How to Clean a Fitbit Band

Co-authored by wikiHow Staff

Last Updated: September 6, 2019 References

Fitbit bands pick up sweat, oil, and debris during regular use. Cleaning after each use helps prevent buildup that stains your band or irritates your skin. However, the way you clean your band depends on the type of band you have. All bands can be quickly treated after use by wiping with a dry microfiber cloth. Afterwards, wash out tough stains with either soap and water or leather cleaner.

Method 1

Method 1 of 4:

Cleaning Elastomer Bands

1
Rinse off the band after usage. Simply place the elastomer band under running water. Regular cleaning this way will remove debris that can get stuck between the band and your skin. You may also dip a cotton ball in rubbing alcohol and wipe the band for the same effect without getting water near the tracker. This needs to be done regularly, particularly after sweating.^{[1]
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- Don't use soap, hand sanitizers, wipes, or other cleaning products. These will irritate your skin while you wear the band.
2
Remove oil with a soap-free cleanser. After using oily products such as sunscreen, moisturizers, and insect repellent, apply a soapless cleaner such as Cetaphil Gentle Skin Cleanser or Aquanil. Place some on your finger or on a cloth and spread it over the band.

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3
Rinse thoroughly with water. A waterproof Fitbit can be placed under running water. If yours isn't, or you are worried about damaging the tracker, dampen a towel and wipe off the band repeatedly. Make sure any cleanser you used is fully removed. Anything left on can irritate your skin next time you wear the band.^{[2]
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4
Scrub out stains with a toothbrush or cotton ball. For stains, scrubbing can help loosen up debris. Use a soft-bristled toothbrush so you don't weaken the band. For dye stains such as those from contact with dark clothing, dip a cotton ball in rubbing alcohol or nail polish remover and wipe it over the stain.^{[3]
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- Make sure you clean and dry the band before attempting to scrub it with a toothbrush. The cotton ball with rubbing alcohol can also be used to clean the band before stain removal.
5
Dry the band with a cloth. Apply a clean, soft towel to the band to soak up the moisture. Afterwards, leave the band out in a cool, shaded area out of direct sunlight.

Method 2

Method 2 of 4:

Maintaining Leather Bands

1
Wash the band with a microfiber cloth. Take the dry cloth and use it to clear off the surface of the band. For lingering debris, slightly dampen the cloth. Make sure it isn't dripping, since leather isn't water-resistant.^{[4]
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2
Dry off the band. Pass a dry microfiber cloth over the entire band to remove excess moisture. Any moisture left on the band will seep into it and cause damage to the leather.
3
Air dry the band. Don't place the band in direct sunlight, heat, or high humidity, as any of these will damage the band. Leave it in a cool, shaded spot until it feels dry to the touch.
4
Apply a leather conditioner. First, test the conditioner in a small spot. Place a small amount on a cotton ball or cotton sock and rub it on the leather. Wait a few minutes, and if the leather isn't discolored, use the same method to cover the rest of the band. Do this twice a year.^{[5]
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- A leather conditioner such as Meltonian cleans the band but also protects it from further stains.

Method 3

Method 3 of 4:

Caring for Metal Bands

1
Wipe the band with a microfiber cloth. Use the soft cloth to clear off the metal band without scratching it. If you need to, slightly dampen the cloth in water. Make sure it isn't dripping, then pass it over the band.^{[6]
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2
Mix liquid soap and water. Any gentle dish detergent that you'd use on metal kitchen cookware and utensils can be used here. Opt for the non-abrasive and neutral pH varieties such as Dawn to limit the risk to the band. Add a squirt of the detergent to a cup of water and stir it until it is soapy.^{[7]
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- This should only be done for difficult debris that can't be removed by dry wiping.
3
Apply the cleaner to the band. Dip a microfiber cloth into the mixture. Make sure the cloth is slightly damp and not dripping, then use it to wipe the band. You may also dip the band into the mixture if the tracker is removed or waterproof, but don't linger in the water.
4
Scrub with a soft brush. A soft-bristled toothbrush works well for loosening the debris. Scrub the area and the debris should fall off. For small spaces or chain links in the band, you can remove trapped debris with a toothpick.
5
Rinse the band. Dampen a microfiber cloth with warm water. Wipe off the band, making sure to remove all of the soap. If you removed the tracker or have a waterproof one, you can rinse off the soap under running water.
6
Dry off the band with a microfiber cloth. Don't allow water to sit on the metal. Use a dry microfiber cloth or other cloth designed not to scratch metal. Wipe the band, making sure to remove any moisture. Metal bands generally aren't resistant to water and will take on tarnish when left exposed.

Method 4

Method 4 of 4:

Cleaning Nylon Bands

1
Wipe the band with a microfiber cloth. For general cleaning, pass the microfiber cloth over the entire band. Most of the time, this will remove all debris.^{[8]
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2
Mix soap and cold water. In a bowl, mix a finger-sized dollop of liquid laundry or dish detergent with the water. The water must be cold to avoid bleeding the nylon. Choose a mild detergent such as Dawn, especially when using dish soap, to avoid wearing out the band's fibers.^{[9]
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- Another way to do this is to put the soap on your finger, get the band wet, and use your finger to spread the soap.
3
Wash the band with the soap. Dip a soft cloth into the mixture. Unless your tracker is removed or waterproof, use the cloth to spread the soapy water. The soap will help fight tough stains as well as smells.
4
Rinse off the band. Dampen a soft cloth with cold water and use it to wipe away all the soap. Otherwise, for removed or waterproof trackers, rinse off the soap under cold water.
5
Air dry the band. Place the band in a cool, dry location out of direct sunlight. Heat and humidity will damage the band. After a few hours, it will feel dry to the touch.

Warnings

Many Fitbit bands aren't waterproof and can be damaged by water exposure. Also, electronics exposed to water can be permanently damaged. Let them sit in dry rice for a day to dry them out.

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