How often do you clean your watch? Once a week? Once a month? Never? Well, as it turns out, if you’ve never even thought about cleaning your watch, then you aren’t alone.
A new study that tested for the presence of bacteria, yeast and mould on 10 different kinds of watches has found that our stylish timepieces are actually a breeding ground for germs.
The study was conducted by Tic Watches and the findings suggest you might be carrying less germs by wearing an actual toilet seat around your wrist than a watch. On average, watches were found to be three times dirtier than a toilet seat. But it doesn’t end there.
The same study found that fitness watches – that’s your trusty Apple watch, FitBit and other wearable trackers – were eight times filthier than a toilet seat. Surprisingly, watches with leather bands were found to be the cleanest.
Tic Watches now report that all watches should be cleaned at least once a month. Either with antibacterial wipes, or detach the watch band and soak it in warm, soapy water for 30 minutes or more, depending on how dirty the band is.
Wipe over the face of the watch with a damp cloth, or a very soft toothbrush dipped in soapy water if it’s particularly grotty.
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