Removing Cologne From Metal Watches: A Step-By-Step Guide

Metal watchbands are easy to clean and deodorize with soap and water or a jewellery cleaner. However, cloth and leather watchbands are more difficult to clean as they absorb smells. There are several methods to remove cologne from a watchband, including soaking the band in vinegar, scrubbing it with toothpaste, or placing it in a bag of baking soda overnight.

Soak the watch in vinegar

So, you've accidentally sprayed your metal watch with cologne and are now panicking about the potential damage. Well, don't worry, a simple soak in vinegar should do the trick! Here's a step-by-step guide to help you remove that unwanted cologne smell from your metal watch:

Step 1: Prepare the Vinegar Solution

It is recommended to dilute the vinegar with water to create a milder solution. This way, you reduce the risk of any potential damage to your watch's metal components.

Step 2: Disassemble Your Watch

Before you begin the cleaning process, it is advisable to remove the band from the watch face. This step ensures that you can focus solely on cleaning the band without risking any damage to the internal components of the watch.

Step 3: Soak the Watch Band

Now it's time for the vinegar bath! Submerge the metal watch band in the diluted vinegar solution. Leave it to soak for a while, giving the vinegar enough time to work its magic and break down any stubborn cologne residue.

Step 4: Scrub Gently

After soaking, gently scrub the watch band with a soft-bristled toothbrush dipped in the vinegar solution. Be careful not to scrub too vigorously, especially around any delicate parts of the watch. Ensure that you thoroughly clean all areas of the band.

Step 5: Pat Dry and Air Dry

Once you're satisfied with the cleaning, use a microfiber cloth to pat dry the watch band. Remove any excess moisture to prevent water stains and to speed up the drying process. Finally, leave your watch band to air dry completely before reassembling it with the watch face.

While vinegar is an effective cleaning agent, it's always a good idea to proceed with caution. Test the diluted vinegar solution on a small, inconspicuous area of the watch band first to ensure it doesn't cause any discoloration or damage. Additionally, always remember to consult your watch's user manual or seek advice from a professional before attempting any cleaning method that involves liquids or chemicals.

Use a baking soda and water paste

To remove cologne from a metal watch, one method you can try is using a baking soda and water paste. This method is recommended for mild buildup on stainless steel watches.

First, remove the watch band from the watch case, and wash each part separately. Then, mix equal parts of water and baking soda into a paste. Apply the paste directly to your watch band using a toothbrush or cotton swab. Allow the paste to sit for 5-10 minutes before rinsing it off with water. Dry the watch band thoroughly with a soft cloth before reattaching it to the watch case and wearing your watch again.

This method should remove any light dirt or scuff marks from your watch band. If your watch band has heavier dirt or rust, you may need to try a different cleaning method, such as using vinegar and salt or mild dish soap.

Try toothpaste

If you want to get cologne off a metal watch, one method you can try is toothpaste. Toothpaste is often suggested as a quick fix for removing minor scratches from various surfaces, including watch glass. It contains mild abrasives, which can help smooth out the surface of the glass, reducing the appearance of scratches.

• Clean the Watch Glass: Use a microfiber cloth to wipe away any dust or dirt from the watch's glass.
• Apply Toothpaste: Using a soft cloth or a toothbrush, apply a small dab of non-gel toothpaste to the watch. Focus on the area that has been affected by the cologne.
• Polish: Gently rub the toothpaste over the watch in circular motions for a few minutes.
• Wipe and Inspect: Wipe the toothpaste off with a clean cloth and inspect the watch.
• Repeat if Necessary: If the cologne smell is still there, repeat the process a few more times.

While toothpaste can be an easy and effective way to remove cologne from your watch, it is important to keep in mind that it is not specifically designed for this purpose. Toothpaste is meant for cleaning teeth, and its mild abrasives may not be enough to remove strong cologne smells. Additionally, using the wrong type of toothpaste or applying too much pressure during the polishing step could potentially damage your watch. Therefore, it is always good to proceed with caution and use gentle motions when cleaning your watch with toothpaste.

Wash with soap and water

If your metal watch strap has been accidentally sprayed with cologne, you can wash it with soap and water. This method is also suitable for removing cologne from a watch with a cloth strap.

Firstly, run the strap under warm water for a few minutes. Then, lather a mild soap between your fingers and gently rub it into the strap, ensuring you cover the entire surface. Finally, rinse the strap thoroughly with warm water and dry it with a soft cloth.

If the cologne smell remains, you can repeat the process, leaving the soap on the strap for a few minutes before rinsing. Alternatively, you could try soaking the strap in soapy water overnight.

Washing your watch strap with soap and water will not only remove the cologne smell but also any sweat or residue that has built up on the strap over time. It is recommended to wash metal watch straps every other week to keep them in good condition.

Soak in rubbing alcohol

So, you've accidentally sprayed your metal watch with cologne and are now worried about the potential damage. Well, you can sleep soundly because cologne is mostly alcohol, and it is very unlikely to cause any harm to your watch. However, you may want to get rid of the cologne to avoid stickiness or an unpleasant smell.

One way to do this is by using rubbing alcohol (also known as isopropyl alcohol or IPA). It is a colourless liquid with a sharp, pungent odour and has excellent disinfectant properties. It is easily available in pharmacies and general stores and is a commonly used household item.

If you decide to use it, the first step is to detach the band from the watch case. This will ensure that the cleaning agent does not accidentally reach the watch face or its internal components. Then, apply a small amount of rubbing alcohol to a cotton ball and gently wipe down the metal band. You can also dilute the rubbing alcohol with distilled water to further reduce the potential for damage, especially if your watch has a polycarbonate crystal, as alcohol can cause clouding and scratches on this surface.

After cleaning the band, rinse it with water and allow it to air dry. Do not use a hairdryer or place it near a heater, as this can introduce problems, especially with materials like leather that can warp or dry out. Once the band is completely dry, you can reattach it to the watch case, making sure all connections are secure.

While rubbing alcohol is a popular choice for cleaning, it may not be suitable for all watch components. It can cause corrosion in certain metal alloys, especially those containing copper, and it can also dissolve lubricants in the watch's internal movement. Additionally, it can be too harsh for leather watch straps, extracting essential oils and causing the leather to become rigid and prone to cracking. Therefore, it is always good to exercise caution and test the rubbing alcohol on a small, inconspicuous area of the band before applying it to the entire surface.

If you are unsure about using rubbing alcohol, there are alternative cleaning solutions available, such as specialised watch cleaning solutions or a mild mix of soapy water. These options are generally gentler on watch materials while still being effective at removing common contaminants.

Frequently asked questions