How to Steam Clean Watches

Steam cleaning removes grime, dust and bacteria, and it's a cleaning method professionals use with jewelry. Gold, silver and platinum waterproof watches respond well to steam cleaning. If you have any doubts whether your watch is right for steam cleaning, talk to a local jeweler. Steam cleaners emit very hot vapor, so take care not to touch the steam yourself and not to put your watch back on for at least 30 minutes after steaming.

Instructions

1

Read over the instructions on your model jewelry steamer before you begin, to know how long the water takes to heat, how much water to fill the unit with and other model-specific information.

2

Open the water reservoir. Fill the water unit in your steam cleaner. Close the water reservoir compartment.

3

Plug in the steam cleaner and allow it to heat the water. Models have indicator lights that change color when the unit is ready.

4

Place your watch in a mesh basket, then put the basket right under the steam nozzle.

5

Push the button to emit steam vapors. Steam your watch for 10 to 20 seconds. After one steam cycle, let the steamer rest for 10 seconds to build up steam, then depress the steam button again.

6

Pull the mesh basket back after you've steamed the watch, using a towel to grab it because the mesh will be hot. Wipe off the watch with a lint-free cloth. Hold the watch up to the light and inspect for cleanliness. Insert the watch in the metal basket again and re-steam if necessary.

7

Unplug your steamer when finished.