Disinfecting Your Wristwatch - Preventing the Spread of COVID-19
Numerous studies have shown that the coronavirus can live on the surfaces of your home for hours to days. It is dangerous to leave your shelves and doorknobs un-sanitized. However, have you ever wondered whether your wristwatch might have the Coronavirus on it?
Most people don't consider their wearables like wristwatches can get contaminated. Several scientists have confirmed that viruses and bacteria can comfortably survive on stainless steel for hours to days; this might make you wonder how can I disinfect my wristwatch? Well, we have the answer for you.How to Disinfect Your Wristwatch
Depending on the material of your wristwatch, disinfecting products might differ. For instance, you can't clean a wood watch with the same product you will use for stainless steel and vice versa. Below is a list of ways to disinfect your wristwatch regardless of which material is used to make it.
1. Wipe it With a Cloth
Before you start throwing different chemicals on your wristwatch, it's best to wipe it with a clean cloth to remove all the dust and debris. Otherwise, disinfectants and sanitizers might harden the dust on your wristwatch, which becomes hard to remove.
2. Use Isopropyl Alcohol
Isopropyl alcohol is also called rubbing alcohol. It can kill any bacteria, germs, or viruses living on the surface of stainless steel. However, if you have a stainless steel wood watch, you need to be careful when using isopropyl alcohol.
Instead of pouring isopropyl alcohol on your stainless steel wood watch, you should rub it with a piece of cloth. The wooden part of your stainless steel wood watch shouldn't come in contact with the alcohol. Otherwise, the wood will lose its texture.
Isopropyl alcohol is also called rubbing alcohol. It can kill any bacteria, germs, or viruses living on the surface of stainless steel. However, if you have a stainless steel wood watch, you need to be careful when using isopropyl alcohol.
Instead of pouring isopropyl alcohol on your stainless steel wood watch, you should rub it with a piece of cloth. The wooden part of your stainless steel wood watch shouldn't come in contact with the alcohol. Otherwise, the wood will lose its texture.
3. Cleaning a Water Resistant Wristwatch
The science behind cleaning water-resistant wristwatches is different from your conventional wristwatch. You can dip your waterproof wristwatch in water or soap water to clean it. You should keep the temperature below 90 degrees. Too hot or cold water can loosen the compartments that are holding your wristwatch together. Plus, it can damage the gaskets and reduce water resistance levels.
On the other hand, you can disinfect your watch with soap water easily. However, cleaning your wristwatch with a suitable disinfectant is better. Rubbing hand sanitizer on your stainless steel woo watch is a good idea because it restores the shine of your watch and kills bacteria.
4. Clean your Wrist
Cleaning and disinfecting your wristwatch is one thing, but you should wash your wrist after taking off your wristwatch. Gently rub your wrist with a and sanitizer, and everything should be okay.
On the flip side, once you take off your wristwatch, you should thoroughly wipe it with isopropyl alcohol. However, you should avoid using alcohol of any sort if your wristwatch has rubber or ceramic parts. Plus, rubbing alcohol on wood can produce a bad odor, and you might not be able to wear your stainless steel watch for a while.
It's best to dilute isopropyl alcohol before you start cleaning with it. This reduces the intensity of ethanol which is harmful to wood.
5. Take it to a Watch Repair Shop
You can comfortably disinfect your wristwatch at home. But you are limited to the outer surface only. People who own luxury and expensive wristwatches tend to keep their watch clean from inside and out. So if you are looking for a better and easier way to disinfect your wristwatch, you can take it to a watch shop.
These repair shops have the right gear and equipment to disassemble and clean your wristwatch from the inside. A proper steamer and an ultrasonic cleaner should do the trick. But this equipment is mostly found in repair shops.
Moreover, you should ask the cleaner to disinfect your wristwatch. The cleaner will use disinfectant products safe for use on your wristwatch.
6. Allow Your Wristwatch to Fully Dry
Drying is an important part of cleaning. This is the part where your watch is throwing out all the dirt, debris, and bacteria that were on its surface. Likewise, you should let your wristwatch dry for 72 hours. If you wear it any sooner, water might enter the inner mechanism of your wristwatch.
Moreover, if you have disassembled your wristwatch, let it sit for a least 48 hours. Don't put it under the sun because your might damage its gasket. The ideal place to keep your wristwatch is in a room without ventilation if you have taken apart your wristwatch. After 48 hours, assemble your wristwatch and let it sit for another 24 hours. When you put the parts back together, they come in contact and release more water. Moving the watch around in this condition could damage its internal parts.
Wrapping it Up
Cleaning and disinfecting your wristwatch is a responsibility that must be upheld by the owner. Several viruses can make a home on your stainless steel wood watch, and you might be carrying diseases you aren't aware of. Since wristwatches are worn every day, it is important to maintain their hygiene; otherwise, you could contract multiple diseases without knowing. Cleaning and disinfecting your watch is a relatively simple process that you can do in your home. But if you have a premium wristwatch, you should take it to a repair shop for cleaning. Professional watchmakers know how to disassemble and clean your wristwatch, so you don't have to worry about anything.
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