What is the best way to clean between the links of my Stainless Steel watch?

Question

Everytime I wear it out for a day then take it off, I get this unattractive black mark around my wrist. What's the best way to clean between the links?

Answer 1

Back when I used to wear a watch, I used an old toothbrush and plain old soap and water and just gave it a good scrub down.  It really does get nasty between those links!  I'd hold the watch part, so as to not get it wet, and lay the bracelet part on the counter for the scrub.

Enjoy your nice clean watch then!

Answer 2

Take the band off, you can.  Fill a small cup or bowl with water and some sort of detergent (Dawn is good, as in Pine-sol).  Let the band soak in it for a couple of hours.  (If you are unable to remove the band, suspend the watch over the rim with a couple of sticks or something).

Take the band out, use an old toothbrush to clean out, and rinse in clear water.

Answer 3

Take the watch to your local jeweller and have him run it through his ultrasonic cleaner. You would not believe the dirt that it removes.

Answer 4

That's probably not dirt but rust from the low grade of steel the wristband is made from. I'd suggest buying a better quality wristband.

Answer 5

Use your old tooth brush. It is very effective.

Answer 6

Wearing a watch day-in and day-out, can result in dirt, sweat and sunscreen building up on the bottom and in the strap or bracelet. If not cleaned out, the disgusting black gunk that builds up on your watch will start to leave marks on your wrist.

Things You’ll Need:

Rubbing alcohol

Soft-bristled toothbrush

Lint-free cloth

White vinegar

Baking soda

Step1

Remove the bracelet if you can. If you can't remove the bracelet, take care not to get the watch itself wet while you're cleaning the bracelet, even if it's water-resistant.

Step2

Soak the bracelet in water and dish soap or rubbing alcohol for a few minutes to a few hours. The longer you soak the bracelet, the more dirt will be loosened, making scrubbing easier.



Step3

Use a soft-bristled toothbrush to scrub between the links of the bracelet both on the inside and outside.

Step4

Dry the bracelet with a lint-free cloth to avoid getting fibers stuck between the links. Reattach the bracelet to your watch, then use the slightly dampened cloth to wipe down the watch itself.

Step5

Clean leather straps with a mixture of white vinegar and water and a toothbrush. Let the straps dry completely before wearing the watch again. You can go longer between cleanings if you wipe off the straps each night after removing your watch.

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You can also clean your bracelet in an ultrasonic jewelry cleaner. However, never put the watch itself into the cleaner as it will cause permanent damage.



No matter how well you take care of leather watch straps, you will still need to replace them every year or so.



Rubbing alcohol is flammable. Don't clean your watch while smoking or while near an open flame.