We wash our hands (a lot) and clean our sunglasses and wipe down our gym equipment. Our running watches however, can get covered with sweat, sunscreen, dirt and who knows what else! How often do you clean your running watch? I recently realized my own answer was not enough and I set out to find the easiest way to do it.
How to Clean Your Running Watch
After removing my running watch after a recent sweaty bike ride, I noticed how really dirty it looked. Normally, I would just throw it onto my bathroom counter to dry while I showered. However, upon some inspection, I realized it was sticky from sunscreen, sweat, and some kind of dirt.
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As a self labeled germophobe, I cannot believe I did not notice this earlier. I decided immediate action was necessary asap. After some very unscientific research, I came up with a super easy and effective way to clean your running watch.
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Remove your watch and take off any charms or Road ID type attachments
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Fill a bowl with warm water and dish detergent
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Dunk your watch into your soapy water (and if waterproof let sit for a few minutes in the solution)
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With a toothbrush (or cotton swab) scrub any visible residue and make sure to get into all the crevices on the band
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Scrub the dial and any buttons including any attachments (Road ID or motivational charms)
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rinse in warm water
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allow to dry completely
A very simple yet often over looked part of our running routine. Many of us think of our running watch as a vital piece of running success yet, we may not take care of it the way it deserves. Depending on how often you use it, cleaning it once every 1-2 weeks is optimal.
Tell me, how often do you do a deep clean of your running watch?
Thanks for helping to make the Runners’ Roundup a huge success by visiting all of the hosts: Me, Debbie, Rachel, Jen , Sandra and Lisa
Great tips, Deborah!
I wear my watch in the shower and then, after the shower, take it off and rub it off with a towel.
However, I like your more thorough routine with an old toothbrush. I’ll definitely try that!
Catrina recently posted…The Jungfrau Region
Thanks I have done the shower method before as well but it did not clean it as throughly. 🙂
EWWWW…I often wonder what all is living in the crevices of my watch band LOL I don’t wear my on a daily basis (usually just for my long runs), but it still gets grubby. I wipe it off each time I wear it, but don’t scrub it down very thoroughly. Great idea to use a toothbrush!
Kimberly Hatting recently posted…Warm Weather Outdoor Options
Thanks happy cleaning! 🙂
I have to admit that I’ve never cleaned any of my running watches and ewwww, right? After today’s run, I’m going to get on it! Thanks for this.
Wendy recently posted…Watermelon Mint Smoothie– Cool, Refreshing, and Anti Inflammatory
It’s funny how we don’t think about it but yes it’s quite grimey
I had no idea we should do this. Thank you for sharing!
Thanks for checking it out! I happened to notice how gross mine was the other day 🙂
When I put my watch on last night before bed I thought “Hm, I should probably wash this”. You took all of my researching out of the question! I know what I’ll be doing after work today.
ha ha happy cleaning!
Runfession time! I don’t clean my watch very often. But one day like you I was disgusted to see how dirty it actually was. I used a tooth pick to clean out ‘holes’ on the strap. But a toothbrush is what I’ll use from here on. For some reason had never thought of that!
Shathiso recently posted…8 Important Tips For Running With Your Dog
I know it’s funny that we never think of cleaning it!
Ha Ha. You’re supposed to clean it?
But I haven’t worn one since Feb 14 so I think I’m good.
Thanks for the tips.
Darlene S Cardillo recently posted…Running Success (During Pandemic Times)
I am still wearing mine just to have a record of my activity
I have never cleaned my running watch but I just got mine for Mother’s Day. I guess that was many runs ago! Thanks for the instructions. I am going to work on that today.
Great happy cleaning 🙂
I think a lotttt of people (myself included!) forget to do that… Great idea to use a toothbrush to get into all the little crevices!
Thanks I was pretty disgusted when I examined mine
*raises hand* – I’m guilty of not doing this often enough. Over the weekend I used a clorox wipe to clean off my Apple watch bands, but I’m going to use your method next time. Thanks for sharing!
I was kind of disgusted when I realized how gross mine was!
Great reminder! I got grossed out by the dirt in the nooks near the buttons, and so take a toothbrush to that spot every once in a while. These days I wash the band just about every day. 😛
The sweat and the sunscreen really get in there more in the summer time
I have to admit that I actually clean my watch on the regular…it also helps that I can swap out my wrist bands. A toothbrush is a must for all the little crevices!
Michelle D. recently posted…BUFF Pack Run Cap Review
I think you are the only one who said that! Good for you
So, today will be the first time I’ve cleaned my running watch. 🙂 I have wiped off the face when it looks too cloudy but never actually washed it! Yuck!
Debbie recently posted…Running Jargon: A Guide for New Runners to Understand Their Running Friends
I was so grossed out by mine! 🙂
Every once in awhile I wear my watch in the shower but I’ve never given it a good cleaning. Great idea and this seems easy enough!
Very easy!
Ooooh good post. I actually don’t recall the last time I cleaned mine… ewww…
Yes I hear ya mine was so gross
Yeah, totally never thought about this. Thanks for alerting me to the dirt in my watch. Off to clean now!
ha ha your welcome!
I will generally wipe my watch with some rubbing alcohol, and use the same on the contacts where the charger goes. Probably not as often as I should.
Jenn recently posted…solo running vs group running
I was completely grossed out by mine!
This is no doubt, a great idea and something I have definitely overlooked! So easy to do, too!
I know I can’t believe I never thought about it before
I used to never clean my watch. Now however I do wipe it down with alcohol wipes (ones that are made to use with electronics) more frequently! I always have to remember to take it off and do the back, though — that doesn’t get done as often.
It’s easy to forget to do
Haha! This is a good reminder. My watch is definitely getting a little dirty.
Sandra Laflamme recently posted…Running with Pick-ups
The sunscreen and the sweat all the time!
I wipe my watch after I run, (mostly because it’s wet from sweat) but I have never actually cleaned it. My Garmin is black, I’m afraid to think of what it would look like if it was white like yours. Eewww
Denise @ runheartfit recently posted…Sidewalk and Trail Etiquette During a Pandemic (or otherwise)
Mine was pretty gross!
Oh my! How have I never done this!!!??? I bet mine is nasty! I need to get on this STAT. Thanks for the instructions.
I know it’s funny I never thought about it but mine was seriously gross
I have to admit that I clean my Garmin and Fitbit after every run, walk, or bike ride. Normally, I just rinse them under warm running water and then dry them with a paper towel. If that doesn’t cut the grim, I rub a little soft soap and water in my hands and then rub the suds on the gadget.
Debbie @ Deb Runs recently posted…That Time the Angels Didn’t Sing When I Ran a 5K
You are one of the few that actually clean theirs on the regular!
It works. I tried it recently after reading your post. Thanks for sharing this information.
Thanks!