How To Clean A Stainless Steel Watch Band

Despite the popularity of smartphones that keep perfect time, many people like the professional look of stainless steel watch bands. Watches with slightly reflective steel watch bands are an attractive accessory as long as they aren't dulled by body oils. You may not think your wrists perspire very much, but in fact they do, and this makes it important to clean a metal watch band regularly and safely.

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If you like the look of a stainless steel watch, you are not alone. It's a popular accessory, and many men and women wouldn't trade it for any other time-keeping device. The muted shine of the stainless steel is both attractive and elegant. But to keep it that way, you need to care for it appropriately and clean it occasionally.

Just because a stainless steel watch doesn't pick up stains doesn't mean that it doesn't get dirty. Body oils as well as hand creams and other substances you rub on your body can dirty the band and reduce its reflective quality.

There is not one, best, time-honored way to clean a metal watch band. Lots of people have varying ideas on the subject. If you run a search on the internet, you'll find myriad suggestions from mild dish soap to plain water. You'll also find expensive products you can purchase to take care of the band. Many of these work just fine if you want to invest some money.

However, one of the best ways to clean a stainless steel watch is very cheap, involving only water and vinegar. Mix one part of each in a bowl or saucer. Then, use a piece of cotton or a soft, clean cloth to clean the band. Dip it into the mixture and rub it gently across the watch band. This method takes out body oils and cream residue. Allow the watchband to dry thoroughly. Although stainless steel doesn't stain, it can rust.

If you are interested in cleaning the watch as well as the band, you'll have to be more careful. You can wipe the glass face with a cotton swab dipped in glass cleaner, but take care not to get water along the edges or inside of the watch. To go further and actually clean inside the face, you might want to take the watch into a jeweler. Professionals will be able to clean the inside of the watch for you safely.