How To Clean Garmin White Band

Welsey asked: "How do I clean a 'DIESEL' blue rubber watch strap that has grime on it that will not come out with white spirit, WD-40, tar and glue remover or stain remover?"

Dirt and grime can build up on a watch band over time, masking its true beauty. While frequent cleanings will help to avoid this situation, when the build-up is no longer removable with normal cleaning, it will require more powerful solutions to break it loose. Three simple ingredients can break through the dirt and help your pieces return to their original shine.

You Will Need:

Baking soda
White toothpaste
Rubbing alcohol
Cotton balls
Water
Toothbrush or other soft brush

The Cleaning Process:

This process involves a series of steps to tackle the removal of dirt and grime. Once you successful remove the dirt, any additional steps can be disregarded.

Begin by applying some regular white toothpaste to the area.
Rub gently with your fingers or a soft brush (only use brushes in cases with heavy build-up as the abrasion from the bristles may damage the surface.
Rinse with clean water and dry thoroughly.
If the dirt and grime still persists, moisten a cotton ball with rubbing alcohol and wipe the dirt away.
Rinse thoroughly and allow it to dry completely.
If the dirt still remains, mix baking soda with a small amount of water to create a paste. It should be the consistency of toothpaste.
Use your fingers or soft brush to gently rub the paste onto the rubber strap. Avoid using too much pressure as the abrasives from the baking soda and the soft brush could damage the surface of the strap.
Rinse with clean water and dry thoroughly.

Additional Tips and Ideas

Some mild dirt and grime can be erased away using a regular eraser. Simply rub the stained area until removed.
Damp cleansing cloths designed for computer monitors also work well to remove dirt from rubber straps.
To keep dirt at a minimum, clean the straps daily with a mild soap and water to remove any oils, lotions, etc. Avoid using any brushes on a daily basis as it can shorten the lifespan of the straps.
Even with the best care, rubber watch straps typically last a maximum of 18-24 months. After this time, it is usually necessary to replace them.

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