How to clean your Apple Watch in 5 steps

Remember that grime you'd get stuck under your Casio calculator watch back in the day from never taking it off?

You'd think we'd be safe from that with an Apple Watch, since we constantly have to remove it to charge it, but you'd be mistaken. 

All that dirt, dust, dead skin, and sweat still hides in the crevices of your watch, and it can even interfere with your Apple Watch's performance. 

An Apple Watch can collect too much debris around the Digital Crown, for example, causing it to get stuck. Much like the ones on your iPhone, the speaker ports on your Apple Watch are another usual victim to grime, and clearing those out can help if your speaker volume suddenly is too low. 

Also: I put the Apple Watch Ultra through a Tough Mudder

How to clean your Apple Watch in 5 steps

Requirements 

Also: The best Apple Watch Series 8 bands 

Also: Apple Watch Ultra teardown: A much bigger battery, but repairs are difficult

FAQ

Can I disinfect my Apple Watch?

If you've owned an Apple Watch during the last few years, you've probably wondered if it's safe to disinfect your Apple Watch without damaging it. Apple has approved the use of some disinfectants to safely clean your watch:

• 70% Isopropyl alcohol wipe
• 75% Isopropyl alcohol wipe
• Clorox Disinfecting Wipes

This obviously doesn't mean that you can give your Apple Watch a scrubbing with a Clorox wipe, but you can gently wipe the exterior of the Apple Watch and band with one of these wipes, with the exception of leather and fabric bands.

How do I clean my stinky Apple Watch band?

The sport band on the Apple Watch is unfortunately often plagued by a foul smell, particularly when worn during exercise. A good way to get smells like this out is to remove it from the watch and wash it well with hand soap, then dry it with a microfiber towel, and make sure it is completely dry before wearing it again.

If the smell persists, wipe it with an isopropyl alcohol wipe, especially the underside, and let it air-dry completely.

Also: New Apple Watch Ultra bands work with other Apple models, too

Can I wash my Apple Watch in the sink?

Apple doesn't recommend washing its smartwatches with soap, as soap residue can get stuck in small areas of the watch and cause problems down the line. Depending on the model, this doesn't mean you can't shower with your watch or do dishes with it, however. Again, check the degree of water resistance of the model that you own.

You can wash the band in the sink with some mild hand soap, however, provided it's not leather.

I don't wash my Apple Watch in the sink, but every night before bed, I take it off and wipe it with a Clorox wipe, then let it thoroughly air-dry before charging it or wearing it again. 

Can I clean an Apple Watch leather band?

Leather bands are not waterproof and can become discolored if cleaned wrong. If you have a leather band for your Apple Watch and need to clean it, you can use a slightly damp cloth to clean it, taking great care not to soak the leather. Let it air-dry completely before wearing it again, but don't put it out in the sun to do it, as it will become damaged. Air-drying your leather band inside is enough.

What to avoid when cleaning the Apple Watch?

• Avoid any harsh cleaners of any kind, as well as products containing bleach or hydrogen peroxide. 
• Don't submerge your Apple Watch in cleaning solutions or soapy water. Don't submerge older models in water at all.
• Don't use compressed air or ultrasonic cleaning.
• Don't blow-dry your Apple Watch or leave it out in the sun to dry.
• Never polish or buff your Apple Watch.