How Do I Care For and Clean My NATO Straps?

One of the most popular trends to hit watch owners and enthusiasts alike is the NATO strap. Everything from $80 Casios to $10,000 Rolexes is now paired with NATO straps. Even the Seiko mod part industry has been taken by storm, extending its customizability beyond bezels and dials.

NATO straps were standard issue for the British military and were later popularized by none other than 007 himself in the James Bond films. Over fifty years later, NATO straps have become a classic for enthusiasts of all levels, especially since their styles range from sporty to elegant.

To that end, we have created this guide on how to care for your NATO straps. Since they’re hardy and incredibly resistant to wear and tear, they are relatively easy to care for. Nevertheless, it is important to put in some effort into their care so that your watch always looks completely brand new.

How do I care for my straps?

NATO straps are generally made from nylon or polyester fabric. These materials are incredibly breathable, resistant to sunlight, and take minimal damage from water. However, since they are cloth-based, it is important to avoid using bleach so that you don’t put the color of the strap at risk.

The fabric can also trap dirt and other materials, which may then irritate the skin. If your strap is a single-piece, the dirt and debris caught in the watch may scratch and scrape the material. Any time you spend a day in a dusty, dirty, or sandy place, you should clean your watch right after.

Outside of that, it is important to clean your watch every ten to twenty days, especially if you wear your watch daily. It is also best to keep your watch in a cool, dry place away from humidity and mold.

How do I clean it?

The wonderful thing about NATO straps is that they can be thrown in the wash along with the rest of your clothes whenever you need to clean them. Make sure to use a cold water cycle, as high heat can damage the straps. The nylon and polyester are also unfit for the dryer, so you should let it air dry after a wash.

As a reminder, please avoid using bleach when cleaning the strap.

What do I do if the dirt is rather resilient?

If you were exposed to mud and other particularly resilient forms of dirt, a simple wash might not get it all out. In such cases, a different procedure is needed.

First, you should remove the strap from the watch and allow it to soak in cold water mixed with your laundry detergent or dishwashing liquid for about fifteen minutes. This soak will allow grease and stains to separate from the fabric.

After that, scrub the straps gently with your finger or a toothbrush to remove particularly resilient stains. Squeeze out as much moisture from the watch as you can and allow the strap to dry in a cool, dry place for six to eight hours or overnight.

If there are still stains and dirt in the fabric, repeat the procedure as needed.

Final thoughts

NATO straps can revolutionize the look of any watch. The wide array of styles out there, in addition to its resilience against the elements, make it a wonderful choice for enthusiasts of all inclinations, hobbies, and levels.

If you’re a Seiko enthusiast who likes a customized experience with Seiko mod parts, the NATO strap is perfect for you. That said, keep these care tips in mind so that your NATO strap always looks clean and brand new.

If you’re looking for Seiko mod parts to go with your NATO strap, send us a message at Crystaltimes USA. We have a great selection of Seiko mod parts and other watch accessories to go with your look.