Watches can get dirty because we wear them a lot. Dirt, sweat, or even sand can make them not look their best. It’s essential to clean them, especially the straps, so they look nice and last a long time.
Rubber straps, like the ones on a Rolex Submariner rubber strap, need cleaning too. They can still get dirty even if they don’t let water in. Here’s how you can clean them in easy steps.
Step 1: Take off the Strap
The first step is to take the strap off the watch. This may be challenging if you’ve never done it before or don’t have special tools. But don’t worry, and you can find tools to help you. You’ll need to unscrew or unhook the strap from the watch. Be careful so you don’t break anything!
Step 2: Wash Off the Big Dirt
Now that you have the strap off, hold it under warm water. This helps wash away any big pieces of dirt that could scratch the strap when you clean it more later. Your strap should look better after a few seconds under the water.
Step 3: Soak the Strap
Next, fill your sink with warm water and add some soap. Put your rubber strap in this soapy water and let it sit for a few minutes. This helps make the dirt softer and easier to clean off.
Step 4: Scrub the Strap
Now, take a soft toothbrush (like the ones for kids because they’re very gentle) and put some soap on it. Wet the brush and scrub your strap softly to remove the dirt. Make sure to clean the holes where the pins go, too. When you’re done, rinse the strap to remove the soap and dirt.
If your strap is old and looks like it might break, you should use a cloth instead of a brush. A fabric is softer but might not get into small places, as well as a toothbrush.
Step 5: Dry the Strap
Once your strap is clean, it needs to dry. The best way to do this is to put it on a towel, fold the towel over it, and pat it. When it’s dry, put the strap back on your watch, and it’s ready to wear!
In the End:
Cleaning your rubber watch strap is pretty straightforward. It just takes a little time and care. When your strap is clean, your watch will look better and make you happy!