Current:Home > ScamsYour smartwatch is gross. Here's how to easily clean it. -ChatGPT
Your smartwatch is gross. Here's how to easily clean it.
View
Date:2025-04-19 15:01:31
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! (7594)
Related
- Most popular books of the week: See what topped USA TODAY's bestselling books list
- Canada, EU agree to new partnerships as Trudeau welcomes European leaders
- 5 people dead in a Thanksgiving van crash on a south Georgia highway
- How to enroll in Zelle: Transfer money through the app easily with this step-by-step guide
- New Mexico governor seeks funding to recycle fracking water, expand preschool, treat mental health
- Appeals court says Georgia may elect utility panel statewide, rejecting a ruling for district voting
- Putin’s first prime minister and later his opponent has been added to Russia’s ‘foreign agent’ list
- Slovak leader calls the war between Russia and Ukraine a frozen conflict
- Off the Grid: Sally breaks down USA TODAY's daily crossword puzzle, Triathlon
- Mississippi keeps New Year's Six hopes alive with Egg Bowl win vs. Mississippi State
Ranking
- The city of Chicago is ordered to pay nearly $80M for a police chase that killed a 10
- Family lunch, some shopping, a Christmas tree lighting: President Joe Biden’s day out in Nantucket
- Indian authorities release Kashmiri journalist Fahad Shah after 21 months in prison
- Man arrested in fatal stabbing near Denver homeless shelters, encampment
- 'Kraven the Hunter' spoilers! Let's dig into that twisty ending, supervillain reveal
- The 39 Best Black Friday Deals on Celebrity Brands: SKIMS, Good American, Jordan, Fenty Beauty, and More
- The eight best college football games to watch in Week 13 starts with Ohio State-Michigan
- Pakistani shopping mall blaze kills at least 10 people and injures more than 20
Recommendation
A South Texas lawmaker’s 15
Kentucky residents can return home on Thanksgiving after derailed train spills chemicals, forces evacuations
Appeals court says Georgia may elect utility panel statewide, rejecting a ruling for district voting
Russian lawmaker disputes report saying he adopted a child taken from a Ukrainian children’s home
Behind on your annual reading goal? Books under 200 pages to read before 2024 ends
Hill’s special TD catch and Holland’s 99-yard INT return lead Dolphins past Jets 34-13
These artificial intelligence (AI) stocks are better buys than Nvidia
Adult Survivors Act: Why so many sexual assault lawsuits have been filed under New York law