How to Properly Care for your Watch Strap
An important part of your timepiece, watch straps come in a variety of materials and colors. When swapped out, they can totally change the look and style of your watch, and a well maintained strap can keep your watch looking like new for years and years to come. Discover our tips for caring for your leather, metal and rubber bands below.
Caring for leather watch straps
Even water-resistant leather will weaken over time if its exposed to too much water so it’s best to remove your watch when swimming or bathing. Try to avoid wearing the watch too tightly as this can stretch the band, causing deterioration. Let your leather strap breathe by taking it off from time to time, for example, when you sleep. Try to avoid wearing your watch in direct sunlight as it can cause discoloration. To clean, rub the strap gently with a damp cloth, only using mild soap if you need a deeper clean.
Caring for metal watch straps
Metal bracelets can be tricky to maintain because they collect dust and debris in between the segments. Keep in mind that frequent cleaning can cause deterioration or discoloration. Try to dust your watch as much as possible, only using water when you need a deeper clean. To get a really deep clean, use a soft brush and mild soapy water to gently wash away dirt and debris from the band. In order to prevent rust, always wipe off any moisture immediately. Be especially sure to properly store your metal watch to avoid any scratching.
Caring for rubber watch straps
Rubber straps can become dirty easily with regular wear because of the way they rub on the skin. Carefully remove dirt and debris by washing the strap regularly with mild soapy water. Be especially sure to rinse your watch if it is exposed to chlorine, salt water or excessive sweat. Always let it thoroughly air dry after cleaning or rinsing it. Minimize the strap’s exposure to anything that could dry it out, such as perfume or rubbing alcohol. Know that rubber watch straps don’t have as long as a lifespan as other types of straps and generally need to be replaced every 18 months to two years.
Don’t apply any sort of cleaning agent to your watch strap unless you are absolutely certain it won’t do any harm. When in doubt, ask a professional or consult your watch’s manual before cleaning it.
Feldmar Watch Company is proud to offer service and maintenance for over 50 luxury watch brands. If your watch is in need of a cleaning, stop in or call us today!
