How To Clean A Metal Watch Strap？

Why Your Steel Watch Band Darkens & How to Restore Its Shine Easily

Recently, while assisting a customer who wants to purchase a replacement bvlgari diagono bracelet, he shared a concern: he had previously bought a Longines steel watch band, which turned black after prolonged use, and as a result, he never repurchased from the brand. 

 

Coincidentally, I also came across many netizens complaining about similar issues online. In fact, steel watch bands turning black is not an “imperfection” exclusive to Longines. Today, I want to share some tips on caring for steel watch bands.

Misconception Cleared: Blackening Has Nothing to Do with the Brand

Steel watch bands turning black comes down to two key factors: material properties and daily maintenance. It has no direct link to the brand.

Most steel bands—whether from Longines, Bulgari, or other brands—are made of stainless steel (some contain nickel alloys). Human sweat has salt, oil, and other components. Over long-term contact, these react slightly with the metal.

Plus, during daily wear, dust and sebum easily get trapped in the band’s gaps. If you don’t clean it for a long time, this dirt accumulates and oxidizes. Gradually, the steel band loses its luster. It may even develop black or yellowish marks.

In short, any brand’s steel watch band could face this problem if not properly maintained.

Summer Makes Blackening Worse

Summer brings higher temperatures and more sweating. This puts extra “cleaning pressure” on steel bands.

 

Sweat residue builds up faster. Dirt also adheres more easily to the band. That’s why regular cleaning and maintenance become crucial in summer. They help extend the band’s lifespan and keep it shiny.
How To Clean A Metal Watch Strap

This issue becomes more noticeable in summer, when higher temperatures lead to increased sweating, putting more “cleaning pressure” on the steel band—sweat residue builds up faster, and dirt adheres more easily. At this point, regular cleaning and maintenance are key to extending the band’s lifespan and keeping it shiny.

You might wonder: How do I how to clean watch metal strap to make it look like new? There are actually two methods, and you can choose based on your needs:

The simplest and most direct method

Take your watch directly to a reputable watch repair shop, where staff will use professional tools (such as an ultrasonic cleaner and specialized cleaning agents) for deep cleaning. This method requires no effort on your part, and they can also check the tightness of the band’s screws and spring bars—perfect for those who dislike hassle or want thorough maintenance.

The following video will show you how to clean a watch strap with an ultrasonic machine

The “Convenient At-Home Method”

No complex tools are needed, and you can do it easily at home. The steps are simple:

Prepare tools: A disposable cup, warm water (around 40°C), a small amount of neutral dish soap (avoid strong alkaline cleaners), and a soft-bristled toothbrush (an old one is recommended to prevent scratching the steel band).

  1. Make the cleaning solution: Pour warm water into the cup, add 1-2 drops of dish soap, and stir gently until fine bubbles form.
  2. Soak the steel band: Hold the watch with the case facing up (to avoid water ingress), fully submerge the steel band in the cleaning solution, and let it sit for 30 minutes. During this time, you’ll see black dirt gradually settling at the bottom of the cup—this is the sebum and dust that has accumulated over time.
  3. Clean and rinse: If you have an ultrasonic cleaner, you can remove the steel band separately and clean it for 3-5 minutes (Important note: Never put the watch case into the cleaner or let it come into contact with water). If not, gently scrub the gaps of the band with the soft-bristled toothbrush, then rinse off any remaining dish soap with clean water.
  4. Dry and wear: Blot the steel band dry with a clean soft cloth, let it air-dry in a well-ventilated area, and then it’s ready to wear—you’ll notice the band has clearly regained its luster.
clean metal banding strap​

A special reminder here: The water temperature must be controlled at around 40°C. If the water is too hot, aging of the watch case’s sealing gasket may lead to water mist inside the case, or even rust on internal components. If the water is too cold, it will affect the dissolving effect of the dish soap, reducing its cleaning power.

In fact, a steel watch band is like the “outerwear” of a watch. Spending a few extra minutes on daily maintenance not only prevents the blackening issue but also allows it to accompany your watch for longer.

 Next time you encounter a steel watch band turning black, don’t blame the brand first—instead, check your cleaning frequency. With proper care, steel watch bands from Longines or any other brand can maintain their “brand-new look.”

One comment

  1. This is a very good tip especially to those new to the blogosphere.
    Short but very accurate information… Many thanks for sharing this one.
    A must read post!

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