How to Clean Your Apple Watch and Its Band Safely

Apple's method is fresh water and a lint-free cloth. No soap goes on the watch itself, soap is allowed on only some bands, and leather and FineWoven bands are not water resistant at all. The material decides the method, which is why a routine that is fine for a Sport Band ruins a leather one.

Before you start

1. Turn the watch off and take it off the charger.
2. Remove the band — leather especially should come off first.

How do I clean the watch itself?

Wipe it with a nonabrasive, lint-free cloth, lightly dampened with fresh water if it needs it. If you can see debris, in the speaker ports for example, hold the watch under lightly running, warm, fresh water until it is clean; on a Series 10 or later you can also use a soft-bristle brush there. Dry the whole watch afterwards, back crystal included.

Do this regularly rather than occasionally. Lotion and sunscreen build up on the back crystal, and that is the window the heart sensor reads through.

The Digital Crown is stuck. What now?

Debris is almost always the cause. Hold the crown under lightly running, warm, fresh water while turning and pressing it continuously, so water reaches the gap between the crown and the housing. Repeat if it is still stiff, then dry it the same way — turning and pressing as you go.

How do I clean the band?

• Sport Band, Sport Loop, Solo Loop, Braided Solo Loop, Ocean, Alpine and Trail Loop: cloth and fresh water. These are the only bands where Apple allows mild hypoallergenic hand soap. Dry before reattaching.
• FineWoven, Magnetic Link and Modern Buckle: one teaspoon of liquid laundry detergent in one cup of water. Dampen a cloth, wring it out, rub gently for a minute, wipe with a second cloth dampened with fresh water, then lay it flat for at least a day.
• Leather: a dry or barely damp cloth, air dried thoroughly, kept out of direct sun, heat and humidity.
• Stainless steel, Milanese and Link: cloth, fresh water, dry.

Can I use a disinfectant wipe?

On the outside of the watch and on a Solo Loop, Sport Band, Nike Sport Band, Ocean Band or metal band — yes: a 70 per cent isopropyl alcohol wipe, a 75 per cent ethyl alcohol wipe, or a Clorox Disinfecting Wipe. Never on fabric or leather, never anything containing bleach or hydrogen peroxide, and never submerge the watch in it.

What should I never do?

No soap or cleaning product on the watch or the Digital Crown, no abrasives, no compressed air, no ultrasonic cleaning, and no hairdryer or other heat source to speed up drying.

Q: Can I clean my Apple Watch band with soap?
A: Only the Sport Band, Sport Loop, Solo Loop, Braided Solo Loop, Ocean, Alpine and Trail Loop, and only mild hypoallergenic hand soap. Never leather or FineWoven.

Q: Is a leather Apple Watch band water resistant?
A: No. Leather and FineWoven bands are not water resistant and must not be soaked.

Q: Can I hold my Apple Watch under the tap?
A: Yes, for visible debris — lightly running, warm, fresh water, then dry it fully with a lint-free cloth.

Q: Could a dirty watch affect my heart rate readings?
A: Lotion and sunscreen build up on the back crystal the sensor reads through, which is why Apple asks you to clean it regularly.

Apple's full guidance is on its cleaning your Apple Watch page. The iWatchly apps keep working whatever band you wear.