How to clean up the dirt underneath the folded ss bracelet?

[onerios]

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.. 

[Yoda]

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



Then pour the Clorox in and drop the braclet in



4 hours later



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



Finally rinse it with water and wipe dry



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.

 

[Everdying]

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.

[takashi78]

Damn you are a dirty dirty boy ! 

For me water+toothbrush+tooth paste+wipe dry+cotton buds is good enough.

[onerios]

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



Then pour the Clorox in and drop the braclet in



4 hours later



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



Finally rinse it with water and wipe dry



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.

 

Wow! With that amount of grime, a toothbrush is so not going to do the job! A steel brush maybe! 

[mydoven]

I uses dishwasher "sunlight" with toothbrush, to do this job. So far so good.

[bezelnut]

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?

[Yoda]

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

 

[bezelnut]

Noted, thank you.

Just got myself a new bottle of Clorox, will do the cleaning tomorrow. 

[bezelnut]

Cleaned my bracelet using clorox.

Here's are some before and after comparison photos.









Thanks Yoda for the instructions.  Work way better than my usual old toothbrush+dishwash method.

[1to12]

Cleaned my bracelet using clorox.

Here's are some before and after comparison photos.

Thanks Yoda for the instructions.  Work way better than my usual old toothbrush+dishwash method.

Wow that's a lot of difference. Clorox is a great product. haha

[bezelnut]

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.

[1to12]

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?

[bezelnut]

I didn't. LOL.

Watch wasn't collection grime like bracelet, few wipe with cloth & thats all.

[Yoda]

Cleaned my bracelet using clorox.

Here's are some before and after comparison photos.









Thanks Yoda for the instructions.  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.
 

[hanz079]

Very interesting indeed.
So just use pure clorox? Not watered down?

[bezelnut]

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.
 

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.

[GMTmaster]

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. 

[hanz079]

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...

[bezelnut]

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. 
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.

[kuan2863]

Ive had my gmt for about 5 years . used tootbrush and soap and works just fine. i dont think u shd use anything stronger. 

[timenut]

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.

[GlennTanChiaChiah]

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.

[JeepWH]

Warning: do not put rose gold bracelet in Clorox as it will make it turn to yellow gold. 

A safer method will be getting methylated spirit from hardware store and soak the bracelet in it. Does wonders.

[kenji1903]

is it concentrated Clorox or need to dilute a bit with water?