I have a black woven nylon strap that I live with my stainless steel watch. Day to day for work though I often wear my black sport loop or a sport strap (dark blue quite often, although that one seems to make my wrist itch these days and I have a fair few colours to choose from).
The discolouration of your red strap doesn’t sound normal.
Here’s what it looks like. I’ve had it since December, so it’s past the return period. Nothing happens when I try to wash the band with soap and water.
View attachment 755230
Here’s what it looks like. I’ve had it since December, so it’s past the return period. Nothing happens when I try to wash the band with soap and water.
Try using a melamine foam (Mr. Clean Magic Eraser brand in the US) sponge on it. I've seen several accounts that these work well to clean Apple sport bands.
View attachment 755230
Here’s what it looks like. I’ve had it since December, so it’s past the return period. Nothing happens when I try to wash the band with soap and water.
Just an FYI, Apple has a 1 year warranty on the bands. If you feel the wear isn’t “normal” you can contact them and get it replaced. You can do so over the phone or over the support app. They may or may not ask for pictures.