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When you own your Fitbit device, most of the time, you might tend to use it during your workout routines. Because of this, your Fitbit band might end up getting sweat or dirt in the process. While you might be tempted to do nothing, it is better when you can clean your Fitbit band.
You can get various advantages when you clean your Fitbit band regularly. The first one would be that it prevents your Fitbit device from having an unpleasant odor. Another reason to clean your Fitbit band is that it can get longer life with maintenance. If you want to save up and do not want to replace the band on your device, you should remember to clean it up.
If you notice that your Fitbit band has stains or discolorations, it might also mean that you are not cleaning it regularly – or adequately. When you want to prevent your Fitbit band from getting more discolored spots, then you should clean it. If you want to experience minimal skin irritations when wearing your Fitbit device, it is also highly recommended that you know how to maintain it.
When you want to clean your Fitbit band but have no idea how to do it, this guide has you covered. No matter what material it is made of, you can find instructions on how to clean the Fitbit band here. This guide also walks you through other topics related to your Fitbit band’s maintenance.
How often should you clean your Fitbit band?
Depending on how often you use your Fitbit device, it is recommended that you clean it after you work out. If you are the type to exercise two to three times a week, then you should clean your Fitbit band twice or thrice, too. However, if you exercise daily, you might want to clean your Fitbit band thoroughly only every two to three days. Make sure that you wipe off any additional moisture on days that you do not clean it rigorously, though.
How to clean a Fitbit band?
If you own different types of Fitbit bands, you might be tempted to use the same cleaning process for all of them. However, that is not recommended. Since each Fitbit band material is unique, cleaning each would take different steps.
In particular, the most popular types of Fitbit bands are the elastomer bands, leather bands, woven bands, and metal bands. Here is the list of steps you can use on how to clean Fitbit bands, no matter what type they are.
Cleaning Elastomer Bands
When you buy your Fitbit device, most of the time, it already comes with an elastomer band. Because of this, you must know how to maintain your elastomer bands. While this type of band is considerably water-resistant especially compared with other styles, you should still remember that it is far from being completely waterproof.
When you clean your elastomer bands, the first thing you would need to do is to remove your tracker. This way, you will not accidentally damage it. Afterward, you can start placing it under running water to rinse off sweat and dirt. However, make sure to keep the initial rinse in less than a minute.
If you are scared of rinsing your Fitbit band, you can choose to use a wet cotton ball to wipe it instead. Water is usually preferred, but you can also use rubbing alcohol at times. The latter method can be the best option to remove stains.
After you get your Fitbit band wet, you need to scrub off lotion, oil, and stain buildups. To do this, you need to get a damp and soft toothbrush. Afterward, place a soap-free cleanser on top of the brush. Brands like Cetaphil are usually the most recommended when you choose a cleaning solution.
With your brush, scrub your elastomer band thoroughly. Once you have brushed the entire surface of the bands, you can rinse off the cleanser with water again. After, you can dry it out with a soft towel. Gently pat off the water and make sure that it is completely dry. If your elastomer band is light-colored, then make sure that you are not using a dark-colored towel to pat it dry.
Cleaning Leather Bands
Cleaning your leather Fitbit bands need a more intricate process than when you clean your elastomer or silicone bands. This is because, unlike elastomer bands, leather Fitbit bands tend to be less water-resistant. The less water you use when you clean it up, the better.
To begin, you can either remove the tracker from your band or start by cleaning it directly. Get a soft, non-abrasive, and dry cloth that you will use to wipe down the lotion, oil, and sweat buildups. If you want to, you can lightly wet the fabric before you use it. Make sure that it is only damp and not completely wet because it can otherwise cause damage to your Fitbit band.
If you want to keep away from dark spots, you can apply a gentle and soap-free cleanser like Cetaphil on your damp cloth. Just make sure that you use another wet cloth to remove the cleanser afterward because you cannot rinse it off.
Once you are done, you can let it dry out. Instead of manually drying it, you should let it air dry on its own. Ensure that when you air dry it, you keep it away from locations that receive direct sunlight or have a high temperature.
Cleaning Woven Bands
When you want to clean woven bands, the process is like cleaning a Fitbit leather band. This type of band is not very water-resistant, so you need to keep it away from large amounts of water.
To start, you can get a damp or dry cloth. Make sure that you use a clean and non-abrasive cloth to do this. Use the material to wipe down sweat, lotion, or oil on your woven Fitbit band. Since it comes in a woven pattern, make sure that you are gentle when doing this, or you might damage its design.
When you want to clean it deeper, you can also apply a small amount of a soap-free cleanser on the cloth that you are using. Make sure that you use another fabric to wipe down the cleanser after. Otherwise, it might cause stains or molds to form on your Fitbit band.
Once you are done, you can dry your Fitbit band by placing it in a room with a cool temperature. You will not need to pat it dry. Instead, you can air dry it in any place that receives no direct sunlight or has a humid condition.
Cleaning Metal Bands
Metal bands can make your Fitbit look cool and expensive. However, when you use this band, it can be very high maintenance, especially when you want to clean it. Compared to other types of Fitbit bands, it is not water-resistant.
Because of this, when you want to clean it, you can only do so by wiping it with a non-abrasive cloth. Wipe down the oil, lotion, and sweat. At times, you can also use a lightly damp cloth. However, keep it to a minimum.
If you use a damp cloth, make sure to airdry your metal band afterward. Do not hand dry it. Instead, keep it in a room with a cool temperature and away from direct sunlight.
How not to clean a Fitbit band?
When you want to clean your Fitbit band, you might be tempted to do everything to make sure that you remove any spots or stains. However, that is not recommended. It would be best to keep some things in mind when you clean a Fitbit band.
The first thing you should not do is soak your Fitbit band in water. Even if you are cleaning an elastomer band, you should only lightly rinse it. You should keep them entirely away from water for other types of bands, aside from the light cloth that you will use.
When you clean your Fitbit band, you might also be tempted to clean them with dark-colored towels. While that is fine if your Fitbit band also comes with a dark shade, you should not do it when your band has lighter color.
Lastly, when cleaning your Fitbit band, you should not use regular dish soaps, laundry detergents, body washes, hand soaps, or any household cleaning solution that has a potent formula. Otherwise, they can irritate your skin. The only thing that you can use is a soap-free cleanser.
How to get rid of the smell?
If you notice that your Fitbit band is getting an unpleasant odor, you should clean it to get rid of the smell. Depending on the type of Fitbit band, you would need to clean it differently. Follow the steps on adequately cleaning your band.
While you might be tempted to use alcohol to remove the odor, that only works when you have a silicone or elastomer band. It would be best to use a soap-free cleanser to minimize the smell of other band types.
What to do if your skin becomes itchy?
If you did not properly clean your Fitbit band, you might suffer from itch and other skin irritations. The same can happen if you never clean your bands at all. When you experience rashes or itches on your wrist while wearing your Fitbit bands, you should take them off and let your skin recover.
After a few days, try your Fitbit band on again. If you get rashes or itches again, you would need to replace your band. It might be because your current band has bacteria buildup, or it might be causing allergic reactions to your skin.
Conclusion
Cleaning your Fitbit band is essential because it brings you various benefits. There are advantages when you choose to clean your Fitbit bands, from preventing skin irritation to removing odor. However, it would be best to remember that cleaning it can be delicate. Depending on its type, you would need to follow specific steps.
With this guide, you can learn how to clean Fitbit bands. From the entire cleaning process to things that you should keep in mind, this can help you make sure that your Fitbit band is always clean. Since your band might get sweat, oil, or lotion buildups after workouts, make sure that you clean your bands regularly for the best results.
