To clean a Fitbit Air band, take the tracker out, rinse the band in fresh water with a little hypoallergenic soap if it needs it, rinse again and let it air dry completely. That is the method Google recommends, and it works for every strap material. Below are material-by-material steps, plus what to avoid.
How often should you clean a Fitbit Air band?
Google's advice is to clean your band and wrist regularly, especially after working out, sweating or washing your hands, and to wash the band whenever it is dirty or smells. If you wear one band all day and train in it, a quick rinse every day or two keeps it fresh.
How to clean a silicone band
- Push the tracker out of the band.
- Rinse the band under running water.
- If it feels greasy, rub in a drop of hypoallergenic soap with your fingers, paying attention to the clasp holes and the frame where the tracker sits.
- Rinse thoroughly and pat dry with a soft towel, then let it air dry.
Silicone dries fastest of all, which is why the Ribbed Silicone Sport Band and Soft Silicone Loop are the easiest to keep clean.
How to clean a nylon sport loop
- Remove the tracker and open the hook-and-loop strap fully.
- Soak the band in lukewarm water with a little mild soap for a few minutes.
- Work it gently with your fingers or a soft toothbrush, including the hook side, which collects lint.
- Rinse well, press out the water in a towel (do not wring it) and let it air dry fully away from direct heat.
How to clean the slim woven band with metal case
Treat the woven part like a nylon loop. Afterwards, wipe the metal case dry with a soft cloth so no water sits in the frame, and let the band dry completely before clicking the tracker back in.
How to clean a bicep armband
Armbands see the most sweat. Open the strap fully, wash it like a nylon loop after heavy sessions, and hang it to dry. Keeping a spare armband or strap means you always have a dry one ready.
What should you avoid?
- Household cleaners, bleach, alcohol and solvents.
- Washing machines and tumble dryers.
- Drying with a hair dryer, heater or direct sun.
- Sunscreen and insect repellent on the band or tracker. Google advises removing the device while you apply them.
- Putting the band back on while it is still damp.
After swimming or the sea
Fitbit Air is water resistant to 50 metres, but chlorine and salt water are hard on any band. Rinse the band in fresh water after every swim and dry it before wearing it again.
If a band is past saving, a new one takes seconds to fit: see how to change a Fitbit Air band.
