How to clean a mouse without damaging it

Nobody likes having a greasy, dirty mouse on their hands. However, we tend to use it continuously without thinking about cleaning it from time to time.

So one day you have had enough and decide to clean it up. But how do you clean? Do you wash it off or does a gentle spray work well?

In this article, we provide you with detailed instructions on how to clean properly.

Things to consider before cleaning

Here are some things to consider before cleaning your mouse:

• Disconnect the mouse from the USB port .
• Remove all batteries when using a wireless mouse. Also, don't forget to turn it off.
• Do not apply excessive moisture.
• Avoid using strong or ammonia-based detergents

After considering the above, you can move on to the next section with basic fixes like cleaning the exterior body and cracks.

How to clean your mouse

If you use your mouse regularly, dirt can quickly build up and even render your device unusable. Cleaning not only saves you unnecessary damage and repair costs, but can also slightly extend the life of your mouse. So cleanliness is essential.

In general, you can think of cleaning the mouse with water. But there are better tools and methods for this.

On the other hand, avoid certain things like eating at a desk and touching the mouse after eating greasy snacks.

Moving on to the cleaning part, you can follow our full guide below to clean your mouse.

Clean the outer body

Once your device is disconnected from the system, gently wipe the outer case with a dry cloth. Next, soak the microfiber cloth in a cleaning solution such as isopropyl alcohol and rub the surface with appropriate force.

clean the cracks

You can use one   Cotton Swabs/Ear Tips for cleaning tight spots and crevices on your device. First, dampen the headset with the appropriate amount of isopropyl alcohol. Then gently rub it into the crevices to remove excess dirt from those areas.

Also, use compressed air to blow out dust particles trapped in crevices and narrow surfaces.

Thorough cleaning

For a thorough cleaning, we take the mouse apart and clean all the internal parts. Therefore, only consider it if you are sure that the mouse is not working due to the dirt particles it contains . In other words, do it at your own risk.

1. First you need to unhook the mouse . If it's an optical mouse, turn it over and look for a screw. Sometimes the screw is hidden under the footrest, so remove it and you can easily find it.

2. After unscrewing the mouse, carefully remove its cover . You can then use tweezers to pull out the knotted hair. Similarly, dab some rubbing alcohol on an earbud and use it to clean tight, hollow spots. You can also use a toothpick, but be careful not to use too much force as this can scratch delicate parts like the sensors.
   

3. To remove a scroll wheel , lift it up from the side with minimal effort. Clean it with a headset or a fine brush. If you are faced with a scroll wheel that is stuck and not moving, you can even replace it with a new one.
   

4. Be very careful when cleaning the mouse sensor. The sensor is responsible for mouse movement and decides where the cursor will move accordingly when you move the mouse.

5. With almost all of the mouse parts cleaned, it's now time to put the mouse back together. But before that, make sure each piece is dry after cleaning. Next, use a screwdriver to connect the upper and lower bodies and lock the screws in their respective positions.
   
6. Finally, plug the mouse back into your computer and use it.

How often should you clean the mouse?

There are no hard and fast rules for cleaning your mouse. It's entirely up to you. But in general, you should consider cleaning from time to time and regularly if possible. Also clean it as soon as you see dust and dirt build up.

How do I clean a mouse pad?

Just like the mouse, the mouse pad is one of the most overlooked components in your PC setup. You can clean it with shampoo/detergent.

1. First fill a bucket with water and mix in some washing-up liquid.
2. Submerge the mouse and gently rub it. After rubbing, allow the mouse pad to dry completely.
3. Finally, you have a clean mouse pad at your disposal.

However, keep in mind that RGB mouse pads are different. So, unplug and just clean the edges. Also, do not drop liquids near the USB port.

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