There is something about a watch that adds elegance and style to your personality. It also makes you a bit more sophisticated as it shows you have a keen eye for details and subtle aesthetics. Keeping your watch clean and well maintained, however, can be quite a challenge. Whether you have an automatic or quartz timekeeping watch, chances are it will get dirty eventually. From the oils on your hands to dust particles from your environment, these small contaminants can accumulate over time and impact the way your watch functions. Thankfully cleaning a watch doesn’t need to be complicated or expensive. There are plenty of things that you can do at home to keep it in great condition without breaking the bank. Follow this guide on how to clean a watch so that yours stays looking brand new every day!
Determining The Type of Dirt On Your Watch
First and foremost, before you attempt to clean your watch, you should determine the type of dirt on its surface. While most cleaning methods will work on different types of dirt, some are more stubborn than others. - Dust - You will likely find dust on your watch’s exterior where it can gather and settle. This can be easily peeled off with a soft cloth, like the ones found in your kitchen. - Grease - This is the most stubborn type of dirt. It is produced by touching your hands and will linger on your watch’s exterior. Grease is usually brown in color, but can also be red if it has oxidized. - Scratches - Even a watch that is well cared for can end up with scratches. But don’t panic: they can be removed with certain products.
What You’ll Need
Water - Using soap and water is the most effective cleaning method for your watch. You don’t want to use chemical detergents, which will strip the watch of its original finish and degrade the appearance of its band. - A soft cloth - A soft cloth is perfect for the delicate parts of your watch. Be mindful not to use abrasive materials that can scratch the finish. - A toothbrush - You can use an old toothbrush to clean the grooves and crevices on your watch. This will help remove stubborn dirt that may be difficult to reach with a cloth. - Jewelry cleaning fluid - The best way to clean your watch is with a small amount of jewelry cleaning fluid. Only use a small quantity, as it can damage the finish on your watch if you use too much.
How to Clean a Metal Strap Watch
Metal watch straps are the most common type of watch strap. It is important to clean the strap of your watch with water and a soft cloth. You don’t want to use any cleaning products on a metal strap since it can damage the surface and oxidize the metal. - Fill a bowl with warm water, add a small amount of soap and stir with your fingers. Place your watch face down in the bowl and leave it there for a few minutes. Avoid scrubbing the surface too aggressively, as this can damage the finish. - Remove the watch from the bowl and gently rinse it with lukewarm water. Make sure you don’t use hot water, which can damage the metal. - If your watch has a metal clasp, use a soft cloth to wipe the exterior of the clasp and the underside of the strap. Avoid submerging the clasp in water, as this can corrode it.
How to Clean a Leather Strap Watch
Cleaning a leather watch strap is a bit more difficult. Since leather is porous, you run the risk of soaking it completely and destroying its structure. You can’t soak a leather strap with water, but you can gently wipe it down with a soft cloth. - Use a small amount of soap on a soft cloth and wipe down the surface of the leather strap. Avoid scrubbing it aggressively, as this can scratch the surface. - You can wipe down the underside of the leather strap, but avoid getting any moisture on the top of the leather.
How to Clean an alloy watch
Alloy watches are a bit different than metal and leather straps. You can’t submerge them in water, which makes cleaning them a bit more difficult. - Start by wiping the surface of your alloy watch with a soft cloth to remove any visible dirt. - Next, use a toothbrush to clean the grooves and crevices of your watch. Make sure you don’t use a toothbrush that has hard bristles, as this can scratch the finish on your watch. - Make sure you use a small amount of jewelry cleaning fluid to remove any stubborn dirt that the toothbrush can’t reach.
Conclusion
Cleaning your watch doesn’t have to be daunting. With the right tools and techniques, you can keep your watch looking new for many years to come. Follow this cleaning guide and you’ll be able to keep your watch in great condition for years to come! 
