Wrist hygiene. How to properly clean your watch to make it safe to use?

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Wrist hygiene. How to properly clean your watch to make it safe to use?

Maeve Taylor

Maeve is a business woman and owner of a commercial enterprise. She thrives on new adventures and isn't afraid to take risks. Her style can be described as minimalist, feminine and elegant.

30 Jan 2023

The subject related to watch care, i.e. cleaning, regular removal of dirt from various parts of the case, disinfection and proper polishing, has been discussed extensively in our articles. As such, it would seem that taking care of a watch should already be a habit for everyone. If you already clean your watch, that's great, but don't forget there's more to remember.

 

Safe use of your watch. How to care for your watch?

How to properly care for your watch to ensure its safe use? A number of factors contribute to this. But first of all, did you know that a study conducted by UK-based Tic Watches found that the watch you wear may contain up to 8 times more bacteria than a toilet seat, making it probably the dirtiest thing you have? Dirty straps, cases and other case components can harbour aerobic bacteria, yeasts and moulds that can cause serious allergies and skin diseases.

In addition, research has shown that 25% of people don't clean their watch at all, while 20% do so only every six months on average. So, first of all, clean your watch regularly, at least once a month. This is a priority to keep both the watch and your health in the best possible condition.

 

Women's watch Tissot PR 100 Sport Chic T101.910.22.116.00 wrist hygiene

 

Keeping your watch clean is important, but it's also crucial to consider the hygiene of the wrist where the watch is worn. Although this aspect concerns health, watch hygiene is often overlooked.

 

Wrist hygiene – things you need to know

You probably already know this, but it's worth mentioning that your wrist sweats, just like other parts of your body. The amount of sweat varies among people. It's just our nature. And if you wear a watch frequently, especially during workouts, it's normal for the wrist to sweat more.

Sweat and external pollutants can accumulate on your body and clothes during various activities throughout the day. You feel uncomfortable. In order to feel better, you take a shower, throw your dirty clothes in the wash and put on new ones, but the watch that was worn remains uncleaned.

 

Wrist hygiene cleaning the watch

 

Now imagine the impact on the watch and skin it comes in contact with. Sweat and dirt can accumulate in the nooks and crannies, preventing skin from breathing and rendering the strap or bracelet unhygienic. This can result in skin irritation or allergies, leaving a negative impression and disappointment towards the once-loved watch. This is a bleak picture.

 

Watch hygiene. Remember – prevention is better than cure

Want to avoid huge disappointment, serious health problems and financial loss? Here are some simple tips on how to care for your skin!

 

Swatch Clearly SO29K100 wrist hygiene watch

 

How to care for your skin?

  • Keep your watch clean. Remove sweat and dirt regularly. Disinfect it at least once a month. Rinse the sweaty strap and case after every workout under warm running water with mild soap or use a damp cloth that is soft to the touch.
  • Have a clean wrist. Wash your hands and wrists each time before putting the watch on and after taking it off. Make sure your skin is completely dry before putting the watch on.
  • Let your skin breathe and your wrist rest. Remember to regularly take the watch off or switch it to the other wrist. Wearing the watch continuously without any break can cause unpleasant skin irritation.
  • When your wrist is irritated or shows redness, don’t wear your watch until the symptoms have subsided and the skin has recovered.
  • Be careful! Make sure that allergens and other undesirable substances such as fruit juice, egg white, seafood, nuts, soya, wool, dust, sand and body lotion don’t get under your watch strap or bracelet. Even a small amount of these substances in the space between the wrist and the watch can lead to allergies and skin irritation.
  • If you notice long-lasting skin irritation or redness after wearing the watch, the symptoms of which don’t go away, contact your GP or dermatologist immediately.

Wrist hygiene hand washing

 

Wearing a watch – your health and safety 

Don’t wait and take care of your wrist hygiene now, so that using your watch is both enjoyable and safe. Keep in mind these few simple care tips. Following our guide will not only prolong the life of your watch, but will also guarantee safety during use and ensure the health and well-being of your skin.


Maeve Taylor

Maeve is a business woman and owner of a commercial enterprise. She thrives on new adventures and isn't afraid to take risks. Her style can be described as minimalist, feminine and elegant.