How to Clean an Apple Watch Sport Band

Co-authored by wikiHow Staff

Last Updated: August 15, 2022

Over time, your Apple Watch sports band can start to feel a bit overused and dirty. Wearing it out to the gym, on long hikes, or to work every day can leave your band with dirt marks or unpleasant smells. Thankfully, it only takes a few minutes to have your Apple Watch sport band looking brand-new.

Method 1

Method 1 of 2:

Cleaning Your Band With a Damp Cloth

1
Remove the sport band from the Apple Watch. Slide the band out from the main watch component. Set the watch aside in a safe area where you don't need to worry about it being damaged. Place the band on a flat surface for cleaning.
2
Clean the band with a lint free, non-abrasive cloth. Gently wipe down your band using the cloth.^{[1]
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Research source} Be sure to clean both the top and under-side. It's easy to forget about the under-side of your band because you don't see it very often.
- This is the method suggested by Apple for the officially branded Apple Watch Sport Bands.
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3
Dampen cloth with fresh water. If your band still seems dirty after using a dry cloth, dampen the cloth lightly with fresh water.^{[2]
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Research source} Scrub the areas where the dirt persists. You might have to apply a little extra pressure while scrubbing.
- Do not use cleaning products that contain alcohol. Apple Watch Sport Bands are made from Fluoroelastomer, which does not react well to alcohol.^{[3]
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  Research source}
4
Wipe away all remaining moisture. Once the watch band is clean enough to your standards, use a dry non-abrasive, lint free cloth to wipe away any residual water. Always remember to check to top and under-side of the watch band.
5
Leave band out to dry if you're not in a hurry. Unless you're in a rush to have your Apple Watch ready and back on your wrist, let the band sit out in room temperature until completely dry. You can even leave it out to dry overnight, or whenever you don't typically wear your Apple Watch.

Method 2

Method 2 of 2:

Using a Magic Eraser

1
Prepare your magic eraser with water. Wet your magic eraser with warm water until fully soaked. Afterwards, squeeze all the remaining water from the eraser. Your eraser should not
- Be careful when wringing out your magic eraser, since too much twisting and squeezing will cause the product to tear. Magic Erasers will tear over time, but there's no need speed up the process.
2
Scrub down your watch band with magic eraser. Using your damp magic eraser, firmly scrub your band. Take note of any areas with added dirt build up, and apply pressure while scrubbing. Also, pay extra attention to the lugs on the watch band, as well as the pin. Scrub both areas thoroughly.
- As you clean you may have to re-wet your magic eraser if it starts to get too dry.
3
Run your watch band under warm water. Now that you've scrubbed off all of the dirt from your band, you want to rise it off completely.^{[4]
X
Research source} This will insure that no disgusting bits of dirt get left behind on your watch band.
4
Dry your watch band completely. Once your band is clean enough to your satisfaction, dry your watch band with a clean cloth. Be sure the areas you paid the most attention to are fully dry before re-attaching to your Apple Watch.