Malaysia Watch Forum
Main Forums => General Discussion - Modern Watches => Topic started by: Yoda on July 24, 2013, 11:19:58 AM
-
Dear sifus and members
I have one old watch where its stainless steel bracelet is folded type i.e not the solid type. I think in the early days a lot of this folded type were made.
As it has some sentimental values I want to keep it and clean the dirt, grease and all sorts of stuff inside the folded bracelet which has attracted a lot of "stuff" over the years.
Has anyone try to clean the inside? Someone suggested to me to soak the stainless steel bracelet into the Clorox. Would this work?
Your valuable advice please.
:Cheers:
-
Mine cleaned by ultra-sonic cleaner, rinse with water followed by air blow dry :thumbsup:
-
I used an old tooth brush and soap to do the job
-
I brush mine with toothbrush + a little dish drop. The green bottle from Cosway work quite well.
-
Mine cleaned by ultra-sonic cleaner, rinse with water followed by air blow dry :thumbsup:
Thank you guys
I have heard a lot about this ultrasonic cleaner, do you mind PM me where you get one of this good stuff? Or perhaps any such service provided?
:Cheers:
-
I have heard a lot about this ultrasonic cleaner, do you mind PM me where you get one of this good stuff? Or perhaps any such service provided?
:Cheers:
Jewelry stores and spectacles shops use them. I have never seen one in a watch shop though. I dunno if they will let you use their machines to clean your yukky watch bracelets.
:Cheers: :Laughing_on_floor: :shocked1:
-
If it is just grime and dirt on a stainless steel bracelet, I think an old toothbrush and some soap will easily do the trick.
-
I read a while ago that the ultrasonic cleaning is not for the mechanical components. You have to separate the watch and the bracelet before cleaning or otherwise it might damage the watch.
-
Toothbrush and soap.
-
try those with soft rated tooth brush. apart from soap. Try use alcohol. I have tried one before it can clean the dirt easier. But remember to rinse through a clean water(not pipe water as it contain chlorine)
-
you are talking about these kind of links right?
(http://yeomanseiko.files.wordpress.com/2009/11/orientceu07005wx_bracelet.jpg)
i'm not sure how helpful a toothbrush is in helping to get dirt out from inside that.
i assume ultrasonic is still your best bet, short of dismantling the whole bracelet and cleaning individually.
-
I still think a toothbrush works (ok, maybe not an old toothbrush then :D); just need to have to gently sweep dirt out. And yeah, use one with soft bristles to avoid any scratches.
-
For me, I use a very old toothbrush and toothpaste. Of course I remove the bracelet from the watch. After that is done, wash with soapy water and another round with the tooth brush. Finish off with a soak in warm water and dish washing fluid. I also swirl or jiggle the bracelet in this mix a few times. I let it soak until the water is cool and final wash in running water.
If really dirty, then have a go with a tooth pick to loosen any grime and DNA. If really really bad, then a visit to my watch guy and have a go at his ultrasonic cleaner.
-
Ultrasonic cleaners are pretty cheap nowadays. The one I have has a basket that holds the watch case above water while the bracelet is submerged. Or you can just detach the bracelet and clean that.
But do not put watch case in the cleaner. Bad for mechanism and seals. I learnt that the hard way. :Blue:
Fong
-
Are u guys sure about the ultrasonic cleanser? i tried it once and the result is not that impressive.
-
Fine toothbrush and chinese tea
-
you are talking about these kind of links right?
(http://yeomanseiko.files.wordpress.com/2009/11/orientceu07005wx_bracelet.jpg)
i'm not sure how helpful a toothbrush is in helping to get dirt out from inside that.
i assume ultrasonic is still your best bet, short of dismantling the whole bracelet and cleaning individually.
Yeah that's right those yaki stuff inside, if the ss bracelet can withstand acid that's the best but unfortunately not.
Will have to try all these methods recommended by our members.
Thanks very much
:D
-
Don't know if this is a weird request... but put up a pic of the links with grime and dirt lah! Then it would be easier to get an impression of just how difficult it would be to remove :D
-
I would think, if you could remove the watch from the bracelet; a thoroughly good soaking with WD-40, let it marinate in WD-40 for a few hours and a good scrubbing with a fine toothbrush should solve your problem.
Do not get any WD-40 on the watch though as it has been known to do bad things to rubber seals etc. of the watch.
-
a toothbrush will only be able to remove surface dirt. over time, the real dirt and grime on a bracelet is usually in between links, where it is highly difficult to be reached by a toothbrush.
my suggestion is that it might be time to give your watch a proper ultrasonic cleaning treatment.
-
i heard sg some ppl buy the ultrasonice machine and wash at home the machine not so exp i heard.
-
Hi guys,
Anyone heard of toothbrush + toothpaste combination before? Does this work well?
-
Hi guys,
Anyone heard of toothbrush + toothpaste combination before? Does this work well?
That what I used always ( toothbrush + toothpaste combination + brush hard on it ). It works well for me.
-
Using toothpaste with a toothbrush with those super thin bristles work wonders whenever I clean those nooks and crannies.. ;D
-
But would the bristles scratch the bracelet?
-
But would the bristles scratch the bracelet?
I use Oral B's super thin bristles, the extra soft 40 version.. Really soft and nice, doesn't do any damage to the bracelet at all but able to get into really tight corners between the links.. :thumbsup:
-
Dear all
Below is my project experiment. This is what I have learned from my mother in those days when she use this method to clean the gold bracelet.
So for those who dare to try I do not hold any responsibility to your watch, you have to practice your own judgment before you try this.
Based on my little knowledge about chemistry in the secondary school I don't think the Clorox which is alkaline based would bleach the stainless steel. Nevertheless when I try this I am ready to lose the bracelet.
This is the cup cut into a suitable size
(http://i1285.photobucket.com/albums/a585/leong33/Watch%20Spa/20130808_181217_zps63ea7c19.jpg)
Then pour the Clorox in and drop the braclet in
(http://i1285.photobucket.com/albums/a585/leong33/Watch%20Spa/20130808_181636_zpsa68de199.jpg)
4 hours later
(http://i1285.photobucket.com/albums/a585/leong33/Watch%20Spa/20130809_074737_zps2f43dc1e.jpg)
All the grime and those yaki stuff came out
Next to change the Clorox and wait for another 4 hours, this in the result after the 2nd 4 hours
(http://i1285.photobucket.com/albums/a585/leong33/Watch%20Spa/20130808_224032_zps1cd9aa36.jpg)
Finally rinse it with water and wipe dry
(http://i1285.photobucket.com/albums/a585/leong33/Watch%20Spa/20130808_125648_zpsc84a9885.jpg)
This is the best I can clean the inside grime. I used a soft brush to clean the surface again before the drying session.
Hope you all can benefit from this project experiment.
:Cheers:
-
not bad tho becareful.
strong alkaline like concentrated clorox is also corrosive, so long term it can also eat steel.
since u don't care much for the bracelet, then no harm done.
tho next time can dilute it or buy it pre-diluted.
-
Damn you are a dirty dirty boy ! :P
For me water+toothbrush+tooth paste+wipe dry+cotton buds is good enough.
-
Dear all
Below is my project experiment. This is what I have learned from my mother in those days when she use this method to clean the gold bracelet.
So for those who dare to try I do not hold any responsibility to your watch, you have to practice your own judgment before you try this.
Based on my little knowledge about chemistry in the secondary school I don't think the Clorox which is alkaline based would bleach the stainless steel. Nevertheless when I try this I am ready to lose the bracelet.
This is the cup cut into a suitable size
(http://i1285.photobucket.com/albums/a585/leong33/20130808_181217_zps63ea7c19.jpg)
Then pour the Clorox in and drop the braclet in
(http://i1285.photobucket.com/albums/a585/leong33/20130808_181636_zpsa68de199.jpg)
4 hours later
(http://i1285.photobucket.com/albums/a585/leong33/20130809_074737_zps2f43dc1e.jpg)
All the grime and those yaki stuff came out
Next to change the Clorox and wait for another 4 hours, this in the result after the 2nd 4 hours
(http://i1285.photobucket.com/albums/a585/leong33/20130808_224032_zps1cd9aa36.jpg)
Finally rinse it with water and wipe dry
(http://i1285.photobucket.com/albums/a585/leong33/20130809_114204_zps039d1512.jpg)
This is the best I can clean the inside grime. I used a soft brush to clean the surface again before the drying session.
Hope you all can benefit from this project experiment.
:Cheers:
Wow! With that amount of grime, a toothbrush is so not going to do the job! A steel brush maybe! :Startled:
-
I uses dishwasher "sunlight" with toothbrush, to do this job. So far so good.
-
Wow, i'm surprised that there are so much grime after the 4 hours bath.
Did you dilute the Clorox? or just pour from bottle?
-
Wow, i'm surprised that there are so much grime after the 4 hours bath.
Did you dilute the Clorox? or just pour from bottle?
I tried both first pour from bottle without water added, the next one yes afraid that it would corrode the steel.
On the safe side perhaps if you are keen you should dilute it.
That's my 2 cents advice
:Cheers:
-
Noted, thank you.
Just got myself a new bottle of Clorox, will do the cleaning tomorrow. :Cheers:
-
Cleaned my bracelet using clorox.
Here's are some before and after comparison photos.
(http://i962.photobucket.com/albums/ae101/bezelnut/DSC_0008_zps2b01f009.jpg)
(http://i962.photobucket.com/albums/ae101/bezelnut/DSC_0020_zps3eb022e5.jpg)
(http://i962.photobucket.com/albums/ae101/bezelnut/DSC_0011_zps2b014551.jpg)
(http://i962.photobucket.com/albums/ae101/bezelnut/DSC_0023_zps913a6abf.jpg)
(http://i962.photobucket.com/albums/ae101/bezelnut/DSC_0009_zpsa5a3cb3c.jpg)
(http://i962.photobucket.com/albums/ae101/bezelnut/DSC_0024_zps9bb4b9ba.jpg)
Thanks Yoda for the instructions. :thumbsup: Work way better than my usual old toothbrush+dishwash method.
-
Cleaned my bracelet using clorox.
Here's are some before and after comparison photos.
Thanks Yoda for the instructions. :thumbsup: Work way better than my usual old toothbrush+dishwash method.
Wow that's a lot of difference. Clorox is a great product. haha
-
Yup, work very well indeed. After submerged in clorox, I simply rinse it with water, and most grime is washed away instantly. I clean the hard to reach part with an old toothbrush, and it does come off much easier than usual too.
After close inspection, it seems to be no clorox corrosion as well. So I say it is definitely a safe and effective way to clean bracelet. Just remember to detached the bracelet from watch. I wouln't recommend long period contact between rubber seal & clorox thou.
-
Yup, work very well indeed. After submerged in clorox, I simply rinse it with water, and most grime is washed away instantly. I clean the hard to reach part with an old toothbrush, and it does come off much easier than usual too.
After close inspection, it seems to be no clorox corrosion as well. So I say it is definitely a safe and effective way to clean bracelet. Just remember to detached the bracelet from watch. I wouln't recommend long period contact between rubber seal & clorox thou.
Now that the bracelets are cleaned and looks new, how do you clean the watch to match it?
-
I didn't. LOL.
Watch wasn't collection grime like bracelet, few wipe with cloth & thats all.
-
Cleaned my bracelet using clorox.
Here's are some before and after comparison photos.
(http://i962.photobucket.com/albums/ae101/bezelnut/DSC_0008_zps2b01f009.jpg)
(http://i962.photobucket.com/albums/ae101/bezelnut/DSC_0020_zps3eb022e5.jpg)
(http://i962.photobucket.com/albums/ae101/bezelnut/DSC_0011_zps2b014551.jpg)
(http://i962.photobucket.com/albums/ae101/bezelnut/DSC_0023_zps913a6abf.jpg)
(http://i962.photobucket.com/albums/ae101/bezelnut/DSC_0009_zpsa5a3cb3c.jpg)
(http://i962.photobucket.com/albums/ae101/bezelnut/DSC_0024_zps9bb4b9ba.jpg)
Thanks Yoda for the instructions. :thumbsup: Work way better than my usual old toothbrush+dishwash method.
You're welcome Bezelnut. Just upload the photos again could have move the photo in the Photobucket
Everyday is learning and learning new at this forum.
If you have any other fantastic stuff to share I am at all ears.
I plan to do one project hope its successful and share.
:Cheers:
-
Very interesting indeed.
So just use pure clorox? Not watered down?
-
You're welcome Bezelnut. Just upload the photos again could have move the photo in the Photobucket
Everyday is learning and learning new at this forum.
If you have any other fantastic stuff to share I am at all ears.
I plan to do one project hope its successful and share.
:Cheers:
Nothing beat the satisfaction when the watch is sparkling clean.
Good luck for your new project, and I will be waiting for your post.
Very interesting indeed.
So just use pure clorox? Not watered down?
Yes, I use pure undiluted clorox, and give it a good half day soak. After that, wash with flowing water, some scrubing using old toothbrush and thats it.
-
Very interesting indeed.
So just use pure clorox? Not watered down?
Yes, I use pure undiluted clorox, and give it a good half day soak. After that, wash with flowing water, some scrubing using old toothbrush and thats it.
Wow. Pure clorox. Sounded a bit strong to me. Then wearing it close to the sweaty body for extended period of time might make me feel uneasy. :-\
-
Very interesting indeed.
So just use pure clorox? Not watered down?
Yes, I use pure undiluted clorox, and give it a good half day soak. After that, wash with flowing water, some scrubing using old toothbrush and thats it.
Wow. Pure clorox. Sounded a bit strong to me. Then wearing it close to the sweaty body for extended period of time might make me feel uneasy. :-\
After washing with water and getting it dried, there should not be any clorox residue left i think...
-
Yes, Han is right, after flushing with water and cleaning with toothbrush there should not be any residue left.
These chemical are design for clothes in the 1st place, and in my house, applied especially to collar areas. I'm still alive, breathing and healthy. ;D
Should be alright.
I'm afraid of corrosion at first, but after Yoda said it's okay, I tried it myself, it seems that stainless steel should be alright. I did inspect my bracelet after cleaning, thoroughly, and no sign of corrosion whatsoever.
Hope that helps.
-
Ive had my gmt for about 5 years . used tootbrush and soap and works just fine. i dont think u shd use anything stronger.
-
Yoda.. many thanks for sharing. Now I know what to do to clean my dad's old Seiko 5 bracelet. Ultrasonic works but I think this method removes more grime.
-
But would the bristles scratch the bracelet?
Unless your toothbrush has steel bristles it should be fine, plastic shouldn't be able to scratch steel.
-
Warning: do not put rose gold bracelet in Clorox as it will make it turn to yellow gold. :o
A safer method will be getting methylated spirit from hardware store and soak the bracelet in it. Does wonders.
-
is it concentrated Clorox or need to dilute a bit with water?
-
is it concentrated Clorox or need to dilute a bit with water?
I think oure clorox from bottle direct..
Though i think safer to use ultrasonic cleaners.. Common in any spectacles shop. Perhaps they will charge rm10 max
-
Clorox whether concentrated or not is dangerous to rose gold and plated items. Same goes for ultrasonic cleaning, might strip off the plated gold.