How to Clean a Leather Watch Band: A Simple Guide

There’s no better accessory than a leather watch. Understated and sophisticated, it can elevate the most basic outfit.

A good watch holds up well to daily use. But leather is porous and easily absorbs dirt and sweat. Not to worry. With a bit of care, your watch can look good for many years to come.

Wondering how to clean a leather watch band? Read on to find out how.

 

A Step-by-Step Guide on How to Clean a Leather Watch Band

Caring for leather doesn’t need to be intimidating. All you need are these supplies, which are very easy to find:

• 2 soft microfiber or jewelry polishing cloths
• mild hand soap or saddle soap
• leather conditioner

Now that you’ve gathered your supplies, follow these steps.

Step 1: Disassemble

Before you begin, remove the strap from your watch. This is crucial for protecting it from unintentional damage.

If your leather band has an odor, it may need to air out. Lay your strap in a flat area and leave it there overnight.

Step 2: Wipe it Down

Using a dry cloth, gently wipe your leather watch band. This will get rid of moisture lurking in your band. It’ll also clear away debris that could scratch your leather during the next step.

Step 3: Wash Your Band

Now it’s time to thoroughly clean your band with gentle soap.

Remember that leather absorbs moisture, so you want to avoid submerging your band.  You should also be careful not to scrub too hard. Abrasive actions could damage your leather.

Rubbing a damp cloth in light circular motions should do the trick. 

Step 4: Get Rid of Soap Residue

Next, you want to make sure your leather watchband is free of soap.

Take your cleaning cloth and rinse it under running water. Wring out excess water well. You want a damp cloth, not one that’s soaking wet. Repeat until the soap is gone.

Proceed to wipe your band down and wipe away any residue the soap has left behind.

Step 5: Let it Dry

Lay your band out and give it time to air dry. Choose a spot that’s cool and out of direct sunlight.

Tempted to speed this process up a bit? Not so fast. It’s best to avoid breaking out the hairdryer. Doing so could shrink your leather.

Step 6: Condition

This last step is the most important in your leather care routine.

Once your band is dry, apply a leather conditioner to both sides. Let it sit for a few minutes before putting your watch back together.

Conditioner keeps your strap moist and soft. Be sure to use something made for watches and jewelry, not for upholstery.

Make Leather Care Part of Your Routine

Now that you know how to clean a leather watch band, you can include leather care into your routine. As a rule of thumb, you should clean your band about every two weeks.

Looking for other leather accessories to go with your watch? Take a look around our site, or contact us today.