How to wash the strap from the Xiaomi watch: the complete guide

Owners of fitness trackers and smartwatches often face the problem of contamination of the wristband. Accessories made of silicone or thermoplastic polyurethane actively absorb sweat, skin fat and dirt. Over time, this leads to unpleasant odor, color change and even irritation of the skin on the wrist.

To solve this problem, you do not need to buy a new part. The correct cleaning approach allows you to restore the neat appearance of the gadget. In this article, we will discuss how to wash the Xiaomi watch strap so as not to damage the material and prolong the life of the product.

You will learn about safe methods for different types of materials, including the standard Xiaomi Mi Band and leather versions for Xiaomi Watch.Adhering to simple hygiene rules will help avoid allergic reactions and maintain the aesthetic appearance of your device.

Main causes of pollution and strap materials

Understanding the nature of pollution is the first step to effective cleaning, and the bulk of the dirt on the bracelet is made up of a mixture of sebum, dead epidermal particles and dust, and combined with the sweat, this mixture creates the perfect environment for bacteria to reproduce.

The materials used in Xiaomi straps have different porosities. Silicone and TPU (thermoplastic polyurethane) are hypoallergenic, but their texture can trap cloth villi and fine dust. The textured surface, especially on the inside, is specifically designed to remove moisture, but it also becomes a trap for dirt.

And you should pay special attention to where the tracker capsule attaches, and that's where the most moisture and soapy residues accumulate after a shower, and if you don't clean this area regularly, the accumulation of bacteria can lead to contact dermatitis.

Leather straps require a more delicate approach. Natural leather is an organic material that fears excess moisture and aggressive chemistry. Synthetic leather (eco-skin) is more stable, but if not properly maintained, the top layer can start cracking or peeling.

How to wash silicone and TPU strap

The most common type of bracelets for the Mi Band and Xiaomi Watch Lite is made of silicone or TPU. These materials are highly wear-resistant, but have the property of staining from contact with denim fabric or dyed clothing.

Warm water and mild soap are sufficient for daily hygiene, but if there are persistent stains or sticky plaque, more effective remedies are needed, and it is important to avoid using abrasive powders that can scratch a smooth surface.

• 🧼 Household soap: rub the bar on a grater, dissolve the shavings in warm water until you get the gruel. Apply the mixture on the bracelet, rub with a soft brush and rinse.
• 🍋 Lemon juice: perfectly copes with fat pollution and lightens white silicone.Mix lemon juice with water in a ratio of 1: 1, wipe the strap and leave for 10 minutes.
• 🦷 Toothpaste: use only white paste without colored granules. Apply a small amount on an old toothbrush and gently rub the contamination with circular motions.
• 💧 Micellar water: Makeup remover effectively removes greasy shine and surface contamination without using water.

When using chemicals, it is important to keep them out of the electronic part of the watch unless you remove the tracker from the strap. While many Xiaomi models have IP67 or IP68 protection, aggressive chemistry can damage seals.

Care for leather and textile bracelets

Leather straps give the device a more rigorous and elegant look, but require careful care. Unlike synthetics, the skin cannot be soaked in water or rubbed with hard brushes.

To clean, use special skin care products or wet wipes for monitors (no alcohol). Movements should be soft, dipping. After wet cleaning, be sure to let the strap dry at room temperature, away from direct sunlight and heating batteries.

⚠️ Warning: Never dry a wet leather strap with a hair dryer or on a hot battery.A sharp temperature drop and drying will cause the skin to become stiff and cracked.

Textile and nylon straps (for example, for the Xiaomi Watch S1 Active) can be washed, but you need to do this carefully. Hand washing is recommended in soap solution. Machine washing is allowed only in delicate mode and necessarily in a special bag so that the Velcro or mounts do not damage.

How to remove yellowness and smell from the white strap

White straps look stylish, but they quickly lose their presentability. Yellow is a natural process of oxidation of material under the influence of ultraviolet light and sweat. It is not always possible to completely restore factory whiteness, but you can significantly improve the situation.

Adsorbents and soft bleach are the most effective in combating yellowness and smell, and soda, combined with hydrogen peroxide, creates a reaction that knocks out contaminants from the pores of the material.

Mix one teaspoon of baking soda with a small amount of hydrogen peroxide (3%) until a thick gruel state. Apply the mixture to contaminated areas, avoiding contact with the watch screen. Leave for 15-20 minutes, then thoroughly rinse with warm water.

If the smell of sweat is deep in the structure of silicone, soaking will help. Dissolve a denture cleaning pill in warm water or use a weak solution of chlorhexidine. Soak the strap (without the watch) for 30-40 minutes. This will kill the bacteria that cause the unpleasant odor.

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Regular preventive cleaning once a week prevents deep penetration of dirt and the appearance of a persistent unpleasant odor that is difficult to remove.

Compatibility table for cleaning products

Not all products are equally useful for different materials. Using aggressive chemicals can irrevocably spoil the accessory. Below is a table that will help you choose the right tool for your type of strap.

Use this chart as a cheat sheet before cleaning, and remember that even a safe tool should be checked on the inconspicuous part of the strap first to make sure that the material does not react.

Step-by-step instructions for deep cleaning

To do a good cleaning, you'll need to remove the tracker from the strap, which not only protects the electronics, but also allows you to get to hard-to-reach places.

1. Preparation of the solution. In a small container, mix warm water with liquid soap or dishwashing agent. Beat the foam.

2. Soak. Place the strap in the solution for 5-10 minutes. This will soften the dried contaminants.

3. Mechanical cleaning: Using a soft brush (you can use a baby toothbrush), thoroughly rub the inner and outer surfaces, pay special attention to the mounting holes and textured areas.

4. Rinse. Rinse the strap under running water, removing all residues of soap and dirt.

5. Dry. Wash the bracelet with a dry microfiber napkin. Leave it to dry at room temperature in unstretched form.

⚠️ Warning: Do not wear a wet strap on your watch or on your arm, moisture left between your skin and bracelet can cause irritation, and condensation inside the watch case.

Prevention and maintenance advice

To keep the strap clean longer, follow simple rules of operation. After each workout or active day, rinse the bracelet under the tap and wipe dry. This will take only a minute, but will prevent the accumulation of sweat salts.

Try not to wear the watch too tight. Air should circulate between the strap and the skin. This is especially true in the hot season or when exercising. Periodically change the side of wearing or let the wrist "rest" from the gadget at night, if you do not use sleep monitoring functions.

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If you exercise a lot, consider buying a second replacement strap. While one is drying and ventilating, you wear the other. This will prolong the life of both accessories.

When choosing cleaning products, avoid chlorine-containing bleaches. Chlorine can react with materials, making silicone brittle and causing a sticky plaque that can no longer be removed.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)