How to properly wash the bracelet from Xiaomi watches: from sweat, dirt and smell

Why Xiaomi bracelet gets dirty faster than it seems

Xiaomi’s smartwatches and fitness bracelets are some of the most popular wearable gadgets in the world, but even premium models like the Xiaomi Watch 2 Pro or the budget Mi Band 7 face the same problem: the strap (especially silicone) quickly absorbs sweat, collects dirt and begins to smell unpleasant, not only because of intense workouts, but also the materials that make the bracelets.

Silicone, Xiaomi's most common strap material, is porous and hygroscopic. It literally attracts skin particles, dust and moisture, creating the perfect environment for bacteria. And if you wear a 24/7 bracelet (including showers or sleep), the problem is made much worse. Even metal and leather straps are not insured: sweat oxidizes metal and skin deforms from moisture. But the good news is that 90% of the contaminants can be removed with home remedies without damaging the gadget.

In this article, we will discuss how to wash the wristband from Xiaomi watches depending on the material, which products are safe and which are strictly prohibited, and also give tips on prevention.

Preparation: What to do before cleaning

Before you rush to wipe the dirt, follow a few mandatory steps that will save your Mi Band or Xiaomi Watch from breaking and prolong the life of the strap.

• 🔌 Detach the bracelet from the body. Almost all Xiaomi models (except monolithic ones like the Mi Band) 1/2) This will protect the electronic filling from moisture. If you are not sure how to remove it, see the instructions for your model (for example, for the Mi Band). 6 You need to press the button from the back).
• 📱 Check the protection level. Most Xiaomi smartwatches have a 5 level of protection. ATM (They can withstand pressures up to 50 meters, but that doesn't mean they can be washed under running water with detergents. IP68, The manufacturer does not recommend submerging it in water for more than 30 minutes.
• 🧼 Choose a material. What's good for silicone will ruin the leather or fabric strap. Below, we'll give you separate instructions for each type.

⚠️ Note: If your bracelet has touch buttons on the strap (like the Xiaomi Watch) S1), Avoid aggressive drugs (alcohol, acetone) - they can damage the coating.

How to wash Xiaomi silicone bracelet: 3 safe methods

Silicone straps are the most common and at the same time the most branded, and they absorb sweat quickly, they turn yellow, and they start to stick, and fortunately, they're the easiest to clean.

Method 1: Soap solution + toothbrush

The most gentle method, which is suitable for daily cleaning.

• 🧼 Warm water (not hot!)
• 🧴 Liquid soap or dishwashing agent (without abrasives)
• 🪥 Soft toothbrush or cotton swab

Instructions:

1. Mix warm water in a bowl with 2-3 drops of soap.
2. Immerse the strap in the solution for 10-15 minutes.
3. Carefully brush all the indentations and texture areas.
4. Wash under a weak stream of water and dry naturally (not with a hairdryer!).

Method 2: Baking soda for persistent contamination

If the bracelet has turned yellow or covered with black stripes (often the Mi Band 4/5 after long wear), soda will help to return it to its original appearance.

How to use:

1. Mix the soda with water to a gruel state.
2. Apply the mixture on the strap and leave for 15-20 minutes.
3. Rub with a brush, paying attention to the joints and the inside.
4. Wash the leftover soda and dry it.

⚠️ Do not use soda more than 1 time a month – it can make silicone hard and brittle.

Method 3: Vinegar or Citric Acid for Disinfection

If the bracelet is not just dirty, but smells, vinegar will kill the odor-causing bacteria. Dilute a tablespoon of vinegar (9%) in a glass of water, soak the strap for 10 minutes, then rinse. For the Xiaomi Watch with metal elements, it's better to use citric acid (1 tsp per glass of water) - it's less aggressive.

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If the silicone strap becomes sticky after cleaning, wipe it with an alcohol napkin (not pure alcohol!) that will remove the residue of soap or soda.

Cleaning of leather and fabric straps Xiaomi

Leather straps (such as the Xiaomi Watch S1 Active) require special care, and water and soap can spoil them, so you need specialized tools.

For leather straps:

• 🧴 Use a leather shoe cream or a special skin care product (such as Apple Leather Cleaner).
• 🧽 Apply a little cream on the soft fabric and gently wipe the strap.
• 🌬️ Let it dry away from direct sunlight.

For fabric straps:

• 🧼 Use a stain remover for delicate fabrics or baby soap.
• 💦 Apply the product to a soft bristle brush and clean the strap without strong pressing.
• ☀️ Dry in straightened form to avoid deformation.

⚠️ Warning: Never immerse leather or fabric straps in water completely, leading to deformation and loss of color.

How to Clean a Metal Bracelet Xiaomi Watch

Metal straps (such as the Xiaomi Watch 2 Pro or Xiaomi Watch S2) are less dirty, but they leave traces of sweat that lead to corrosion over time.

Step-by-step:

1. Wipe the strap with a wet wipe to remove surface dirt.
2. Prepare the solution: 1 glass of water + 1 tbsp. l. vinegar + 1 tsp. salt.
3. Soak the soft fabric in solution and wipe all the links of the strap.
4. For persistent spots, use a cotton swab dipped in the same solution.
5. Wash with clean water and dry.
6. Apply a thin layer of mineral oil (for example, for sewing machines) to dry fabric and polish the strap - this will protect it from oxidation.

If rust has already appeared on the metal, use a special metal cleaning tool (for example, WD-40), but avoid hitting the watch case.

What not to do when cleaning the bracelet Xiaomi

Some folk methods can irrevocably damage the strap or the gadget itself.

• 🔥 Boil the strap - silicone deforms, the skin will layer.
• 🧴 Use acetone, gasoline or solvents – they destroy the structure of materials.
• 🌞 Drying under direct sunlight or a hair dryer - this leads to cracking of silicone and fading of the skin.
• 🧼 Wash the watch body with a strap together - even at 5 ATM Long-term exposure to soapy water can damage sealants.
• 🧂 Clean with salt or abrasive powders – they scratch the surface.

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If you are in doubt, test it on a small section of the strap (for example, on the inside) and wait 10 minutes.

How to Prevent Rapid Contamination of the Bracelet

The best way to keep your bracelet clean is to prevent it, and here are some tips to help you wash it less often:

• 🚿 Remove the bracelet in front of the shower or pool. Chlorine and shampoo accelerate the wear of silicone.
• 💦 Rub the strap with a dry wipe after exercise, which will remove sweat and prevent bacteria from multiplying.
• 🔄 Alternate straps. If you have a spare (like fabric for everyday wear and silicone for sports), both will last longer.
• 🧴 Use antibacterial wipes for quick cleaning (may be suitable wipes for appliances or children's wet wipes without alcohol).

You can use talc or baby powder for silicone straps to absorb excess moisture and prevent it from slipping. Just apply a little bit on the inside of the strap before you wear it.

FAQ: Frequent questions about cleaning Xiaomi bracelets