4 Step Guide to Properly Cleaning Your Computer Mouse

Do computer mice need cleaning?

If you are wondering whether the computer mouse needs to be cleaned? The answer is obviously yes. Because you should calculate how much time you spend in contact with the mouse during the day. If you do not clean the computer, the first person to be affected is definitely you. A dirty computer mouse leads to unclean hands. So when you use your hands to eat and drink, it also affects your health.

As for the mouse, cleaning helps remove dirt inside the grooves. If not cleaned regularly, the mouse will be less sensitive and its performance will not be good. However, cleaning the mouse must also follow the correct procedure and cannot be arbitrary. Before cleaning, you should determine what type of mouse it is to have the appropriate cleaning method.

How to clean computer mouse properly

After determining whether your mouse is wireless, wired, or trackball, you just need to follow these steps. Below, TipsMake will share with you how to clean your mouse properly and reasonably.

For wired optical mouse

If you are wondering whether your computer mouse needs cleaning or how to clean a wired optical mouse? Then, you need to read the following instructions immediately:

Step 1: First, you must disconnect the mouse from the computer for easy cleaning.

Step 2: Mix 90 degree alcohol solution and water according to the formula 1:1.

Step 3: Use a soft cloth dipped in the mixture and wipe the outside of the mouse case clean.

Step 4: For small grooves, use a cotton swab soaked in the solution and clean. Especially the click position always has a lot of dust, leading to the computer double clicking. As for the laser reader, you just need to use a cotton swab to gently wipe it a few times.

Thus, cleaning the computer is extremely simple, fast and not expensive at all. You can perform this cleaning process right at home without having to take it to a maintenance shop.

For wireless mouse

If you are using a wireless mouse , does the computer mouse need to be cleaned? Certainly, this peripheral device always needs to be cleaned regardless of the type. For a wireless mouse , you can refer to the following cleaning method:

Step 1 : You must unplug the USB end of the mouse from the computer and leave it outside, no need to reinstall it.

Step 2: You need to remove the battery from the mouse and keep the battery in a dry place, away from moisture.

Step 3: Use a soft cloth soaked in a 50:50 alcohol and water solution to clean from the outside in. But absolutely, you must not wipe the battery compartment, the reading eye and the USB slot.

Step 4: Make sure the mouse is dry before you install the batteries and use it.

By following the above 4 steps, you will help your mouse become cleaner and work more effectively. Remember that keeping your mouse and other peripherals clean is also protecting your health.

Cleaning the Mouse Pad (Mouse Touchpad)

Perhaps, you will be surprised to know that in addition to the mouse, the mouse pad is a place with a lot of dust. When used for a long time, the mouse pad easily retains tiny dust particles, leading to it no longer being smooth. That is why, you cannot ignore cleaning the mouse pad.

To clean the mouse pad, you just need to do simple operations like washing. If the pad has been used for 2-3 years, soak it in a solution of water and detergent. Then, use a laundry brush to scrub the pad thoroughly. If it has been used for less than 1 year, you can add a few drops of detergent solution and scrub directly without soaking. In just 10-15 minutes, you can rinse with clean water, dry and use.

For ball mouse

Besides the common question ' Do computer mice need cleaning? ', many people are also interested in how to clean a ball mouse. Because this is the type of mouse in the past, before the appearance of optical mice. Actually, cleaning a ball mouse is not too complicated if you follow these steps:

Step 1: Use a soft cloth or thin, smooth cloth soaked in alcohol to wipe the outside of the case.

Step 2: Remove the mouse ball by gently rotating the bottom of the mouse counterclockwise.

Step 3: Use a cloth with diluted alcohol solution to clean the dirt on the ball.

Step 4: Use a damp cotton swab to wipe along the grooves and corners of the mouse. Finally, let the parts dry completely before reassembling and using as usual.

Jessica Tanner

Update 17 January 2025