For this reason, it’s important to make sure that you make it part of your routine to clean your Fitbit.
Why You Should Clean Your Fitbit
While they are designed to last for a couple of years with normal use, there are plenty of things you can do to make your Fitbit work better and last longer, such as taking care of it through regular cleaning. With a clean Fitbit, you can make sure that your display and charging port remain functional.
Aside from this, regularly cleaning your Fitbit bands can help you avoid skin irritations or allergies. Similar to other items that are touched frequently, fitness trackers can gather oil, dust, and dead skin, all of which can cause issues if you have sensitive skin.
In addition, some types of material used in Fitness bands are more likely to harbor bacteria than others, especially if you tend to use your Fitbit for outdoor sports, such as water sports. Not to mention, by using the right cleaning materials, you can protect your Fitbit from early corrosion.
When it comes to cleaning your Fitbit, there are three parts to consider: the display, the charging contact & the bands. Here’s how to clean all of them.
How to Clean Your Fitbit Display
When cleaning your Fitbit display, it’s recommended to avoid using normal soap and cleansers because they can get trapped in its crevices and cause skin irritations. It’s also recommended to avoid unnecessarily submerging in water because water resistance drops with time.
To manage the gunk that may have been built underneath the display, you can use non-corrosive cleaning products, such as Cetaphil. In addition, you can use a clean, soft-bristled brush to really get into the hard-to-reach corners.
How to Clean the Fitbit Charging Contact
According to Fitbit Wear & Care, it’s necessary to clean your Fitbit’s charging contact so that they remain gold or bronze. With this, it can properly conduct electricity and make sure that your Fitbit charging pin stays working.
Fitbit recommends using a soft-bristled toothbrush with rubbing alcohol when cleaning its charging contacts. Afterward, you should use a dry cloth or tissue to make sure it is completely dry before charging.
Aside from this, you should also make sure that the pins on your charging cable also remain clean. To accomplish this, use a cotton swab and avoid using any metals to prevent corrosion on the plate. Once a charging plate corrodes, your Fitbit may take longer to hold a charge or not be able to charge at all.
How to Clean Your Fitbit Bands
Before cleaning your Fitbit bands, you must first remove them from your Fitbit display. Next, you can dip a toothpick wrapped with tissue in rubbing alcohol and use it to clean any holes.
Then, use a soft-bristled brush to reach the corners where the band connects, which typically gathers dirt and dust. Afterward, depending on the type of band you use, here’s how you can clean each one:
Silicone
Among Fitbit bands, silicone bands are some of the easiest to maintain. You can either wipe down with rubbing alcohol and a cotton ball or use a gentle soap and rinse under cold running water.
Then, use a non-abrasive cloth to make sure it’s dry before reattaching it to your display. In some cases, sports bands typically made of silicone may need to have their holes cleaned thoroughly.
Leather
When cleaning your Fitbit leather band, do not soak it in water to avoid discoloration. If possible, use a non-corrosive soap and gently wipe with a lint-free cloth.
Although it’s tempting to use leather conditioners that can make leather Fitbit bands shiny again, this isn’t recommended if you have sensitive skin. Lastly, make sure it’s completely dry before wearing to avoid bacteria build-up.
Metal
Unfortunately, metal Fitbit bands are prone to rusting and tarnishing. With this, it’s best to use as little water as possible when gently wiping down. If you must get some gunk stuck in the crevices, make sure to avoid using stainless-steel sponges and use toothpicks wrapped in tissue or a soft-bristled toothbrush instead.
While some people use toothpaste to clean metal, this isn’t recommended. Using toothpaste can affect the anodized coating of your band, which can trigger discoloration. If your metal Fitbit band shows signs of rusting, it’s best to replace it altogether to avoid infections from accidental cuts.
Woven
When it comes to accessibility, Fitbit’s hook & loop bands made of fabric are super helpful. If you own a woven Fitbit band made of a material like fabric or nylon, you can hand-wash it with cold water and gentle soap.
Then, leave it to air dry completely before reattaching it to your Fitbit. While nylon is easy to clean, they are also prone to harboring bacteria because it can trap them between the weaves.
Why You Should Avoid Third-Party Fitbit Bands
When possible, avoid buying Fitbit bands from third-party manufacturers. While they can be cheaper than official Fitbit bands, there is no guarantee that they are tested at the same standard as original Fitbit products. In fact, even original Fitbit bands are not always built to withstand the stress of every athlete’s use.
With this, poorly made third-party Fitbit bands can cause a range of issues, which put your Fitbit at risk of loss or breakage if the band comes off during a sport. Although it’s possible to find good quality Fitbit bands, it’s best to stick to ones that have a ton of legitimate views or with referrals from people who regularly engage in the same sports as you.
Keep Your Fitbit Clean
By keeping your Fitbit clean, you can make sure that it not only looks good—but also works well. If possible, make it a habit to clean your wrist and your Fitbit after every workout—especially ones where you sweat a lot, get exposed to dirt, or get wet.
In addition, some Fitbit bands—such as those made of leather, metal, and woven materials—are not designed for things beyond daily use. For this reason, it’s best to replace them with silicone bands before any high-intensity or outdoor activities, to avoid skin issues or even band breakage.
