Charge 2 black wristband turning white

[zenpedal]

Why does my black wristband on my Fitbit Charge 2 turn white? Fitbit recommended using Aquanil, Cetaphil and Alcohol. None of these products work. I even purchased a second black wristband and that one is turning white also. If its sweat - shouldn't it clean off after each use?

Moderator edit: format. 

[AnnikaGrace · Accepted solution]

I had to take the band off of mine and wash it pretty good.  The sweat and dead skin was getting into the texture of the band.  It didn't come off from just regular hand-washing incidental contact.

[zenpedal]

Thanks for your advice! I'll let you know if this solution works!

[zenpedal]

I took the band off and gave it a good cleaning but the white reappears within a few seconds!!

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[Kevin1313]

I have the exact same issue, with a blue factory band.

I followed directions to a "T" for product care, and then over time the band developed this "white dust". I also began to experience skin irritation. So I thought like the other poster it was dead cells, so I gave it a good scrubbing. The white dust came back within an hour !!!

I believe some of the the factory bands are defective, and actually break down during use and prescribed cleaning.

I switched to a third party silicone band, and have had no dust and no skin problems.

The issue was unique to the fitbit factory band for me. I think it was a problem with the plastic.

[sandeep1]

Washing does not help. The white comes back as soon as the band is dry. 

[sandeep1]

The other solutions - using alcohol etc does not work either. 

[Kcea]

I’ve had the same issue with my band looking like it’s oxidizing. I washed it with soap and water and then used a micellar water with oil and it cleaned up perfectly. I think any non synthetic oil that’s skin friendly would work. 

Moderator edit: format. 

[Nateington]

I have this issue with my Charge 4 with the original black band. It is not sweet and dead skin, as I hardly ever wear my Charge 4 and have always kept it clean. It’s some sort of residue that gets absorbed into the band and released as a white film. I tried cleaning it many ways, and found one that finally worked. 

Remove the band and soak it in very hot water. I soaked mine in water right off the boil for ten minutes and the white film completely went away. Hot water opened the pores of the silicon and releases the build up.

If you cannot remove your band, or don’t have a silicone band, I would skip this method. Hope it helps.