All of the best gadgets for fitness are wearable, touchable, personal technologies. They sit snug to your arm or around your wrist, or you might interact with them with bare skin. If you’re not sharing these gadgets with others, you might not think twice about how hygienic the device is after a few days, and a few grueling workouts, but over time you might actually compromise the function of your gadget. Having the best gadgets for fitness will only be useful for as long as those fitness monitors last, so it’s important to keep them in good condition, and to guard your own health by keeping them clean.
How to clean armband monitors.
Armband monitors are unique. They’re generally not supposed to be worn in the shower, but if you workout frequently, it won’t be long before the armband could be soaked in sweat, or grimy from a few activities outside of the gym. You should always check the care instructions that come with your device, but in general, you can use a soft, moistened cloth to clean the actual device display and sensor. To disinfect the device, you can use a 70% rubbing alcohol solution on a soft cloth. Remember to always wipe the device and sensor dry after either cleaning or disinfecting. To clean armband monitor straps, it is usually recommended that you hand wash them (without the device attached) with mild soap and water, and then air dry so that they don’t lose their functionality.
How to clean fitness bands.
Fitness bands and bracelets are some of the best gadgets for fitness because they can blend right in to your wardrobe. Unlike armbands, fitness bands are a bit easier to clean, since many of them are waterproof, and are designed to be worn 24/7. However, if you are involved with any extreme or muddy sports, you will need to use cotton swabs, water, mild soap, and in some cases rubbing alcohol to keep your band clean. Lighter bands are prone to discoloration when they are rubbed against darker materials, so you may want to exercise caution, or choose a darker band if you foresee heavy use.
How to clean wireless scales.
Smart wireless scales may require some extra care in comparison to your standard scales. Some Withings Smart Body analyzer scales have a sensor for detecting BMI and pulse, and when dirty, they can be prone to providing inaccurate measurements. Always follow product recommendations for cleaning, but a moist, non-abrasive cloth should be sufficient to wipe clean a dirty scale. Because sensors are exposed on the surface of the scale, most smart scales should never be cleaned with glass cleaner, or other chemicals.
Here are a few activities to avoid in order to protect your device.
- Exposure to extreme temperatures.
- Contamination by sand, dust, or chemicals.
- High impact sports or activities.
- Stacking devices, such as putting one armband on top of another, which could interfere with measurements.
- Wearing these devices near medical equipment.
With proper care, caution, and maintenance, your health and fitness technology should be providing accurate measurements and data for a long time.