Have a look at your humble mousepad. This little foam marvel provides the space for your mouse to rest on and a good surface for moving across. However, it also collects specks of dead skin, oil and dirt. If it's gray and grimy, it's time for a bath.
Step 1 Check out what your mousepad is made of
Usually it will be a spongy foam, covered with either a finely knit fabric or a plastic top.
Step 2 Clean it according to the type of surface
- If the surface is fabric, try rubbing gently with a moist washcloth or rag and a bit of shampoo. Shampoo is a mild cleaner that's gentle on most fabrics and on skin, plus you already have it.
- If your mousepad is plastic-covered, use any mild spray household cleaner and a cloth or sponge. Dish soap or shampoo will work just as well.
Step 3 Rinse all the cleaner off the mousepad.
Step 4 Pat the outside of the mousepad dry.
Step 5 Allow the mousepad to dry thoroughly
Let it dry all the way through the foam before returning it to your desk.
Tips
- If your mousepad is coming apart, or is hopelessly stained, it is time to replace it.
- While you wait for your mousepad to dry, take the opportunity to clean the gunk out from around your mouse ball and out from under your mousepad, too.
Warnings
- Just in case your fabric mousepad is not colorfast, get only a corner of it wet at first.
- Use a washcloth, towel, or rag that you don't mind getting dirty.
- Leave the mousepad extra time to dry if your desk surface is wooden.
- Do not put your mouse back on a wet mousepad; wait for the pad to dry thoroughly first.
