How to clean a Fitbit – This guide will show you how to take care of your tracker and band

Trackers spend more time on your body than any other wearable device, so it is important to clean them every now and then.

The company now offers sleep tracking on all of its devices. With waterproofing allowing us to wear them in the shower and pool, the only time we take them off is when the battery is low.

You run the risk that your Fitbit will smell bad over time. These issues can be avoided with your Inspire, Versa, or Charge. Follow the instructions below to learn how to clean your Fitbit band, whether it’s silicon, leather or metal.

How to clean a Fitbit watch

Regular wrist cleaning is necessary to keep the fitness tracker or Fitbit smartwatch in good shape. This is especially important if the band is sweaty after a workout. Otherwise, it will smell. Fitbit recommends that you avoid using soap, cleaning products and the like as they can get under the Fitbit strap and cause irritation.

There are many ways to clean your Fitbit band, depending on what material you use. There are a variety of materials available from the company, including elastomer and leather. Each type has its own maintenance methods.

These are general tips for the elastomer band — the one that came with the device. But Fitbit also has some tips for other types of bands, which we will detail later.

Elastomer bands

These are the most popular, and they come as the standard option with smartwatches. These bands on Inspire trackers are waterproof and can be worn in any water condition. Although the flexible polymer is extremely durable and can withstand intense training, you will need to clean them in order to maintain hygiene and reduce irritation.

1. Keep your home clean

Fitbit recommends that you rinse your wrist and band after each workout. The band should only be cleaned with water, or soap-free cleansers such as Aquanil, Gentle Skin Cleanser and Cetaphil. It warns against getting any soaps or cleansers under the band and potentially irritating your skin. You will need to dry your band completely before you put it back on.

2. Avoid lotions and oils

Fitbit recommends drying your band with soap-free cleansers if you have been using sunscreen or other body lotions that could rub off on the band.

3. Stains can be removed

Avoid soaps if you see stains. Fitbit suggests using a wet toothbrush to clean it, but this is up to you. If all else fails, some users recommend using a magic eraser. It’s important to rinse the product well afterward.

Leather bands

Fitbit offers leather bands as an upgrade for some products. These bands are not meant to be worn for long periods of time and can’t withstand sweat and water.

It will still get grubby, just like any watch strap. Fitbit suggests using a non-abrasive, lint-free cloth that can be lightly dampened with water. It is important to allow it to dry outdoors at room temperature. It will become discoloured and damaged by direct sunlight and high temperatures.

Metal bands

The same applies to metal bands. Versa smartwatches have a sleek stainless-steel option. They can’t withstand water and sweat, so don’t soak them. You should clean them with a soft, non-abrasive cloth that is lint-free. If necessary, you can dry it. Before putting it on again, dry it with a second cloth. These bands don’t like direct sunlight or high temperatures.

Bands made of knit or woven materials

Although not suitable for intense exercise, Fitbit allows you to wash your Woven and Versa bands by hand. As long as they are properly rinsed and dried, you can wash them in cold water using a mild soap. They could become discoloured and damaged if they are left out in the sun.

Silicone Sport Bands

Silicone is used to make these perforated, breathable silicone bands. Fitbit does not provide specific cleaning instructions but recommends using the same steps as the company for elastomer bands. This means frequent rinsing with soap-free cleansers such as Cetaphil, Gentle Skin Cleanser, or Aquanil.

The Fitbit’s physical module must also be kept clean. This includes keeping the charging pins in top shape. They are located in different locations depending on the tracker, but always have gold dots where the charger connects.

How can you clean them? The company suggests that you clean the charging pins of your watch or tracker with a toothbrush and some alcohol. It’s worth giving your charging pins the same treatment with a cotton wipe and some rubbing alcohol to ensure that no swabs remain in the pins.

The pins are also important. You may have trouble switching between the bands if you get lint in the tiny holes at the band’s entry points.