Keep leather and suede dry and give them rest days; wash fabric by hand; rinse rubber after salt or chlorine; brush metal bracelets with warm soapy water. Store straps out of direct sun, and let any wet strap dry naturally, never on a heater or in a dryer. Ten minutes of care a month can double a strap's life.
Key facts
- Water, sweat, heat and perfume are leather's main enemies.
- Rotating between two or more straps lets each one dry out fully.
- Never use solvents, alcohol or household cleaners on any strap.
- Remove the strap from the watch before washing it.
Care at a glance
| Material | Every day | Monthly | Avoid |
|---|---|---|---|
| Smooth leather | Wipe with a dry, soft cloth after a sweaty day | A thin coat of leather conditioner on the face, let it absorb, buff | Swimming, showers, perfume on the wrist, direct sun |
| Suede and nubuck | Brush lightly in one direction with a soft brush | Suede eraser on marks; brush to lift the nap | Water, oils, conditioners made for smooth leather |
| Fabric (canvas, tweed, khadi, sailcloth) | Shake out dust | Remove from watch, hand wash in cool water with mild soap, air dry flat | Washing machines, bleach, tumble dryers |
| Rubber (FKM, silicone) | Rinse in fresh water after sea or pool | Wash with mild soap and a soft brush | Solvents, sunscreen left to dry on it |
| Metal bracelet | Wipe off sweat and dust | Soft toothbrush and warm soapy water (only if your watch is water-resistant; otherwise remove the bracelet first) | Abrasive pads; polishing cloths on brushed finishes |
Leather: the long-life routine
- Rest it. Leather absorbs sweat. A day off lets it dry and recover its shape.
- Wear it a notch looser in heat. Less pressure means less sweat soaking in.
- Perfume and lotion go on first. Let them dry before you put your watch on.
- If it gets wet, blot it, then let it dry at room temperature, away from heaters and direct sun. Condition lightly once dry.
- Condition sparingly. Too much conditioner darkens and softens leather. Every month or two is plenty.
Monsoon and humid-climate care
In wet seasons, switch to rubber, fabric or a pass-through strap for commutes, and keep leather for dry days. Store leather straps in a ventilated box or pouch, not in a sealed plastic bag, which traps moisture and can cause mould.
Storing straps
Store straps flat or gently curved, not tightly rolled. Keep them out of direct sunlight, which fades colour and dries leather. A watch box or folio keeps straps and watches organised and dust-free.
When to replace a strap
Replace a strap when the holes are stretched or torn, the edges are cracking, the layers are separating, or it smells even after airing. A worn strap is the most common reason a watch falls off.
Still wondering?
Can I wear a leather strap in the shower?
No. Water weakens leather and can stain it. Use rubber or fabric if you want to keep your watch on.
How do I get the smell out of a strap?
Air it out of the sun for a day or two. For fabric and rubber, wash with mild soap. For leather, a light wipe and rest usually work; if the smell stays, it's time to replace it.
Can I put a fabric strap in the washing machine?
It's not recommended. Hand washing protects the weave and the lining.
Will leather conditioner change the colour?
It can darken light leathers slightly. Test on the underside first.
Does sunscreen damage rubber straps?
It can stain light colours and degrade cheaper silicone over time. Rinse after use.
Keep reading: Leather grades, and what "genuine" really means · Watch straps, the complete guide
