The leather strap is one of the most popular choices for Apple Watch users. Very elegant, it is also comfortable to wear daily. However, many people have questions about its use and maintenance:
- How do I clean my leather Apple Watch strap?
- Can I exercise with my leather strap?
- Is it possible to shower with my Apple Watch and leather strap?
- Can I go to the pool with my leather strap?
In this article, we will give you some tips to maintain and maximize the lifespan of your leather Apple Watch strap.
Tip #1: Avoid water and humidity
Leather is a material derived from an animal (land or marine) that does not like water or humidity. This is true even for leather from a marine animal, like the Horizon strap. Therefore, avoid wearing your strap in the shower, at the sea, or in the pool. Éternel's Made in France leather straps are treated but are not waterproof for immersion in water. Of course, there is no problem with small daily splashes while doing the dishes or washing your hands, for example.
If your strap has been in contact with water, wipe it immediately with a soft cloth and let it air dry away from light. Also, avoid drying it with a hairdryer or on a radiator. This can really damage the leather and could also make it fluffy.
We also avoid sports sessions with a leather strap because sweat damages the leather.
Of course, the Apple Watch has been waterproof since Series 2, so it is suitable for sports and going in the water. So, if you want to go to the sea, the pool, or exercise while tracking your physical activities with your smartwatch, we recommend using a water-friendly strap like nylon, silicone, or fluoroelastomer straps that can withstand sweat, chlorine, or salt. You can find many models and colors on the site specializing in Apple Watch straps Band-Band. We know them well, you can go there with your eyes closed.
For the more adventurous, but who do not want to put sports straps on their smartwatch, the New Rover, our fabric strap has been reinforced to accompany you on all your most beautiful adventures. Nothing can alter it.
Tip #2: Avoid prolonged sun exposure
Exposed too long to the sun, the leather of your strap can discolor and dry out. We therefore advise you to avoid exposing your leather strap directly to the sun for too long. Don't worry, your strap won't get sunburned, but the sun's rays will weaken it. It won't gain color but will instead lose it and be much less attractive. In the sun, the Apple Watch case will also heat up quickly... Everything is definitely designed to prevent you from having a white mark on your wrist this summer.
Tip #3: Avoid maintaining it
Yes, you read that right. The more you clean your strap, the faster you accelerate its wear. The leather of your strap is treated to develop a beautiful patina over time and to have maximum resistance. It is therefore unnecessary and even discouraged to nourish, clean, or polish it as you might with other leather items. Maintenance products used for shoes, sofas, or leather handbags, for example, are not at all suitable for straps, which have much thinner leather. Cleaning can damage the leather and accelerate its wear. So forget about cream, oil, cleaner, isopropyl alcohol, soap, or any other product you might usually use for cleaning and maintaining leather.
If you want to remove dust or possible dirt, you can simply use a non-abrasive, dry cloth to gently rub your strap without damaging it.
By following these few simple tips, you can extend the lifespan of your leather Apple Watch strap and keep it in perfect condition for many years. Over time, a slight patina will appear to make your Apple Watch strap an authentic and unique accessory that you can keep for years and years...
