How To Clean A Mouse Pad 

When did you last clean your mousepad? Chances are, it’s been a while. Mouse pads are arguably the most underrated components in a computer setup. While they may not be as important as the keyboard or mouse, mousepads serve an important purpose. So if your mouse’s precision is deteriorating, it might be time to clean your mouse pad. 

Your mouse pad is bound to get dirty over time due to dust, food debris or spills, and other substances. A grimy mousepad looks bad, so you can start by getting a dark-colored one. You can and should was your mousepad every once in awhile using a sponge or cloth to scrub it.

In this guide, we’ll go over several methods you can use to properly clean both a standard and wired RGB mousepad and how to dry them. Scroll down for the easy step-by-step guide.   

How to Properly Wash a Mousepad 

Computer mouse pad with RGB backlight

Washing a mousepad is surprisingly easy. Simple handwashing is recommended since it is gentler than a machine and is less likely to damage the mousepad.

The first step is to determine what material your mousepad is made of. This will determine how deeply it will have to be cleaned. Mousepads made from cloth, nylon, foam, polyester, or rubber can withstand machine-washed.  

Let’s look at how to handwash the two most commonly used mousepads.     

How to Wash a Fabric or Cloth Mousepad

Cloth and fabric mousepads have a superior feel, but dirt and oil are easily embedded in the fabric making it more challenging to wash off. You’ll need a:

  • Sponge or soft bristle brush
  • Mild dish soap
  • Warm water

The Steps to Follow:

  1. Fill a container or sink with warm water and submerge the mouse pad. Let it soak for a while before applying a small amount of dish soap to the surface. 
  1. Use the sponge or brush to gently scrub the surface of the mouse pad to dislodge any dirt or oil trapped within the fabric. Make sure you scrub both sides of the pad. 
  1. Rinse off the soap in clean water and inspect if there are any persistent stains. You might have to repeat the scrubbing a few times to remove such stains.  
  1. Shake off the water and pat with a dry cloth to get the pad as dry as possible. 
  1. Set it on a flat surface and allow it to dry completely before using it again. It might take a day or two to completely dry. 

How to Wash a Rubber or Plastic Mousepad

Cleaning a rubber or plastic mousepad is relatively easy. Most of the time, wiping with a damp cloth will be enough to dislodge any oil or grime from the surface. So you’ll need a:

  • Sponge/ microfiber cloth
  • Warm water
  • Mild dish soap 

The Steps to Follow: 

  1. Pour warm water into a container and add a few drops of mild dish soap. Mix to get a uniform solution. 
  1. Dip the sponge into the soapy solution. 
  1. Use the wet sponge to wipe the mousepad’s surface to remove any grime thoroughly.  
  1. Repeat step 3 until both sides of the pad are clean.
  1. Rinse off the soap using clean water 
  1. Use a dry cloth to wipe off all excess water from the surface of the mousepad or leave it in, then open it to air dry. 

How to Dry a Mousepad 

When drying your mousepad, remember that heat is the enemy. You should not blast it with a hair dryer. Instead, stick it in the microwave, toss it into the dryer, or leave it in the sun. This will damage the mouse pad. 

Use a dry cloth or paper towels to dry your mouse pad after cleaning it. After drying all the wetness, you can air dry it to eliminate leftover moisture. You can put it on a drying rack or next to a fan to speed up the drying process. 

Other Ways to Clean a Mousepad 

Mouse pad

In addition to washing, there are other cleaning methods that you can use to remove dirt and bacteria from the surface of a mousepad. These include: 

  • Using a paper towel: Use a paper towel to clean away any spills or debris from the mousepad immediately they occur. This prevents accumulation and staining. 
  • Using a disinfecting wipe: This is the way to go if you need to clean and refresh a mousepad quickly, especially if it is made of plastic. You can leave moisture from the wipe on the surface of the mousepad to dry after at least 10 minutes if you want a more thorough cleaning. 
  • Using a multipurpose cleaner: Multipurpose cleaner is an excellent alternative to water. You only need to spray it on a clean cloth, then use the damp cloth to wipe dirt from the surface of the mousepad. 
  • Using acetone, rubbing alcohol, or screen clean: These alcohol-based cleaning solutions work the same way as the multipurpose cleaner. However, you should never use them to clean Neoprene mousepads.      

How to Clean an RBG Mousepad 

All mousepads are not made equal. Some feature RGB lighting while others supply power wirelessly to peripherals like mice. This makes cleaning a wired/RGB mousepad somewhat different from standard mousepad cleaning.

You must avoid submerging this type of mousepad to prevent damaging the electronic components. You’ll need a:

  • Microfiber cloth
  • Warm water
  • Mild dish soap

The Steps to Cleaning an RGB Mousepad: 

  1. Unplug your RGB mousepad.
  1. Soak a microfiber cloth in warm water and apply a mild dish soap. Wring the cloth to remove as much water as possible. 
  1. Wipe the surface of the mousepad with a damp soapy cloth to remove as much dirt as possible. Repeat this step until the mousepad looks clean. Make sure you don’t drip any water onto the mousepad.
  1. Rinse the cloth, wring it to remove excess water, and use it to remove any soap residue from the mousepad.
  1. Position your mouse pad ‘right side up’ and allow it to dry for a few hours before plugging it back in. 

Final Thoughts

The mousepad is the unsung hero of any computer setup. Whether you are a gamer or a general PC user, your mousepad deserves proper and regular cleaning to avoid dirt build-up since it affects the functionality of the mouse.

Cleaning a mousepad is straightforward. You can use a paper towel or disinfecting wipe regularly to freshen up the mouse pad. For a deeper, complete cleaning, you can use a damp cloth and mild detergent.    

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