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Get your watch sparkling like new without damaging it
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Stainless steel watches are durable, sleek, and timeless, but they can accumulate dirt and grime over time. If your watch is looking dull, all it takes is a bit of dish soap and lukewarm water to get it clean and shiny again. Keep reading to learn how to clean your stainless steel watch, how often to clean it, and how to polish and remove scratches!
Things You Should Know
- Wipe your watch with a clean microfiber cloth to remove dirt and grime. Then, detach the strap from the watch case.
- Soak the watch strap in lukewarm water and a few drops of dish soap. Then, scrub the strap links with a toothbrush dipped in the soapy cloth.
- Rinse the strap under lukewarm water and dry it with a microfiber cloth. Let the watch air dry for 1 to 2 hours before assembling.
Steps
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Wipe your watch with a dry microfiber cloth or chamois . Gently wipe the watch face, case, band, and clasp to remove any dirt, dust, and debris. -
Remove the watch from the strap if it’s not water-resistant. Getting the watch case wet, or the circular part that holds the watch’s internal components, can damage your watch. Depending on your style of watch, you might click a button to remove the strap or unscrew a small screw. [1] X Research source- If you’re not sure how to remove the band, consult your watch’s care manual. Or, look up your watch on the manufacturer’s website.
- If the strap isn’t removable, wrap paper towels or plastic wrap around the case. Then, secure it with a rubber band to protect the case from water.
- Do not remove the cover over the watch face. The cover prevents dirt and rust from affecting the watch face.
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Soak your watch strap with lukewarm water and dish soap. Just fill a small bowl with water and add a few drops of dish soap. Soaking your watch strap helps loosen stuck on grit and grime. [2] X Expert Source Edward Lewand
Graduate Gemologist & Accredited Appraiser Expert Interview. 6 August 2019.- How long you soak the strap depends on how grimy it is:
- For light dirt and grime, soak it for 10 to 30 minutes.
- For heavy dirt buildup, soak it for 1 to 2 hours.
- If your watch is water-resistant, let the watch case soak. Just screw in the crown and any other parts to prevent water entering the case, if necessary.
- If you’re not sure if your watch case is water-resistant, look up your watch on the manufacturer's website.
- How long you soak the strap depends on how grimy it is:
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Scrub the strap with soapy water and a clean toothbrush. Remove the strap from the soapy water and use gentle, circular motions to scrub the links. This removes dirt and discoloration stuck in hard-to-reach crevices. [3] X Expert Source Edward Lewand
Graduate Gemologist & Accredited Appraiser Expert Interview. 6 August 2019.- Keep your hand light and don’t use much pressure when scrubbing. Vigorous scrubs can scratch the stainless steel.
- Do not use chemicals when cleaning your watch, as substances like benzene can ruin stainless steel and cause skin irritation. [4] X Research source
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Wipe the watch case with a damp, soapy cloth. Dip a microfiber cloth in the soapy water and gently wipe away any dirty spots, making sure to clean the back and the front. [5] X Research source- If there are stubborn spots of dirt, dip a soft-bristled brush in the soapy water and gently scrub them away using circular motions.
- If your watch case has crystals or other decorative pieces on it, gently wipe it with a cotton swab dipped in the soapy water.
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Rinse off the soap with lukewarm water. Hold the watch strap under running water to get rid of the soap. Then, dampen a clean microfiber cloth with water and wipe the watch case. [6] X Research source- Rinsing off the soap prevents your watch from looking dull.
- If your watch is water-resistant, simply run both the strap and case under water.
- Do not use extremely hot or cold water. Extreme temperatures can damage the watch’s internal components.
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Dry your watch with a clean microfiber cloth. Gently wipe the watch case, strap, and clasp to prevent moisture from getting trapped in the watch. This limits your watch’s risk of rust and corrosion. [7] X Research source- Wipe your watch down regularly, especially after you work out, get caught in the rain, or wear it underwater.
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Let your watch air dry for 1 to 2 hours, then reassemble it. Some water might remain in the watch’s crevices after you pat it dry. Rest it on a towel for 1 to 2 hours to completely dry, then reattach the strap to the watch case. [8] X Research source
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Clean your watch once per month. Regularly cleaning your watch with dish soap and water keeps it shiny and working in tip-top condition. [9] X Research source- Dirt and grime can wear down the strap links and cause it to stretch.
- To prevent stubborn buildup, wipe your watch with a microfiber cloth daily.
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Polish and remove scratches with a stainless steel polishing cloth . Stainless steel is durable, but with wear and tear it can develop scratches. Just gently scrub the marks to buff them out. Then, wipe the watch with a microfiber cloth. [10] X Research source- For deeper scratches, rub the marks with more force.
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Ask a jeweler to clean the watch if you don’t want to damage it. Jewelers have the tools and expertise to clean your stainless steel watch, especially if it’s very expensive or a treasured heirloom. [11] X Expert Source Edward Lewand
Graduate Gemologist & Accredited Appraiser Expert Interview. 6 August 2019.- Depending on the watch brand and where you live, a professional watch cleaning can cost $45 to over $200. [12] X Research source
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Warnings
- Do not submerge your entire watch in water if it isn’t water resistant. Water can damage the internal components of the watch and cause it to malfunction.Thanks
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References
- ↑ https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PRfsN9wLbRQ
- ↑ Edward Lewand. Graduate Gemologist & Accredited Appraiser. Expert Interview. 6 August 2019.
- ↑ Edward Lewand. Graduate Gemologist & Accredited Appraiser. Expert Interview. 6 August 2019.
- ↑ https://www.cleanments.com/how-to-clean-stainless-steel-watch/
- ↑ https://www.howtocleanstuff.net/how-to-clean-a-watch/
- ↑ ​ https://www.howtocleanstuff.net/how-to-clean-a-watch/
- ↑ https://www.howtocleanstuff.net/how-to-clean-a-watch/
- ↑ https://www.howtocleanstuff.net/how-to-clean-a-watch/
- ↑ https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PRfsN9wLbRQ
- ↑ https://youtu.be/S6EiBy48FQI?si=BOlgBgYaohcuPW_X&t=83
- ↑ Edward Lewand. Graduate Gemologist & Accredited Appraiser. Expert Interview. 6 August 2019.
- ↑ https://www.thepricer.org/watch-cleaning-cost/
About This Article
Article Summary
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To clean your stainless steel watch, you’ll need to soak the bracelet in a cleaning solution and wipe down the watch head. First, separate your watch head from its bracelet. Some watches only need a click of a button, while others need a specialized screwdriver. Once you've separated the watch head and bracelet, soak the bracelet in soapy water or rubbing alcohol for an hour or 2. Don’t submerge the watch head, even if it’s water-resistant, since this can damage it. Instead, wipe the head with a damp cloth to get rid of any sticky spots. Then, scrub both the head and bracelet with a soft-bristled toothbrush dipped in soapy water or rubbing alcohol, which will help you get in between the links and small spaces. When you’ve finished, wipe your watch dry with a soft, lint-free cloth and re-attach the bracelet to the head. For more tips, including how to clean a decorative watch head, read on!
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