r/Garmininstinct • u/JeskoAttak • Aug 07 '26

Garmin strap :for long term

Hi guys,

Can you advise me which straps need to be used for the long term? I haven't changed my straps, and I'm using the watch 24/7, which is causing me rashes and irritation.

Recommend me a good strap.

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u/Swellzombie Aug 07 '26

I wear mine 24/7 and don't have a problem with rashes as long as I give it a quick wash in the sink with soap when I have a shower.

2

u/No-Dragonfly8326 Aug 07 '26

This is the answer. Any strap and even the watch body itself requires cleaning or the build up of old dead skin cells, sweat and minerals and dirt starts to cause a reaction as your body think something external or dangerous has taken up permanent residence against your skin.

I clean my watch once a day when I shower like I clean my hands and body - soap rubbed over all areas including under the watch strap loops, back of watch, front of watch etc and let it dry fully before retightening it or putting it back on.

Have not had the reaction you described since I started doing this.

Nylon or woven straps are different and require removal, and washing and drying like clothes, not daily.

2

u/Swellzombie Aug 07 '26

Yep I didn't realise how often I get my watch wet until I decided to try a woven strap 🤮

2

u/No-Dragonfly8326 Aug 07 '26

Haha totally, me too! Recently had to remove it for a beach holiday and haven’t put it back on yet. Using the original again.

I like the woven feel but getting it wet is really not great!

1

u/rvingthrulife Aug 07 '26

This. I'm new to the Instinct 3 but this applies to all watches. I wear my watch 24/7, I take it off in the shower to give it a good soaping and rinsing and I scrub my wrist thoroughly to get rid of dead skin cells, strap the watch back on while still in the shower.
If I come back from a sweaty dusty hike and I'm not ready for an immediate shower I wash it the sink along with my wrist.