With the rise of connected devices, wearables ranging from smart watches to smart bracelets of all kinds, our wrists have been filled with straps. And many of them are silicone. Much cheaper to buy than the cloth or metal ones, no doubt, but also with a somewhat more complex maintenance. But not much, calm down.
The saying goes that “each teacher has his booklet”, and in the case of silicone bracelets it is also true, because although cleaning them with water from time to time can keep them relatively well, they exist concrete methods to have them (almost) like the first day. We are going to see those methods because they are not as complex as you might think.
Recommendations in case of metal
Before cleaning our silicone straps we must bear in mind that sometimes they arrive accompanied by pieces of other materials. With plastic there is no problem but if there is any metal part on our bracelet made of silicone, such as the metal pins that attach it to the watch case or the adjustment buckle, it is convenient to try to isolate it from water.
Be careful with metal parts as they could corrode or rust
For this we can cover this part with transparent film, making sure that water cannot enter, or try to keep these parts out of the water since the method that we are going to use to clean the belts implies that we have to submerge them. In any case, if these components are made of plastic, we will not run the risk of them corroding or oxidizing.
However, the logical thing is that except for the pin, which is always metallic in all straps, the rest of the components are metallic only in fabric, leather or entirely metallic straps. If our strap is made of silicone, the logical thing is that the buckle is made of plastic And we don’t have to worry about it deteriorating during maintenance.
Disassembly and immersion in warm water
The first step is, logically, separate the strap of our watch or bracelet. If we are facing a Xiaomi Mi Fit or Band type bracelet, it will be enough for us to extract the central smart piece, the one that carries the screen, to have the strap free for maintenance. If we are in the case of a watch or other type of bracelet, we must detach the strap by loosening the pins that join it to the case. It will be enough with the nail or, if necessary, that we help ourselves with a small flat screwdriver or an unsharpened knife (for the health of our fingers).
Once the strap is separated from our watch or quantifying band, we must immerse it in warm water, although it is more advisable that the water is hot so that it remains at a good temperature for longer. We will fill a container with hot water (not boiling, this is not an operating room) and we will add a few drops of dishwasher or liquid detergent. We will immerse the bracelet in this water between 10 and 15 minutes so that the dirt begins to soften and thus it is easier to clean it.
It is always recommended hot water so that it lasts without cooling until we remove the strap.
Once we have done this, we will take a toothbrush, a watch cleaning brush or ear swabs and, also with a few drops of dishwasher or liquid detergent, we will rub the bracelet gently on all parts in order to remove dirt as much as possible. If the bracelet has any type of engraving or grooves, we will do more to remove the dirt embedded in them.
Once we have finished rubbing all the parts of the bracelet with our brush or swab, we will immerse it in hot or warm water again for another 15 minutes so that the dirt is finished loosening and so that the soap or detergent residues remain in the water. Then it will be enough for us to dry the strap until there is no remaining moisture and we will put our bracelet or smart watch back together.
And once clean, some maintenance tips
In addition to cleaning the straps of our watch or smart bracelet on a regular basis (every few weeks, for example) there are some maintenance tips that will come in handy to extend its useful life and not having to buy replacements every two for three. Unless you want to vary the style and we care to make these changes, of course.
First of all, it is advisable not to subject the bracelet to unnecessary stress such as twists or forced folds. Stretching our silicone bracelet can cause it to deform, losing its aesthetics on the one hand and its fixing capacity on the other. It is also recommended that, if we have several, we keep them in separate places from bracelets or other metal objects. This way we will avoid scratches.
Avoid twisting, scratching, harsh chemicals and, if you can, long exposure to the sun.
Although silicone bracelets are for what they are for, good to know excess direct sunlight causes them to lose elasticity. If after a while you notice the stiffer bracelet of the account, it is possible that it is due to a great exposure to the sun. If you go for a run in full sun with your bracelet or smart watch, it is clear that exposure to sunlight cannot be avoided, but it is always advisable to keep it covered for as long as possible.
Finally, avoid contact of the bracelet with strong chemicals or abrasives. For example, the products used to clean swimming pools, or etching (salfumán) or turpentine in the cleaning products that we usually have at home. If you are going to use them, remove the bracelet or watch first to avoid unnecessary discoloration and deterioration. Following these tips and with regular maintenance, the bracelet should last you longer.