How to Wash a Garmin Watch

PDF download Download Article
PDF download Download Article

Garmin watches come with a lot of features that make them handy to wear on-the-go. Unfortunately, these devices can pick up a lot of dirt and sweat if you wear them a lot. It only takes a few minutes to give your Garmin watch and band the TLC they need to stay in great condition. Once your device is washed and dried, you’ll be ready to wear it again and go about your daily life!

Method 1
Method 1 of 3:

Cleaning the Watch Face

PDF download Download Article
  1. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/b\/b3\/Wash-a-Garmin-Watch-Step-1.jpg\/v4-460px-Wash-a-Garmin-Watch-Step-1.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/b\/b3\/Wash-a-Garmin-Watch-Step-1.jpg\/aid11908694-v4-728px-Wash-a-Garmin-Watch-Step-1.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":546,"licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>\u00a9 2024 wikiHow, Inc. All rights reserved. wikiHow, Inc. is the copyright holder of this image under U.S. and international copyright laws. This image is <b>not<\/b> licensed under the Creative Commons license applied to text content and some other images posted to the wikiHow website. This image may not be used by other entities without the express written consent of wikiHow, Inc.<br>\n<\/p><p><br \/>\n<\/p><\/div>"}
    Flip your watch over and find the small, multi-pronged wire plugged into the body of the watch. Pull out the plug before you start cleaning, or else you may get a nasty shock. [1]
  2. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/2\/2f\/Wash-a-Garmin-Watch-Step-2.jpg\/v4-460px-Wash-a-Garmin-Watch-Step-2.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/2\/2f\/Wash-a-Garmin-Watch-Step-2.jpg\/aid11908694-v4-728px-Wash-a-Garmin-Watch-Step-2.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":546,"licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>\u00a9 2024 wikiHow, Inc. All rights reserved. wikiHow, Inc. is the copyright holder of this image under U.S. and international copyright laws. This image is <b>not<\/b> licensed under the Creative Commons license applied to text content and some other images posted to the wikiHow website. This image may not be used by other entities without the express written consent of wikiHow, Inc.<br>\n<\/p><p><br \/>\n<\/p><\/div>"}
    Fill a sink or basin with cool water and a pea-sized amount of mild soap. Stir both ingredients together until suds form, then dip a clean cloth into the mixture. [2]
    • Double-check that the label of your cleaning detergent says “mild” or “gentle.” You don’t want to use any harsh soaps on your wristband or watch!
    Advertisement
  3. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/0\/05\/Wash-a-Garmin-Watch-Step-3.jpg\/v4-460px-Wash-a-Garmin-Watch-Step-3.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/0\/05\/Wash-a-Garmin-Watch-Step-3.jpg\/aid11908694-v4-728px-Wash-a-Garmin-Watch-Step-3.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":546,"licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>\u00a9 2024 wikiHow, Inc. All rights reserved. wikiHow, Inc. is the copyright holder of this image under U.S. and international copyright laws. This image is <b>not<\/b> licensed under the Creative Commons license applied to text content and some other images posted to the wikiHow website. This image may not be used by other entities without the express written consent of wikiHow, Inc.<br>\n<\/p><p><br \/>\n<\/p><\/div>"}
    Wipe off the top and bottom of your watch with smooth, circular motions. Focus on any areas with obvious dirt or sweat. [3]
    • Don’t apply too much pressure while you clean your watch, as you don’t want to damage it.
  4. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/4\/42\/Wash-a-Garmin-Watch-Step-4.jpg\/v4-460px-Wash-a-Garmin-Watch-Step-4.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/4\/42\/Wash-a-Garmin-Watch-Step-4.jpg\/aid11908694-v4-728px-Wash-a-Garmin-Watch-Step-4.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":546,"licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>\u00a9 2024 wikiHow, Inc. All rights reserved. wikiHow, Inc. is the copyright holder of this image under U.S. and international copyright laws. This image is <b>not<\/b> licensed under the Creative Commons license applied to text content and some other images posted to the wikiHow website. This image may not be used by other entities without the express written consent of wikiHow, Inc.<br>\n<\/p><p><br \/>\n<\/p><\/div>"}
    Take a clean, lint-free cloth and soak off any of the soapy water that’s still on the surface. Once you’ve finished wiping, leave your watch in clean, dry area until it’s completely dry to the touch. [4]

    Did You Know? Most watches can be kept on in the shower, though you may want to clean off your wash after it gets wet. Always double-check your user manual before getting your watch really wet, though. [5]

    5. Advertisement
Method 2
Method 2 of 3:

Washing the Wristband

PDF download Download Article
  1. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/8\/82\/Wash-a-Garmin-Watch-Step-5.jpg\/v4-460px-Wash-a-Garmin-Watch-Step-5.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/8\/82\/Wash-a-Garmin-Watch-Step-5.jpg\/aid11908694-v4-728px-Wash-a-Garmin-Watch-Step-5.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":546,"licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>\u00a9 2024 wikiHow, Inc. All rights reserved. wikiHow, Inc. is the copyright holder of this image under U.S. and international copyright laws. This image is <b>not<\/b> licensed under the Creative Commons license applied to text content and some other images posted to the wikiHow website. This image may not be used by other entities without the express written consent of wikiHow, Inc.<br>\n<\/p><p><br \/>\n<\/p><\/div>"}
    Unclip or snap off your wristband and set it aside. Different watches have different locking mechanisms, so you may want to double-check your user guide for extra clarification. If you want, you can keep the band attached to the watch while you clean it, too. [6]
    • For instance, the Heart Rate Monitor band can be removed from the rest of the device with snaps.
    • Some Garmin bands are attached with screws, while others have a lever holding the band in place. Remove the screws or pull down on the lever to detach the band. [7]
  2. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/5\/59\/Wash-a-Garmin-Watch-Step-6.jpg\/v4-460px-Wash-a-Garmin-Watch-Step-6.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/5\/59\/Wash-a-Garmin-Watch-Step-6.jpg\/aid11908694-v4-728px-Wash-a-Garmin-Watch-Step-6.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":546,"licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>\u00a9 2024 wikiHow, Inc. All rights reserved. wikiHow, Inc. is the copyright holder of this image under U.S. and international copyright laws. This image is <b>not<\/b> licensed under the Creative Commons license applied to text content and some other images posted to the wikiHow website. This image may not be used by other entities without the express written consent of wikiHow, Inc.<br>\n<\/p><p><br \/>\n<\/p><\/div>"}
    Hold the band under lukewarm or cool running water to get rid of any basic sweat or dirt. If your band is especially dirty with leftover lotion or sunscreen, dip a lint-free cloth in rubbing alcohol and wipe it down. Once the band is clean, leave it in a clean, open area to air-dry. [8]
  3. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/6\/61\/Wash-a-Garmin-Watch-Step-7.jpg\/v4-460px-Wash-a-Garmin-Watch-Step-7.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/6\/61\/Wash-a-Garmin-Watch-Step-7.jpg\/aid11908694-v4-728px-Wash-a-Garmin-Watch-Step-7.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":546,"licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>\u00a9 2024 wikiHow, Inc. All rights reserved. wikiHow, Inc. is the copyright holder of this image under U.S. and international copyright laws. This image is <b>not<\/b> licensed under the Creative Commons license applied to text content and some other images posted to the wikiHow website. This image may not be used by other entities without the express written consent of wikiHow, Inc.<br>\n<\/p><p><br \/>\n<\/p><\/div>"}
    Take a dry, lint-free cloth and wipe off dirt from your leather and metal bands on an as-needed basis. If your bands are really dirty, dip a lint-free cloth in a small amount of water and wipe down the surface of the band. Let it air-dry completely once you’ve cleaned it off before wearing it again. [9]
    • Avoid cleaning your band with special leather cleaners or metal polish, as these can cause long-term damage and ruin the color.
  4. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/7\/74\/Wash-a-Garmin-Watch-Step-8.jpg\/v4-460px-Wash-a-Garmin-Watch-Step-8.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/7\/74\/Wash-a-Garmin-Watch-Step-8.jpg\/aid11908694-v4-728px-Wash-a-Garmin-Watch-Step-8.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":546,"licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>\u00a9 2024 wikiHow, Inc. All rights reserved. wikiHow, Inc. is the copyright holder of this image under U.S. and international copyright laws. This image is <b>not<\/b> licensed under the Creative Commons license applied to text content and some other images posted to the wikiHow website. This image may not be used by other entities without the express written consent of wikiHow, Inc.<br>\n<\/p><p><br \/>\n<\/p><\/div>"}
    Turn your tap on to a cool or cold setting, then rinse your band off. Dip a lint-free cloth in a pea-sized amount of mild soap and begin wiping off any visible dirt or staining. Once the strap is clean, rinse it off with cool water and let it air-dry completely. [10]
  5. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/7\/71\/Wash-a-Garmin-Watch-Step-9.jpg\/v4-460px-Wash-a-Garmin-Watch-Step-9.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/7\/71\/Wash-a-Garmin-Watch-Step-9.jpg\/aid11908694-v4-728px-Wash-a-Garmin-Watch-Step-9.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":546,"licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>\u00a9 2024 wikiHow, Inc. All rights reserved. wikiHow, Inc. is the copyright holder of this image under U.S. and international copyright laws. This image is <b>not<\/b> licensed under the Creative Commons license applied to text content and some other images posted to the wikiHow website. This image may not be used by other entities without the express written consent of wikiHow, Inc.<br>\n<\/p><p><br \/>\n<\/p><\/div>"}
    Grab a fresh disinfecting wipe or dip a lint-free cloth in a small amount of isopropyl alcohol. Wipe down the surface of your strap, then let it dry for several minutes so your watch is sanitized. [11]
    • You can disinfect any type of wristband.

    Tip: You can also disinfect your Garmin watch face, as well.

  6. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/1\/17\/Wash-a-Garmin-Watch-Step-10.jpg\/v4-460px-Wash-a-Garmin-Watch-Step-10.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/1\/17\/Wash-a-Garmin-Watch-Step-10.jpg\/aid11908694-v4-728px-Wash-a-Garmin-Watch-Step-10.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":546,"licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>\u00a9 2024 wikiHow, Inc. All rights reserved. wikiHow, Inc. is the copyright holder of this image under U.S. and international copyright laws. This image is <b>not<\/b> licensed under the Creative Commons license applied to text content and some other images posted to the wikiHow website. This image may not be used by other entities without the express written consent of wikiHow, Inc.<br>\n<\/p><p><br \/>\n<\/p><\/div>"}
    Place your clean wristband in a dry open area for several hours, or until it’s dry to the touch. Use the clips, lever, or screws provided with your watch to reattach the band once you’re ready to wear your watch again. [12]
    7. Advertisement
Method 3
Method 3 of 3:

Machine-Washing the Heart Rate Monitor Band

PDF download Download Article
  1. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/9\/9b\/Wash-a-Garmin-Watch-Step-11.jpg\/v4-460px-Wash-a-Garmin-Watch-Step-11.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/9\/9b\/Wash-a-Garmin-Watch-Step-11.jpg\/aid11908694-v4-728px-Wash-a-Garmin-Watch-Step-11.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":546,"licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>\u00a9 2024 wikiHow, Inc. All rights reserved. wikiHow, Inc. is the copyright holder of this image under U.S. and international copyright laws. This image is <b>not<\/b> licensed under the Creative Commons license applied to text content and some other images posted to the wikiHow website. This image may not be used by other entities without the express written consent of wikiHow, Inc.<br>\n<\/p><p><br \/>\n<\/p><\/div>"}
    Check your band to make sure you’ve rinsed off any obvious dirt and sweat build-up on your band. If needed, wipe off tougher stains with a clean, lint-free cloth. [13]
    • Try to get in the habit of doing this every night or every time that you exercise.
  2. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/6\/68\/Wash-a-Garmin-Watch-Step-12.jpg\/v4-460px-Wash-a-Garmin-Watch-Step-12.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/6\/68\/Wash-a-Garmin-Watch-Step-12.jpg\/aid11908694-v4-728px-Wash-a-Garmin-Watch-Step-12.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":546,"licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>\u00a9 2024 wikiHow, Inc. All rights reserved. wikiHow, Inc. is the copyright holder of this image under U.S. and international copyright laws. This image is <b>not<\/b> licensed under the Creative Commons license applied to text content and some other images posted to the wikiHow website. This image may not be used by other entities without the express written consent of wikiHow, Inc.<br>\n<\/p><p><br \/>\n<\/p><\/div>"}
    Unsnap the watch band from the watch face and check the care label to see if it can be machine or hand washed. If it can be machine washed, toss it into your usual load of wash. Use a small amount of mild detergent with cold water so ensure that your band gets a thorough clean. [14]
    • The “machine wash” symbol looks like a bucket with water on the inside. It usually includes a temperature recommendation, like 40 °F (4 °C).
  3. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/4\/45\/Wash-a-Garmin-Watch-Step-13.jpg\/v4-460px-Wash-a-Garmin-Watch-Step-13.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/4\/45\/Wash-a-Garmin-Watch-Step-13.jpg\/aid11908694-v4-728px-Wash-a-Garmin-Watch-Step-13.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":546,"licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>\u00a9 2024 wikiHow, Inc. All rights reserved. wikiHow, Inc. is the copyright holder of this image under U.S. and international copyright laws. This image is <b>not<\/b> licensed under the Creative Commons license applied to text content and some other images posted to the wikiHow website. This image may not be used by other entities without the express written consent of wikiHow, Inc.<br>\n<\/p><p><br \/>\n<\/p><\/div>"}
    Take the strap out of the washer and spread it out in a clean, open area. Give the strap a day or so to dry before reattaching it to the rest of your watch. [15]
    4. Advertisement

Expert Q&A

Ask a Question
200 characters left
Include your email address to get a message when this question is answered.
Submit
      Advertisement

      Tips

      Submit a Tip
      All tip submissions are carefully reviewed before being published
      Name
      Please provide your name and last initial
      Submit
      Thanks for submitting a tip for review!
      Advertisement

      Warnings

      • Don’t use any sharp or rough to clean off your watch, as this can cause permanent damage. [17]
        Thanks
        Helpful 0 Not Helpful 0
      Advertisement

      Things You’ll Need

      Cleaning the Watch Face

      • Soft cloth
      • Mild detergent
      • Water
      • Clean cloth

      Washing the Wristband

      • Water
      • Mild soap or detergent
      • Clean, lint-free cloth
      • Disinfectant wipe
      • Isopropyl alcohol (optional)

      Machine-Washing the Heart Rate Monitor Band

      • Water
      • Mild detergent

      You Might Also Like

      How to
      Size & Shorten a Metal Watch Band at Home
      How to
      Set the Time and Date on a Digital Watch
      How to
      Adjust a Watch Band
      3 Easy Ways to Open the Back of a Watch With Household Items
      How to
      Change a Watch Battery
      How to
      Set the Time & Date on Your Armitron Watch
      How to
      Set the Time on a Baby G Watch
      How to
      Remove Scratches from Watch Glass
      How to
      Measure Wrist Size
      How to
      Wear a Watch
      How to
      Change 4 Different Watch Band Styles
      How to
      Fix a Fast-Draining Apple Watch Battery: 14 Ways
      How to
      Tell if a Rolex is Real or Fake: 11 Signs of Authenticity
      How to
      Spot a Fake Breitling
      Advertisement

      References

      1. ↑ https://www8.garmin.com/manuals/webhelp/vivoactive3/EN-US/GUID-7F71C5D0-26C1-40E3-AD73-D233BEAC659A.html
      2. ↑ https://www8.garmin.com/manuals/webhelp/vivoactive3/EN-US/GUID-36E172FA-C2ED-4EBC-A57D-7C0963ABA3C6.html
      3. ↑ https://www8.garmin.com/manuals/webhelp/vivoactive3/EN-US/GUID-36E172FA-C2ED-4EBC-A57D-7C0963ABA3C6.html
      4. ↑ https://www8.garmin.com/manuals/webhelp/vivoactive3/EN-US/GUID-36E172FA-C2ED-4EBC-A57D-7C0963ABA3C6.html
      5. ↑ https://support.garmin.com/en-US/?faq=yAgOpDYLCe4ftSa9k0dQx7
      6. ↑ https://static.garmincdn.com/pumac/HRMSS_Care_ML12.pdf
      7. ↑ https://www.wareable.com/garmin/how-to-change-garmin-watch-band-7357
      8. ↑ https://support.garmin.com/en-US/?faq=yAgOpDYLCe4ftSa9k0dQx7
      9. ↑ https://support.garmin.com/en-US/?faq=yAgOpDYLCe4ftSa9k0dQx7
      1. ↑ https://support.garmin.com/en-US/?faq=yAgOpDYLCe4ftSa9k0dQx7
      2. ↑ https://support.garmin.com/en-US/?faq=yAgOpDYLCe4ftSa9k0dQx7
      3. ↑ https://www.wareable.com/garmin/how-to-change-garmin-watch-band-7357
      4. ↑ https://www8.garmin.com/manuals/webhelp/hrm-dual/EN-US/GUID-8DD459F4-848B-48E7-9AA8-A9791D211310.html
      5. ↑ https://www8.garmin.com/manuals/webhelp/hrm-dual/EN-US/GUID-8DD459F4-848B-48E7-9AA8-A9791D211310.html
      6. ↑ https://www8.garmin.com/manuals/webhelp/hrm-dual/EN-US/GUID-8DD459F4-848B-48E7-9AA8-A9791D211310.html
      7. ↑ https://support.garmin.com/en-US/?faq=yAgOpDYLCe4ftSa9k0dQx7
      8. ↑ https://www8.garmin.com/manuals/webhelp/vivoactive3/EN-US/GUID-36E172FA-C2ED-4EBC-A57D-7C0963ABA3C6.html

      About This Article

      Thanks to all authors for creating a page that has been read 31,741 times.

      Did this article help you?

      Advertisement