I didn’t think much about my Apple Watch during summer — until I noticed my strap smelled weird after a few pool sessions.
Or that sticky feeling when sweat builds up under the band during a long run.
Or when I applied sunscreen and realized it had smeared all over the sensors.
Turns out, summer is kind of rough on your Apple Watch — even if it’s technically water-resistant and built for active use.
If you wear yours daily (like I do), a few small habits can make a huge difference. Here’s what I’ve learned about keeping it clean, comfortable, and fully functional — without babying it.
Sweat Happens — But You Can Deal With It
Summer = more sun, more movement, more… sweat.
If you’re doing anything active — running, biking, or even just walking to brunch in 90°F weather — sweat builds up around the sensors and under your watch band. You might not notice it at first, but over time it can cause:
- Skin irritation
- Funky smells
- Buildup on the case or band
The fix is simple: give your watch a quick rinse or wipe-down after particularly sweaty days. I just use water and a soft cloth. No fancy sprays needed.
Also, the type of band you wear really matters here. Some materials soak up sweat and get uncomfortable, while others are built for it.
If you swim or sweat a lot, these swim-ready Apple Watch bands are totally worth considering — they dry quickly, don’t trap odors, and won’t get that “slippery” feeling after a long run.
Saltwater and Chlorine Aren’t as Harmless as They Seem
Apple says the Watch is water-resistant — and it is. But regular dips in the ocean or pool can still mess with your watch over time if you don’t rinse it afterward.
What surprised me the most? The watch band often suffers before the watch does. I had a nylon band once that soaked up saltwater like a sponge. It never really dried right again.
Now, I go with straps that are built for water — and I give my watch a gentle rinse with fresh water after every swim.
Trust me: a two-second rinse is way better than a sticky, discolored strap.
Sunscreen & Lotion: The Sneaky Offenders
I never used to think twice about putting on sunscreen and then strapping on my Apple Watch. But over time, I started noticing a kind of buildup around the digital crown and sensors.
Turns out, sunscreen + sweat = sticky residue. It’s easy to miss until your crown starts feeling gunky or your watch stops charging properly.
Now I make it a habit to give it a soft wipe-down at the end of beach days — same cloth I use for my sunglasses. Simple and effective.
Don’t Forget the Strap (It Matters More Than You Think)
It’s easy to think of the band as just an accessory — something to match your outfit or mood. But in summer, it actually does a lot more than just look good.
I learned this the hard way a while back.
I had picked up a sleek-looking third-party metal strap online. It looked great in photos, and it was cheap, so why not? But after just a couple of sweaty outdoor workouts, I started noticing it was harder to slide off. A week later, it jammed completely. The connector had corroded slightly and got stuck inside my Apple Watch. Total headache.
Turns out, not all bands are made with the same quality or attention to detail — especially the parts that connect to the watch itself.
If you’re dealing with sweat, rain, or the occasional swim, it’s worth choosing a band that:
- Dries fast
- Doesn’t trap moisture against your skin
- Has a connector that fits snugly without damaging the watch
You’d be surprised how many issues — skin irritation, odd smells, stuck bands — can be avoided just by switching to a well-designed strap.
And if you’re already dealing with a jammed one, here’s how to fix a stuck Apple Watch band. It saved me a lot of stress.
Keep It Clean (Without Overdoing It)
You don’t need to baby your Apple Watch — but you should give it a little regular attention.
What I do:
- Wipe the back and screen with a microfiber cloth 1–2x per week
- Rinse the band (and watch) with plain water after swims or sweaty workouts
- Avoid alcohol wipes, soaps, or harsh cleaners — they can degrade the finish over time
It takes 30 seconds, and your watch stays looking brand new.
Bonus: Consider a Protective Case (Especially for Travel or Hiking)
If you’re planning a rougher summer — hiking, camping, or just being clumsy like I am — you might want to look into a protective case or bumper. They’ve come a long way from the bulky ones we saw a few years ago.
These days, they actually look sleek. I pop mine on when I know I’m going to the beach or a long hike. It gives me peace of mind and doesn’t ruin the look.
Final Thoughts
Your Apple Watch is designed to go with you anywhere — just like any good summer companion. With a little attention and the right strap, it can handle beach runs, sweaty workouts, poolside hangs, and everything in between.
Take care of it, and it’ll keep showing up for you — whether you’re tracking laps, closing your rings, or just checking the time in the sun.
