- You should clean your mouse pad occasionally, especially if you notice your mouse has trouble tracking.
- Scrub a rubber or plastic mouse pad with a wet wipe or damp cloth.
- You can submerge a cloth or fabric mouse pad in a sink or basin with soapy warm water, and scrub it.
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Every mouse pad needs to be cleaned occasionally. Not only can the mouse pad trap ordinary dirt, dust, hair, and pet dander, but it's a sponge for food particles.
The most obvious sign your mouse pad needs to be washed is if you have occasional tracking issues with your mouse. Dirt and grime could be interfering with the mouse, and cleaning the pad is a lot cheaper than replacing the mouse — so start with the mouse pad before ordering a replacement device.
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How to clean a rubber or plastic mouse pad
If you have a rigid mouse pad that's made of rubber or plastic, cleanup is simple. You can use a damp cloth or any variety of wet wipes to scrub and wipe away the grime. You can't really damage the pad, so feel free to use dish soap or another mild detergent and scrub it aggressively if there's any firmly attached dirt. Clean, rise, and then allow it to dry thoroughly before using it again with your mouse.
How to clean a cloth or fabric mouse pad
Compared to a rigid mouse pad, a cloth or fabric mouse pad requires a little more work to thoroughly clean.
1. Fill a sink or basin with some warm water mixed with some mild detergent, such as dish soap.
2. Place the mouse pad in the soapy water. While submerged, use a cloth or brush to gently scrub the entire top surface of the pad. Wipe it thoroughly to lift embedded particles and remove any stains or debris.
3. You don't need to spend much time cleansing the bottom, but flip it over and make sure that there's no dirt or debris from the desktop stuck to it.
4. When you're done scrubbing the mouse pad, drain the basin and run cold water over the pad, rinsing it thoroughly. Be sure to rinse away any soap.
5. Hang or drape the mouse pad so it can air dry overnight. Avoid putting it in direct sunlight and don't try to dry it with direct heat, such as in a clothes dryer or by blowing on it with a hair dryer
6. When the mouse pad is completely dry, you can put it back into service at your desk.
Quick tip: If you have a light-up RGB mouse pad, never immerse it in water. Instead, dampen a microfiber cloth and wipe it the same way you would clean a plain rubber or plastic mouse pad.
Dave Johnson
Freelance Writer
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