Current:Home > reviewsYour smartwatch is gross. Here's how to easily clean it. -WorldMoney
Your smartwatch is gross. Here's how to easily clean it.
View
Date:2025-04-14 16:05:26
The smartwatch or fitness tracker you're wearing is dirty. Really dirty.
While the device tracks information like your fitness data and helps you respond to text messages, it also inadvertently collects things like sweat, lotion and sunscreen.
A 2020 experiment found a smartwatch to be dirtier than a smartphone, gaming controller or keyboard, and 37 times dirtier than your toilet seat. Yuck!
Fortunately, it's easy to quickly disinfect your smartwatch or fitness tracker and its strap using items you probably already have in your home.
Watch this video to see how to easily clean your Apple Watch or Fitbit.
How to clean Apple Watch, Fitbit, Samsung smartwatch
Start by removing your Apple Watch, Fitbit, or other smartwatch from your wrist or the charger.
Then, turn it off and remove the bands.
Most of these devices can be cleaned using a microfiber cloth, cotton swab, water, isopropyl alcohol, or a disinfecting wipe.
Gently wipe the device with a damp microfiber cloth to clean it. The cloth can be dipped in either water, isopropyl alcohol, or a diluted combination of the two.
If there's a buildup in the port or speaker, or if the Digital Crown is stuck on your Apple Watch, Apple says you can put the watch under "lightly running, warm" water to flush it out or unstick the Digital Crown.
If you have any gunk built up around the edges, creases or buttons, use a damp cotton swab or gently brush the area with a damp toothbrush.
Once you're finished, dry the device with a soft cloth.
Clean your smartwatch, fitness bands
Don't forget to clean your bands!
A lot of dirt, sweat and other gunk builds up in the little crevices attaching the tech to the strap, and it can get nasty in there.
Use a damp toothbrush or cleaning brush to gently remove any buildup on the strap.
To clean straps that aren't leather or metal, just wipe them down with soap and water.
Reviewed-approved laundry recommendations
Purchases you make through our links may earn us and our publishing partners a commission.
Reviewed helps you find the best stuff and get the most out of what you already own. Our team of home experts are always testing new washing machines, irons and more so you can shop for the best of the best.
- Editor's Choice dryer balls:Smart Sheep Wool Dryer Balls
- The best stain-removing detergent:PersilProClean
- A supersized laundry backpack:Azhido 115L Extra Large Laundry Backpack
- Lingerie bags for all your delicates:Bagail Mesh Bag Set
- A sweater-saving fabric shaver:Conair Fabric Shaver and Lint Remover
veryGood! (47698)
Related
- Opinion: Gianni Infantino, FIFA sell souls and 2034 World Cup for Saudi Arabia's billions
- Giannis Antetokounmpo and Greece head to Olympics. Brazil, Spain to join them in Paris Games field
- Nate Diaz beats Jorge Masvidal by majority decision: round-by-round fight analysis
- Man charged after giving a child fireworks that set 2 homes on fire, police say
- Head of the Federal Aviation Administration to resign, allowing Trump to pick his successor
- Megan Fox, Machine Gun Kelly, Tom Brady, more at Michael Rubin's July 4th party
- Antisemitism in Europe drives some Jews to seek safety in Israel despite ongoing war in Gaza
- Crew of NASA’s earthbound simulated Mars habitat emerge after a year
- Toyota to invest $922 million to build a new paint facility at its Kentucky complex
- Key events in the troubled history of the Boeing 737 Max
Ranking
- Mets have visions of grandeur, and a dynasty, with Juan Soto as major catalyst
- Copa America 2024 highlights: After 0-0 tie, Uruguay beats Brazil on penalty kicks
- 2 Mississippi inmates captured after escape from prison
- ‘Despicable Me 4’ debuts with $122.6M as boom times return to the box office
- Chuck Scarborough signs off: Hoda Kotb, Al Roker tribute legendary New York anchor
- Human remains found wrapped in sleeping bag and left out for trash pickup in NYC
- To a defiant Biden, the 2024 race is up to the voters, not to Democrats on Capitol Hill
- Romanian court says social media influencer Andrew Tate can leave country, but must stay in E.U.
Recommendation
Google unveils a quantum chip. Could it help unlock the universe's deepest secrets?
Giannis Antetokounmpo and Greece head to Olympics. Brazil, Spain to join them in Paris Games field
Check Out Where All of Your Favorite Olympic Gymnasts Are Now
Off the Grid: Sally breaks down USA TODAY's daily crossword puzzle, Slow Burn (Freestyle)
Nearly half of US teens are online ‘constantly,’ Pew report finds
Floodwaters erode area around Wisconsin dam, force evacuations
Off the Grid: Sally breaks down USA TODAY's daily crossword puzzle, Slow Burn (Freestyle)
A US appeals court will review its prior order that returned banned books to shelves in Texas