New research published this summer looking at the contamination of smartwatch bands found that 95% were covered with bacteria. And surprising the researchers, the results found 85% of the bands studied had Staphylococcus spp which can cause Staph infections.
The researchers were particularly concerned about the Pseudomonas spp and enteric bacteria they found which can cause a number of serious health issues.
Related: How to clean your Apple Watch and Do’s and don’ts for cleaning your iPhoneTip: To make a habit of routine band cleaning, add a recurring reminder to your calendar or to-do list right now.
How to clean Apple Watch bands
Band cleaning DON’Ts
Per Apple’s support document:
Don’t clean your band with an abrasive cleaner or cloth Don’t use Clorox wipes or alcohol on leather or fabric bands Don’t soak leather bands in water or cleaners Don’t use hydrogen peroxide or bleachBest items to clean Apple Watch bands
Clean microfiber cloth or similar Clorox wipe or 70% alcohol only on Apple’s Solo Loop, Sport Band, Nike Sport Band, Ocean Band, or metal band (or similar silicone, rubber, or metal bands) Flosser pick UV sanitizerSteps to clean Apple Watch bands
Remove the band from your Apple Watch (refresher here) Wipe it down with a clean microfiber cloth, slightly dampen your cloth with clean water if needed Apple notes you can use a mild soap on silicone, rubber, or fabric bands To disinfect silicone, rubber, or metal bands, use a Clorox wipe or 70% isopropyl/ethyl alcohol on your cloth and wipe it down To disinfect a band of any material, you can use a UV sanitizer – but keep in mind this may age leather bands more quickly or fade fabric bands more quickly Use a flosser pick to break up and remove gunk from tough-to-reach spots Blue Tack is another way to remove dirt and gunk from links, band lugs, etc. Dry your band with a cloth and let leather bands completely dry before reconnecting them to your Apple WatchApple highlights you should follow any specific cleaning directions that came with third-party Apple Watch bands.