Here’s something shocking. According to research, a smartwatch is up to 30X dirtier than a toilet seat. Unbelievable, right? That is what I thought the first time I came across this statistic. But it makes sense.
You take your Fitbit smartwatch everywhere you go, from work to the gym to the toilet. As a result, different types of gunk and grime accumulate on your gadget over time, including sweat, dirt, bacteria, and food particles. To keep your Fitbit in pristine condition, you must clean the entire thing at least once a week.
Read to find out how to effectively clean your Fitbit without risking damaging different components.
How to Clean Fitbit-Step-By-Step
Most of the Fitbit gadgets I’ve owned through the years were water-resistant. The first time I bought a Fitbit that claimed to be waterproof, I tried to clean it by dipping it in a water basin. Nothing adverse was supposed to happen, right? Wrong. The device died, and I had to replace it. And, I’m not the only one whose device has been ruined by water, despite it being waterproof or water-resistant. Check out the complaints posted on the Fitbit Community.
Don’t ever try to wash your entire smartwatch by dipping it in water like I did. You never know what will happen. On the contrary, do the following:
Step 1: Remove the Bands
The exact process to follow while taking off your smartwatch’s bands depends on the gadget you have. But generally, all you have to do is turn over your device, locate and release the band latches, and pull each band away from the gadget. The last step should be executed gently to avoid damaging the band and other vital components like the connector pins.
Note most Fitbit user manuals outline the exact steps for removing bands from specific Fitbit gadgets. If you encounter any challenges while following the steps I’ve recommended here, don’t force anything to go your way. If you still have the original user manual, fish it out and check what the manufacturer says. If you’ve lost the original, search for a copy online.
Read Also: How to Switch the Band on the Huawei Honor Band 4 Fitness Tracker
Step 2: Clean Using a Lint-free Cloth and Rubbing Alcohol
The best items for cleaning your smartwatch and restoring mint condition are rubbing alcohol and a lint-free cloth. Use the rubbing alcohol to dampen the piece of cloth, then use it to clean the gadget’s face, backside, and casing. You may hold the gadget over steaming hot water while doing so. The steam emanating from the water will loosen stubborn gunk. That is what I do.
And if you don’t have a lint-free cloth or rubbing alcohol, a disinfecting wipe or a 70% Isopropyl wipe can do the trick.
I can’t stress this point enough. Whichever way you clean your Fitbit, avoid wetting any buttons, ports, and dials.
Why Does My Fitbit Stink and Smells Bad
Here’s another mistake I made while I was still a smartwatch newbie. Although I cleaned my smartwatch every other day, I often ignored the straps. And, since I lead an active lifestyle and often sweat buckets, my smartwatch started sticking. Took me some time to figure out what I was doing wrong. So, if your smartwatch smells bad even after cleaning, there’s your answer: the bands need some TLC.
But Fitbit gadgets come with different types of bands, so there’s no one-size-fits-all cleaning process. Here’s a brief breakdown of how to clean different Fitbit gadget bands:
- Leather Bands: To keep leather bands in tip-top shape, wipe them down with a soft cloth at least once a day. Additionally, wash them with gentle soap, dry them with a lint-free cloth, and apply leather conditioning at least once a week.
- Silicone and Rubber Bands: Cleaning silicone and rubber bands is easy. Just soak them in soapy water and use a soft sponge to wash off any grime and sweat. You can use a soft brush to get rid of stubborn gunk. Then rinse the straps with cold water and air-dry them.
- Metal Bands: Most metals are susceptible to rust and corrosion. As such, while cleaning them, use as little water as possible. Simply dampen a soft piece of cloth in water and use it to wipe them down. If the bands have trapped debris, use a soft-bristle brush to remove them.
- Ceramic Bands: If your Fitbit has ceramic straps, consider cleaning them with a small quantity of rubbing alcohol. Or use a cleaner-soaked, lint-free cloth. You may also rinse the bands with a small amount of water as the last solution. Afterward, dry them with a dry, soft cloth.
- Plastic Bands: Plastic straps are the easiest to clean. Since the material is impervious to water damage, you can use water to clean them. But stick to using a gentle detergent or soap.
Final Thoughts
Fitness gadgets get dirty. Yours can get dirtier faster if you wear it daily, exercise frequently, or are outdoorsy. Like any other item, your smartwatch will get grimy and smell bad if you don’t clean it regularly. And, as I said, cleaning a smartwatch isn’t as easy as dipping it in a basin of water or washing it in your bathroom sink. It’s a tad more complicated than that.
I’ve shown how to clean a Fitbit smartwatch and its straps. If you keep everything mentioned here, you won’t have to deal with a stinking or damaged gadget.
Read also: How Do I Reset My Smart Fitness Tracker (Factory Reset)?
Common Questions
What causes the sweat smell in my Fitbit?
Sweat, moisture, bacteria, and dirt buildup can cause odors in your Fitbit band and strap. The sweat gets absorbed into the porous silicone and fabric materials. This provides an environment for bacteria to thrive and produce bad smells.
Should I wash my Fitbit with soap every day?
No, only wash your Fitbit a few times per week at most. Frequent scrubbing with soap can damage the band over time. Quickly rinsing with water after workouts is better for daily cleaning.
What household items remove smells?
White vinegar, rubbing alcohol, hydrogen peroxide, mild dish soap, and baking soda can all help remove odors and disinfect a smelly Fitbit. Never use bleach or harsh chemicals.
How do I dry my Fitbit after washing it?
Pat dry with a soft cloth, then let your Fitbit band and strap air dry completely before putting it back on. Don’t wear or charge it while still wet.
When should I replace my Fitbit band?
If odors persist after thorough cleaning, the band may need replacement. Bands typically last 6–12 months with daily wear. Check for visible damage, too.
Read Also: How to Charge a Fitbit Fitness Tracker Like You’ve Owned One Before
