and cause internal water damage over time. Clean the watch after your shower instead.
Conclusion
I hope this guide gave you all the tips you need to keep your Apple Watch sparking clean after workouts! Avoiding damage while cleaning comes down to: using a damp microfiber cloth and mild soap, rinsing well after scrubbing, drying thoroughly, and skipping harsh chemicals or abrasive materials.
Make post-workout Apple Watch cleaning a regular habit. Your skin and your watch will thank you! Let me know if you have any other questions as your fitness expert. Enjoy keeping that smartwatch in tip-top shape for tracking your fitness journey!