How do you clean your leather straps?

[DemonSlayer]

I recently bought a pre-owned watch that came on a leather strap. The strap however has been used a fair bit, and the underside of the strap has really darkened. I'm assuming that this is because of dirt and oils from the wearers skin which has ingrained into the underside of the strap.

How would I be able to safely clean the underside of the leather strap? I've done a fair bit of googling but some of the methods I have come across seem questionable. White vinegar??? Wouldn't that make the strap stink and affect the PH balance of the strap

Also, can leather cleaners and conditioners be applied to the underside of a leather strap or only the outerside?

[freddy333]

To be honest, for health reasons, I always replace hide straps on used watches (& thoroughly clean metal bracelets before wearing).

But, as to your question, I am not aware of any way to really clean the underside of a hide. The cleaners/conditioners made for leather are intended for the outer side. But you might check with a shoe or leather store to see what they recommend. At the very least, I would wash the strap with some type of anti-bacterial soap (as long as a leather specialist says it is ok to do so).

[blade007]

To be honest, for health reasons, I always replace hide straps on used watches

i think i agree with that too. I never bought a second hand leather strap ever, does that mean buying 2nd hand straps, like the ones that often come up in the sales section is a big no no (from a health perspective)?

[TeeJay]

i think i agree with that too. I never bought a second hand leather strap ever, does that mean buying 2nd hand straps, like the ones that often come up in the sales section is a big no no (from a health perspective)?

Interesting point I believe, that most of the straps which are for sale which are pre-owned, are ones which have not had frequent wear...

[DemonSlayer]

Thanks Freddy, much appreciated. I always thought that these cleaners/conditioners could be used on the underside to make straps more supple, as I believed its these areas on the strap which can be more stiff in some of the cheaper quality straps commonly found on rep PAMs.

[Tribal]

You Can usea sort of leather soap it is directly to clean leather

and it works fine for me.

[spooky driver]

i think i agree with that too. I never bought a second hand leather strap ever, does that mean buying 2nd hand straps, like the ones that often come up in the sales section is a big no no (from a health perspective)?

i have been accused of having OCD (Obsessive Compulsive Disorder) by my colleagues when it comes to cleanliness but i think you two fellas are taking this too far. if you wash the back of the strap with mild soap detergent and rinse with a damp cloth allow to dry and this strap is good to go.....if you are still not happy with this then you can send me the strap.

[Noel Fleischer]

i doubt that the inside will ever appear anything like when it was new if its light colored.

those liners get discolored right away from sweat and oils, but i guess it depends on your

skin type. i happen to sweat alot.

[jjfesq]

I rub a little Purell on the inside then apply lexan to the strap

[red]

I have Redwing boots, and use the beeswax that I bought to oil the boots to grease up the strap. Turns out nicely.