Rid your watch of dirt and grime with these simple tips.
If your Garmin watch is getting grubby from workout sweat, or you’re experiencing skin irritation from use, you’ll want to learn how to clean it properly.
The good news is that doing so is pretty straightforward – and we’ve got plenty of experience of what not to do when cleaning your watch band or watch case, too.
Below, you’ll find tips on how to wear your Garmin watch to avoid irritation and how to clean each specific band type.
You can also find your next strap by checking out the best Garmin bands we’ve tested.
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1. Start by checking the fit of your Garmin watch
A good place to start when trying to avoid any skin irritation issues is the fit.
Garmin’s recommended fit:
Like any other sports watch, Garmin recommends that the fit is both firm and not too tight.
You want that heart rate sensor snug against the wrist and the watch sitting away from your wrist bone, but not so much that you notice the squeeze.
In our experience, wearing a watch too tightly can cause itchiness, discomfort, and other skin irritation. It pays to find the right balance when strapping your watch on – particularly for a workout when your wrist is likely to swell slightly.
Tip #1: Keep things dry after workouts
Particularly if you work out in the heat (or in the water), you’ll want to give your Garmin watch (and band, depending on the type) a quick rinse post-workout before drying it off completely.
Wearing a sweaty or wet Garmin watch can often lead to irritation, so drop down to the tips below to learn how to rinse and dry properly.
Tip #2: Take breaks and experiment with band types
Manufacturers will always warn about giving your skin a break if irritation persists, but doing so doesn’t have to mean not wearing your device.
Switching wrists every week or so (and remembering to update your wrist preference in ‘User Profile’ in Garmin Connect) is a good way to avoid irritation.
That said, we would still advise trying to get to the root cause of any issue.
In our experience, certain band types (such as silicone) always irritate even with some cleaning, so be sure to mix up different band types and see if it eases skin irritation.
2. How to clean your Garmin watch band
The watch band is often the main culprit of causing skin irritation or odor; often because of a lack of breathability and sweat buildup from workouts. Below is how to clean each band type.
Silicone and elastomer bands
Coming as standard with Garmin watches, it’s most likely that this is the band type you’re having issues with.
Garmin recommends rinsing with cold water and letting the band dry before putting it back on your wrist. If residue has built up, use rubbing alcohol and a cloth to wipe this away before rinsing.
In our experience, loosening the fit during non-workout hours and keeping these bands dry and free from sweat buildup is the only way to avoid irritation in 24/7 wear.
Nylon and fabric bands
Garmin recommends washing a nylon band in cold water and using a mild soap if there are stubborn stains.
Again, letting this band type dry completely before wearing is essential.
Leather bands
Not many Garmin sports watches have the option of a leather band (and even Garmin doesn’t recommend using them for intense activity). Still, you may want to clean yours occasionally.
Dunking a leather band in water isn’t the play here, obviously, with a damp cloth at most being used to wipe down grime that’s built up. Just be aware that the leather may become discolored from cleaning, too.
Metal bands
As with leather straps, you should be more careful with metal bands. They’re easier to wipe down with a damp cloth, but be careful not to scratch the bracelet – using a lint-free cloth should mean it can be polished without damage.
3. Don’t forget to wipe down your Garmin watch case
The actual Garmin watch case should be treated differently from any band material, so keeping this clean requires some specific treatment.
Do:
- Use water to rinse the watch case
- Use a lint-free cloth to wipe it down
- Use a soft-bristled toothbrush to clean hard debris away from the charging port
- Clean off chemicals from the likes of moisturizers, sunscreen and soaps
Don’t:
- Use a toothbrush to clean other holes on the watch, such as speakers or microphones
- Use anything sharp to clean any points of the watch case
- Submerge in cleaning agents
- Get disinfectant in any openings on the watch case
