How to Clean a Mousepad

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.

Steps   

  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.
  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.
  3. Rinse all the cleaner off the mousepad.
  4. Pat the outside of the mousepad dry.
  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.