WATCH RITUAL
Guides / Care and ownership
Care and ownership · 2 min read

How to clean a watch and its bracelet safely.

For a water-resistant watch with its crown pushed in or screwed down, a soft toothbrush, warm water and a drop of mild soap cleans the case and bracelet; rinse and dry with a microfibre cloth. Keep leather and non-water-resistant watches away from water, and never use harsh chemicals.

By Sebastian Bassolino, Editor · Updated October 17, 2026

Before you start.

  • Confirm the watch is water-resistant to at least 50 m, and preferably 100 m, before washing it.
  • Push in or screw down the crown. Do not press chronograph pushers while wet.
  • If the watch has a leather strap, remove it or clean only the case with a damp cloth.

Cleaning a metal bracelet and case.

  1. Mix warm (not hot) water with a drop of mild dish soap.
  2. Dip a soft toothbrush and gently scrub the bracelet, paying attention to the gaps between links and around the clasp.
  3. Brush around the bezel edge and lugs, where dirt collects.
  4. Rinse briefly under the tap with fresh water.
  5. Dry with a microfibre cloth and leave it to air-dry fully before storing.

Straps.

  • Leather: wipe with a dry or barely damp cloth; let it air-dry away from heat. A little leather conditioner occasionally keeps it supple.
  • Rubber and FKM: wash with soap and water; they tolerate it well.
  • Nylon and NATO: remove the strap and hand-wash, or machine-wash in a laundry bag; dry flat.

What to avoid.

  • Solvents, bleach and abrasive cleaners, which can damage coatings and seals.
  • Ultrasonic cleaners on the watch head; use them only on a bracelet removed from the case.
  • Hot water, which stresses gaskets.
  • Polishing cloths on brushed surfaces, which can leave shiny patches.

How often.

A quick wipe every week or two keeps skin oils and sweat from building up. A deeper bracelet clean every month or two is plenty, more often after the beach or the gym. Watch servicing guide.

A few good questions.

Can I wash my watch under the tap?

Only if it is water-resistant, the crown is pushed in or screwed down, and you use cool or warm (not hot) water. Never with a leather strap attached.

What is the best way to clean a watch bracelet?

Warm water, a drop of mild soap and a soft toothbrush, then rinse and dry with a microfibre cloth.

How do I clean a leather watch strap?

Wipe it with a dry or barely damp cloth and let it air-dry. Avoid soaking it.

How we write guides: we explain watchmaking from manufacturer documentation and published standards, and say plainly where numbers vary by brand or movement. Our approach.