Leather is a very versatile and useful material for clothing and accessories, and it has a timeless look that goes with just about anything. Being a natural material, it is unlikely to cause any allergic reactions, and it is environmentally friendly and biodegradable. All of this makes it the perfect material for a watch band.
Leather is highly absorbent, meaning that it can easily become damaged if not properly cared for, and this applies not only to protecting it from exposure to liquids and giving it a regular clean but also to the method of cleaning. Follow our tips and trick below to keep your leather watch band clean and safe for long-lasting use.
What You Should Know
Before you settle down to clean your leather watch strap, there are a few things you should know:
- This process can be time-consuming, especially if your watch strap is very dirty. Set yourself up in a well-lit and comfortable area for this job.
- You must remove your watch strap from the case before cleaning if at all possible. It could be damaging to your watch if you get leather conditioner in the crown or buttons.
- Some leather watch straps are made from specialized types of leather – you should make sure there are no special instructions for cleaning your specific watch strap before going ahead with our method.
- The following method can only be used for watch bands made from finished leather. If you have a strap made from unfinished leather, the only way to clean it is with saddle soap. Follow the instructions on the packaging to do so.
What You Will Need
Having the following items on hand will ensure that you can do the job with very little fuss, and without damaging your watch band:
- Clean and dry microfiber or jewelry cloths
- Some mild soap
- Clothing-grade leather conditioner
- Optional: A spring bar tool to remove the watch strap (if your watch strap doesn’t have integrated quick-release spring bars)
How to Clean Your Leather Watch Band
- Remove the watch band from the watch case if possible. If you have no way of safely doing this, you will need to clean the watch strap very carefully, without getting the cleaning agents on the watch itself.
- Use a clean, dry cloth to wipe down the leather strap, removing any loose dirt or dust. Skipping this step could cause scratches on the surface of the leather later on.
- Dip the cloth in some water, and then squeeze it out so it is only just damp. Then add a tiny bit of soap to the damp cloth, remembering that any excess soap or water can cause damage to your watch strap.
- Gently wipe down the leather watch band in circular motions with the soapy cloth, spending extra time on any areas that are stained or dirty. You can repeat this step using a clean section of the cloth if needed until you are happy with the results.
- Dampen a clean cloth, and wipe down the watch strap to remove all soap residue. The watch band must be completely clean of soap, or it may crack once it dries out.
- Lay the watch band out flat on a clean surface to air dry. Do not attempt to use heat to dry your watch band, including in direct sunlight, as this will cause it to crack.
- Once your leather watch band is completely dry, treat it with some clothing-grade leather conditioner. Check the package instructions to make sure you are using it correctly, but the basic idea is to put a little conditioner on a dry cloth and gently wipe it evenly onto the watch band.
- Reattach the watch band to the watch case, and you may wear it again.
How Often Should You Clean Your Leather Watch Band?
If you are wearing your watch with a leather watch band every day, it is best to clean it every two weeks. However, if you only wear your leather watch strap on special occasions, you can get away with cleaning it less often.
If your watch strap is exposed to a liquid spill, water, excessive sweat, or another foreign substance, it would be best to clean it immediately.
It is not necessary to use a leather conditioner on every clean – you can use it every second time you clean your watch strap.
How to Maintain Your Leather Watch Strap and Prevent Bad Smells
Because leather is so absorbent, it is a perfect breeding ground for bacteria, and if your watch is often worn when you sweat, it is very easy for your watch strap to develop a bad smell. Regular cleaning is the first trick to preventing this from happening, but there are other things you can do to keep your leather watch band fresh and clean.
Do not wear your watch while showering or bathing, as this will cause damage to the leather and create a good environment for bacteria growth. And try to avoid wetting your watch strap when washing your hands or doing any other water-based activities.
Always take your watch off at night to rest and dry out, especially if you are in a warmer area or regularly do activities that make you sweat. This gives your watch a good amount of time to dry out and rest. If your watch band gets very wet, however, you should remove it for 24 to 48 hours to dry out completely.
To ensure that your leather watch band has a good, long lifespan, wear it loosely to prevent unwanted stress and wear, and to allow good airflow. You should also make sure it does not come into contact with any chemicals, such as cosmetics, body creams, and perfumes.
Lastly, always ensure that you protect your watch strap from direct sunlight and heat, as these can cause serious damage to the leather, making it dry out and crack.
