Watches are more than timekeeping tools—they’re mechanical art, heirlooms, and fashion statements. Over time, watch bands and cases can accumulate grime, sweat, and oil, making cleaning essential for both appearance and hygiene. Ultrasonic cleaning is a popular solution due to its efficiency and ability to reach into tiny crevices. But can you safely put your watch in an ultrasonic cleaner? The answer requires some careful consideration.

Should You Submerge the Whole Watch?

While ultrasonic cleaning is highly effective, it’s generally not recommended to submerge the entire watch, especially if it includes a mechanical movement or lacks a high level of water resistance. Even though many watches are built to withstand everyday moisture, the combination of ultrasonic vibrations and liquid immersion may not be ideal for internal components over time.

Instead, it’s best to focus the ultrasonic cleaning on removable watch bands, particularly metal ones, which tend to collect dirt and grime in hard-to-reach places. For the watch case and internal mechanism, gentle manual cleaning or professional servicing is usually more appropriate.

What Parts Can Be Ultrasonically Cleaned?

The watch band, particularly if it’s made of metal such as stainless steel or titanium, is typically safe to clean ultrasonically. These bands often have tight joints and crevices that are difficult to clean by hand, making ultrasonic cleaning a great choice.

However, be cautious with:

Leather bands, which may dry out, crack, or warp.
Rubber or silicone straps, which may degrade or lose flexibility with repeated ultrasonic exposure.
Gold-plated bands, as thin plating can be worn off with prolonged or repeated ultrasonic cleaning.

Step-by-Step: How to Clean a Watch Band in an Ultrasonic Cleaner

Detach the band from the watch head to avoid liquid and vibration exposure to the main unit.
Fill the ultrasonic tank with warm water (around 40–50°C) and a few drops of a mild cleaning agent suitable for metal or the strap’s specific material.
Place the band in the basket or support rack, ensuring it’s fully submerged but not resting on the tank bottom.
Set the timer to 3–5 minutes. For light cleaning, even 2 minutes may suffice.
Observe the process—excessive bubbling or discoloration in the water may signal coating damage or trapped debris.
Rinse thoroughly with clean water after cleaning to remove cleaning agent residue.
Dry the band completely, using a microfiber cloth and, if needed, compressed air for joints or small gaps.

Watch Head Cleaning: What’s the Alternative?

To clean the watch case or head, follow a more gentle, manual approach:

Use a soft toothbrush with mild soapy water to scrub around the bezel and caseback.
Dry immediately with a lint-free cloth.
Avoid getting water near the crown, buttons, or any opening—especially on older or non-water-resistant watches.
For detailed work, a microfiber cloth, wooden toothpick, or cotton swab can remove dirt from tight spaces.

If your watch needs interior cleaning or shows signs of moisture buildup, consult a professional watch technician.

Extra Tips for Safe Watch Cleaning

Check water resistance ratings before any cleaning. “Water-resistant” ≠ waterproof.
Do not heat the water above 50–60°C, as excessive heat can weaken adhesives or expand seals.
Avoid ultrasonic cleaning of watches with glued-on elements, such as decorative stones or emblems.
Store the watch properly after cleaning, especially metal bands—ensure they are dry before storing to prevent corrosion.

Granbo Ultrasonic Cleaners: Trusted for Delicate Precision

When it comes to cleaning precision items like watch bands, eyeglass frames, or intricate jewelry, Granbo ultrasonic cleaners are designed to deliver professional-grade results with care and consistency. Known for their advanced technology and customizable features, Granbo units offer a balance of power and control that’s ideal for delicate cleaning tasks.

Granbo cleaners feature adjustable frequency and power settings, allowing users to fine-tune cleaning intensity based on material sensitivity—from durable stainless steel to finely machined titanium. Their intelligent temperature control system ensures stable heat during operation, improving cleaning effectiveness while protecting against thermal stress on fragile components.

Many models include features like digital timers, soft-start functions, degassing modes, and noise-reduction systems, making them suitable for both personal and professional environments. Whether you run a watch service station, a repair workshop, or simply maintain your own collection, Granbo offers a range of capacities—from compact benchtop units to multi-slot industrial-grade machines—to match your workflow and precision needs.

Caring for Your Watch the Smart Way

Using an ultrasonic cleaner for watch maintenance—especially for metal bands—is a convenient and effective method to keep your timepiece looking its best. While it’s important to avoid immersing the entire watch, focusing on safely cleaning the strap can significantly improve both hygiene and aesthetics with minimal effort.

By detaching the band and using proper cleaning agents at the right temperature and duration, you can remove built-up grime from small crevices that would be difficult to reach manually. For the watch case or head, gentle hand-cleaning remains the best approach to protect internal mechanisms and preserve long-term reliability.

If you clean your watch regularly and follow safe practices, ultrasonic cleaning becomes an excellent complement to your maintenance routine—efficient, precise, and satisfying. Whether you’re a casual wearer or a serious collector, treating your watch with care not only extends its life but also keeps it looking timeless.