Apple stocks leather, stainless steel, and “sports” bands for their flagship Apple Watch, all of which vary in comfort, durability, and style. For athletes and outdoor enthusiasts, the only baseline option is the Sport Band that starts at $49 and only comes with a pin-and-tuck closure. When you live an active, adventurous life, you’ll notice that even the Sports Band could be tweaked for improved performance. Where can you find a suitable upgrade that doesn’t cost a fortune? Rethinking Silicone With QALO That’s where QALO comes in. We designed our new GridLock watch bands with explorers in mind. Our silicone material doesn’t get scratched or dented. Plus, our line of silicone Apple Watch bands starts at just $24.95! The unique Dual Lock Fastener adds a layer of security, and the groove-less comfort fit design reduces the need for cleaning.However, while silicone material naturally repels oil and debris, it can naturally darken or fade over time as grime accumulates. Your silicone watch band can also play host to germs, bacteria, and viruses. Take a few minutes to clean your watch band for a healthy lifestyle periodically. How to Clean a Silicone Watch Band Once you notice a bit of grime or discoloration on your silicone watch band, give it a quick cleaning. Here’s what you’ll need: - Warm water - Dish soap - Soft bristle brush (an old toothbrush works) - Cotton cloth - Baking soda (optional) Quick Cleaning Fill a large cup or a small bowl with warm water and a few drops of dish soap. Submerge both parts of your silicone watch band for five minutes. If they float to the surface, you may have to weigh them down with a heavy object. Gently rub the watch band between your fingers if you notice discoloration. Scrub stains with a soft bristle toothbrush while keeping the watch bands submerged. Afterward, dry watch bands with a cotton cloth and allow them to sit. Wait until they are completely dry before wearing them again. Spot Removal Notice any spots that aren’t going away with the soft bristle brush? Sprinkle a small amount of baking soda on the spot and scrub again with your toothbrush. This should take care of stubborn stains. A word of caution: avoid using abrasives like scouring pads to clean silicone, as they can remove designs and personalization text. Even a hard bristle toothbrush could cause colors to blur. Tips for Long-Lasting Silicone Watch Bands Sure, you can spruce up your discolored or smelly watch band with a good cleaning. But extend the lifespan of your watch band even further by following these guidelines. - Avoid extended exposure to water. A QALO silicone band will be able to withstand degradation due to moisture. But the skin on your wrist can become irritated or even become a breeding ground for bacteria if you don’t dry off your watch band after getting drenched in rain or sweat. - Find the right fit. Wearing your watch band too tight can cause problems like skin irritation and poor circulation. Choosing the wrong size watch band can also lead to unnecessary strain on your watch band, shortening its lifespan. Measure your wrist and follow our blog to size your watch band correctly. - Take a break. Apple Watches may power your life, but remove your smart device for an hour after extended use. Silicone rubbing against your skin all day can cause irritation. You will need to clean your Apple Watch more often if you wear it nonstop. Tackle life’s greatest challenges head-on with a GridLock watchband made exclusively for the Apple Watch. No matter what design you choose, our GridLock watch bands are designed to work as hard as you do.