Cleaning your mouse may not be at the top of your to-do list, but it should be! Over time, it can gather dust, crumbs, and oils from your hands. These things don’t just make your mouse look dirty—they can also affect how well it works. A clean mouse is more responsive and can make your tasks feel smoother. Plus, it reduces the chances of germs and bacteria building up. Here’s a guide to help you clean your mouse quickly and effectively.
Before diving into cleaning your mouse, gather the following supplies:
Step 1: Turn Off and Disconnect the Mouse
Start by turning off your mouse. If it’s awired mouse, unplug it.If your mouse is wireless, ensure to power it down or remove the batteries. This step ensures safety while cleaning and prevents any unintentional clicks.
Step 2: Wipe the Surface
Once your mouse is off, use a slightly damp microfiber cloth to wipe the entire surface. For stubborn dirt or grime, add a bit of isopropyl alcohol to the cloth, but be careful not to get the mouse too wet. Wipe gently, ensuring you cover all the areas where your fingers and palm rest.
Step 3: Clean the Crevices
Dust and dirt tend to collect in the crevices of the mouse, especially around the buttons and scroll wheel. Use a toothpick or a spudger to carefully scrape out any debris lodged in these small spaces. If you have a soft-bristle brush, it can also help loosen dust.
Step 4: Blast with Compressed Air
After you’ve cleaned the visible dirt, take a can of compressed air and blow out any remaining dust from between the buttons, around the scroll wheel, and other small gaps. Hold the can upright and avoid shaking it to prevent moisture from spraying on the mouse.
Step 5: Clean the Bottom of the Mouse
The bottom of your mouse is just as important as the top, especially for optical and laser mice. Use a dry microfiber cloth to clean the bottom, paying special attention to the sensor. Any dirt around the sensor can interfere with the mouse’s tracking ability.
Step 6: Reassemble and Dry
Once you’ve cleaned all parts, let everything air dry for a few minutes before reassembling or turning the mouse back on. If you’ve removed any batteries or disassembled parts, ensure they are dry before putting them back in.
How To Clean Specific Types Of Mice
Different types of mice require slightly different cleaning approaches. Here’s a breakdown of how to clean each type:
Optical Mouse
Optical mice are the most common type and the easiest to clean. After turning it off, follow the steps above. Pay extra attention to the sensor at the bottom and make sure no debris is blocking it. Use compressed air to clear dust from around the sensor.
Trackball Mouse
Trackball mice have a removable ball, which requires special attention. First, take out the ball by gently pressing or twisting it, depending on the model. Clean the ball with a microfiber cloth dampened with alcohol. For the housing, use compressed air to clear out dust and a spudger to remove any dirt stuck in the grooves. Once everything is clean, reassemble the mouse and check that the ball moves smoothly.
Gaming Mouse
Gaming miceoften have more buttons and grooves, so cleaning them can be a bit more involved. Start by wiping the surface and cleaning around the buttons with a toothpick or spudger. Don’t forget to clean the scroll wheel, as this is a common spot for dirt buildup. Use compressed air to blast away debris from the crevices. Wipe the entire surface with a damp microfiber cloth, then dry it with a soft cloth.
Vertical Mouse
Vertical mice are anawesome ergonomic choice—but they’re a bit trickier to clean due to their unique shape. As with other types, start by turning it off and disconnecting it. Use a toothpick to clean the small grooves, and wipe the surface with a microfiber cloth. If you have a wireless vertical mouse, remove the batteries before cleaning. Be sure to clean both the inside and outside of the mouse, using compressed air to get into hard-to-reach areas.
Apple Magic Mouse
The Apple Magic Mouse has a sleek design, which can make it challenging to clean. Start by powering it off and removing the batteries (if it’s the first generation). Use a spudger to clean out the groove around the mouse and a microfiber cloth to wipe the entire surface. Be gentle when cleaning the sensor window with compressed air. Finish by wiping it with a dry cloth.
How Often Should You Clean Your Mouse?
Ideally, you should give your mouse a light cleaning every few weeks. For deeper cleaning, aim to do it every few months, especially if you notice the mouse becoming less responsive or looking particularly grimy. Regular cleaning can extend the life of your mouse and improve your overall user experience.
