581 Watch is your daily companion, but have you ever thought about how much dirt it might be carrying? Since the watch sits close to your wrist, it comes into contact with sweat, dust, and even food crumbs, which over time can cause it to lose its shine. Not to mention the summer rain or small slip-ups while washing your hands—these can all be the culprits behind a “dirty” watch. Don’t worry, today we’ll share 5 simple steps to restore your watch’s cleanliness and vitality at home. Whether it’s a luxury piece or an affordable one, it deserves to be cared for! Table of Contents Toggle Preparation: Essential Tools Before CleaningYour cleaning toolSoft bristle toothbrushWarm soapy waterMicrofiber clothToothpickStep 1: Carefully check the condition of your watchStep 2: Remove the strap and give it a deep cleanStep 3: Wipe the watch case for basic decontaminationStep 4: Toothpick + Toothbrush, Precision CleaningStep 5: Clean and revitalize your watch strapMetal StrapLeather StrapDaily Maintenance Tips➡ Luxury watch alternatives Preparation: Essential Tools Before Cleaning Before you start, prepare these household gadgets to make cleaning more efficient Your cleaning tool Soft bristle toothbrush It's best to use an old toothbrush because the bristles are soft and won't damage the surface. Warm soapy water Suitable for cleaning metal watch straps (more details to follow). Microfiber cloth Clean and dust-free, with strong water absorption. Toothpick A great helper for tackling dirt in crevices. Tip: Check the waterproof performance of the watch first. If it’s an older or non-waterproof watch, avoid any liquid contact and skip directly to the dry-wiping step. Step 1: Carefully check the condition of your watch Before cleaning, take on the role of a “detective.” Pick up your watch and observe it closely (you can use a magnifying glass):Crown and buttons: Are they loose or damaged, possibly allowing water to seep in?Edge of the crystal: Are there any cracks or signs of detachment?Case seams: Is there noticeable dirt buildup?If you find any serious issues (like a broken crystal), don’t risk cleaning it yourself—leave it to a professional. For regular dirt, this step helps you identify the key areas to focus on during cleaning. Step 2: Remove the strap and give it a deep clean The inner sides of the lugs and the connection points of the strap are often the main areas where dirt accumulates. Use a spring bar tool to gently remove the strap (if you’re unsure how to do this, you can skip this step, but the cleaning effect will be less thorough). Once removed, both the case and the strap can be thoroughly cleaned. Step 3: Wipe the watch case for basic decontamination Take a microfiber cloth and start wiping from the case:Crystal: Gently wipe away fingerprints and dust.Bezel and edges: Carefully remove sweat marks.Case back: Don’t forget the back, as it often collects skin oils.This step only takes 1-2 minutes and will restore your watch’s basic shine. Most light dirt can be handled here, but stubborn stains will need to be dealt with in the next step. Step 4: Toothpick + Toothbrush, Precision Cleaning What to do with stubborn dirt in the crevices? Try these little tricks:Toothpick magic: Trim the tip, wrap it with a microfiber cloth, and gently scrape around the bezel or lug crevices. Be careful with the pressure to avoid scratching the precious metal case.Soft-bristled toothbrush: Dry brush the details of the case to remove debris. If the case is water-resistant, you can lightly dampen the toothbrush and gently scrub, then wipe clean with a dry cloth.Note: For non-water-resistant watches, never use water. Be cautious with the toothpick on precious metal watches to avoid leaving marks.Want to buy a watch that’s durable and easy to clean? These affordable styles are worth a look: ➡ https://luxrepwatches.com/ Step 5: Clean and revitalize your watch strap Different types of straps require different cleaning methods: Metal Strap Soak in warm soapy water (dishwashing liquid + warm water) and gently scrub with a toothbrush.After rinsing, pat dry with a paper towel, then polish with a microfiber cloth.Focus on cleaning the clasp and connection points. Leather Strap Wipe with a slightly damp cloth, avoiding soaking.Let it air dry naturally, and avoid direct sunlight. Daily Maintenance Tips Keeping your watch looking pristine isn’t hard after cleaning:Regular Wiping: Every 3-5 days, quickly wipe it with a microfiber cloth to prevent dirt buildup.Take Off the Watch When Washing Hands: Avoid soap water seeping under the watch.Store in a Dry Place: Use a watch box or store in a dry environment to extend its lifespan.Cleaning makes your watch more durable, but choosing the right style makes life easier. Looking for a high-quality yet affordable watch? Click to explore: ➡ Luxury watch alternatives