If you’re here, chances are your trusty leather watch band has started to develop an unmistakable funk. Don’t worry; it happens and is actually more common than you might think.
Leather straps are comfortable and stylish, but after plenty of wear, they can sometimes take on some of life’s more unpleasant odors. Whether it’s from sweat, salt water, or just one of life's mysteries, sometimes our smelly leather watch bands deserve a good clean.
Not sure where to start? In this blog, we’ll share our best tips and tricks on how to freshen up your favorite timepiece accessory. We’re going to be giving you a step-by-step guide on how to give your strap a spa day – literally.
All the methods mentioned are easy and effective and will banish the stink in no time. But keep in mind all leather watch bands are different, so double-check with the manufacturer before using any cleaning products on the leather.
Why Do Leather Watch Bands Smell?
Ask yourself this: why did you choose a leather watch band? It’s probably because these straps are stylish, breathable, and comfy, right? But with a breathable and comfortable material comes unwanted smells. At the end of the day, leather is a natural material that breathes, absorbs moisture and interacts with the environment. This makes it susceptible to odors.
One of the major culprits is sweat. You’re not alone; everyone’s wrists sweat, especially during hot weather or intensive activities like exercise. This sweat gets absorbed by the leather, which in turn becomes the perfect breeding ground for bacteria. Sadly, when bacteria multiply, they produce unpleasant smells.
Secondly, just general day-to-day wear can contribute to unwanted odors. Dirt, oil from your skin, and even environmental pollutants can accumulate and sit on the leather surface. We’ve all experienced cooking a strong-smelling meal and noticing it on our clothes for days afterward. The same goes for leather watch brands.
Another factor is improper care. Leather watch brands, whether one of Garmin’s durable leather straps or something from Swiss giant Rolex, deserve regular cleaning and conditioning. It’s the best way to maintain the strap’s integrity. You’d be surprised how easily a neglected leather strap can dry out, crack, and trap odors more easily.
Steps to Clean Your Leather Watch Band
Now we know why leather watch straps gather those annoying smells, it’s time to roll up our sleeves and get down to the fun part: cleaning! Don’t worry, it’s super easy and you’ll only need a few tools and products to get started. Before you know it, you’ll have a leather watch strap that smells fresh and looks as good as new.
Remove Your Leather Band
First things first, let’s remove the leather band from your watch. We don’t want to risk exposing any water or soap to the main element of your timepiece, especially the movement inside! Most watch bands are easily removable using a small spring bar tool.
Simply press on the spring bar and slide the band out of the watch’s lugs. If you’re unsure how to do this, consult your watch’s manual. Alternatively, if you don’t want to risk damaging your watch, drop it at your local jeweler and ask them to remove it on your behalf.
Wipe with a Microfiber Cloth
Before grabbing the soap and water, we recommend giving your leather band a good preliminary wipe-down. Choose a soft microfibre cloth to gently remove any surface dirt, dust, or oils.
This will help to rid of any immediate grime that could interfere with the deeper cleaning process. Be thorough but gentle, ensuring you reach all those nooks and crannies where dirt likes to hide! Places like the stitching and sides of the leather strap are easy to miss but should still be included!
Wash with Mild Soap
Now it's time to get started on the deeper clean. Grab a bowl, fill it with some lukewarm water, and add a few drops of mild soap to the bowl. Baby shampoo or gentle dish soap works great. Then, soak a soft cloth or sponge into the soapy water and gently scrub the leather band. Avoid bathing the leather directly in the water, as this can cause it to warp or crack.
Instead, soak the cloth and wipe the leather down that way. Once you've given your leather band a good scrub, taking care not to miss any of those difficult-to-reach nooks and crannies, it should start to look much better.
Remove Soap Residue
Once you’re happy your leather watch band is looking much cleaner, it’s time to remove all the soap residue from the material. Be patient during this step, as clean, residue-free leather is key for maintaining your strap’s flexibility and appearance.
You can remove the soap using another damp, clean cloth and wipe down the entire band thoroughly. Skipping this part could mean your leather dries out, which could cause it to crack over time. It might take a few passes with the damp cloth to ensure all soap is gone, but it’ll be worth it, we promise!
Air Dry Completely
All the hard parts are done. Now, all you need to do is wait for your leather watch band to air dry. Find a clean, dry towel to lie on and leave it in a well-ventilated area. We recommend keeping it away from direct sunlight or heat, as this can cause the leather to become brittle.
Don’t rush the drying process because, after all your hard work, you don’t want warped or damaged leather! It’ll likely take a few hours to dry, so leaving it overnight is a good idea. Once it’s thoroughly dry, you can reattach your strap – now looking as good as new – to your timepiece!
How Often Should You Clean Your Leather Bands?
In the same way, you take care of your car or house, your leather watch brand deserves a little TLC every week. Don’t worry, we’re not saying you have to treat it to a full spa day every week, but a quick wipe down with a dry or slightly damp microfiber cloth can make all the difference.
Taking five minutes to do this can help remove everyday dirt and oils that have accumulated from your wrist over the week, and in turn keep your band smelling and looking fresh.
Then, we recommend treating your leather band to the full work every 4 to 6 months. This means following our detailed cleaning steps explained above.
Keep in mind, however, that if you’re someone who sweats a lot, lives in a hot climate, or wears their watch during exercise or other intense activities, you may need to consider giving it some extra love and care more frequently. On the flip side, if your watch spends more time in a drawer than on your wrist, you can stretch the time between deep cleans.
Conclusion
So there you have it; how to turn an unattractive, smelly leather watch band back into a sparkly accessory. We promise regular maintenance of your strap (and your watch, for that matter!) not only preserves its look and feel but extends its lifespan. By following our easy steps, you’ll keep your leather band looking and smelling good for a long time.