The Beginner’s Guide To Cleaning Your Watch At Home

If you have clicked on this article, chances are, you already know the importance of cleaning and maintaining a good watch, and I don’t have to wax eloquent about its benefits. If not, the simple answer is this: it keeps your watch clean (duh!) and extends its lifespan.

Now generally, watch cleaning is an act best reserved for professional cleaners and watchmakers, but if your schedule makes it difficult to stop by them, or if you genuinely just love your watches and want to take care of them yourself, here’s how you should go about it.

What to Consider Before You Start

Before you reach for the soap or water, understand first what you’re dealing with. Stainless steel watches and rubber straps can handle a more hands-on cleaning approach. Gold and precious metals, on the other hand, are scratch magnets, and even something as harmless as a toothpick can leave marks if you’re careless. Leather straps, on the other hand, should never be soaked or rinsed. Clean them with a dry or slightly damp cloth at most, and accept that they will age over time (as any collector will tell you, that’s part of the appeal).

Next comes water resistance. A watch rated around 50 metres can generally handle careful cleaning with minimal water exposure. Anything below that, it's best to send it to the experts. 

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You also need to check the watch's physical condition. Look closely at the crown, pushers, and especially the crystal edges. If there are chips, gaps, or anything that looks loose, it’s best not to DIY it. This is especially true for vintage watches. Moisture is their worst enemy, and even a small amount can cause internal damage if seals have degraded over time. If your timepiece has visible signs of wear and tear, it’s no longer in the DIY territory.

Different brands may also have their own recommendations. Some suggest deep cleaning every couple of months rather than monthly. If your watch came with specific care instructions, follow those over generic advice.

Also, don’t forget to factor in water temperature. Lukewarm water is the best because it loosens dirt without stressing the materials. Hot water causes metal components to expand and contract, which can compromise seals and allow water to enter the movement. Even robust dive watches are not immune to this. 

Tools You’ll Need To Clean Your Watch

You'll find most of the tool for cleaning you watch lying around at home, although we suggest that you invest in a soft brush that's gentle on your timepiece. Here's a handy list of all that you'll need:

• Gentle soap (hand soap or dish soap)
  

• Lukewarm water
  

• A small bowl
  

• A soft-bristled toothbrush or watch brush
  

• Toothpicks (for tight spots, used carefully)
  

• Microfiber cloth
  

• Antibacterial or sanitary wipes
  

• A soft, protected surface like a folded towel
  

the watch lab

But Are Soaps Safe For Your Watch?

There’s an ongoing debate among watch enthusiasts about whether soap should be part of the process. Detractors argue that detergents contain chemicals that can slowly degrade the rubber gaskets that maintain water resistance. Soap also acts as a surfactant, meaning it can more easily slip into tighter spaces than plain water. If your watch has even slightly compromised seals, soap increases the risk of moisture getting inside.

Others swear by a soft toothbrush with warm water and dish soap to clean metal and glass surfaces. A safer alternative is to reduce how often you need deep cleaning in the first place. How? Wipe your watch with a microfiber cloth every few days to prevent grime buildup. Also, regardless of which side of the debate you land on, always make sure the crown is fully secured before any contact with water.

How to Clean Your Watch?

Step 1: Wipe the entire watch using a soft, dry microfiber cloth to remove surface dust, fingerprints, and loose grime. This prevents dirt from being dragged across the surface during deeper cleaning.

Step 2: Check the crown and ensure it’s fully pushed in or screwed down. Quickly inspect the case, crystal edges, and pushers for any damage that could let moisture in. If something looks off, stop here.

Step 3: Remove the bracelet or strap (if possible). This provides better access to dirt-prone areas like inner lugs and end links, and reduces the risk to the watch head.

Time+Tide watches

Step 4: Use a lightly dampened cloth or sanitary wipe to clean the case. Work carefully across edges, engravings, and corners. Don’t soak the watch or run it underwater.

Step 5: Use a soft brush or a toothpick wrapped in cloth to target grime in tight spots. Gently work into crevices and apply as little pressure as possible.

Step 6: Clean the bracelet separately. If it’s metal, soak it briefly in lukewarm water with mild soap. Use a soft toothbrush to clean between links and remove buildup. Avoid soaking leather or delicate materials. Some cloth bracelets are machine washable, though, so check what works for your strap.

Majestix collection

Step 7: Remove any soap residue using a damp cloth. Make sure there’s no leftover soap, as it can dull the finish over time. Once that’s done, pat everything dry with a microfiber cloth. For bracelets, let them rest on a towel and gently tap out trapped water.

Step 8: Reattach the bracelet or strap, then give the watch a final wipe to remove smudges and restore its shine.

How Often Should You Clean Your Watches?

A deep clean once a month is more than enough for most people. Anything more frequent would make your watch more likely to wear out. Instead, the best way to take care of your watch is to maintain it daily. As we said, a quick wipe with a microfiber cloth takes seconds and prevents buildup before it starts.

Also, stop wearing your watch while washing your hands if you can. Water and soap tend to collect under the case and bracelet, creating the exact grime you’ll later complain about.

When To Leave It To The Professionals

Despite everything, home cleaning has limits. You can’t remove everything, especially what you can’t see. That includes bacteria, internal moisture, or wear in seals and gaskets. A professional service checks water resistance, polishes scratches, and ensures the watch is functioning as it should. So if your watch is expensive, vintage, or emotionally significant, trying to save money by doing everything yourself is your ticket to short-sightedness.