If you’re a serious gamer or someone who is at their desk using their mouse often, you’ll know all about the comfort and convenience of a mousepad. Very few people would think that such a small piece of material could provide the ease of mobility that it does, but mousepads are a brilliant invention. Unfortunately, because they are used so often, they’re bound to experience a build-up of oil and grease from your hands and an accumulation of dust and dirt from your desk.
Dirty mousepads will restrict the movement of your mouse and cause tracking issues. If you’re wondering how to clean a mousepad without ruining it or if it’s okay to wash a mousepad in your washing machine, we’ve got the answers. The expert team at SweepSouth has put together the best ways to clean a mousepad. Whether yours is made of cloth, fabric, rubber, or plastic, the cleaning tips and methods below will have your mousepad at home or in the office ready for efficient use every day.
How To Clean A Rubber Or Plastic Mousepad
Mousepads made of rubber or plastic are simpler to clean than their cloth or fabric counterparts. Use a wet wipe or damp cloth to clean it, making sure to focus on any particularly dirty areas. Finish off by going over it with a clean towel for drying. Once dry, your freshly cleaned mousepad is ready to be used again.
How To Clean A Cloth Or Fabric Mousepad
Cleaning a mousepad made of cloth or fabric will require a little more care than one made of rubber or plastic. Use these 4 simple steps to clean and dry your mousepad, leaving it in near-perfect condition:
What You’ll Need:
- Dishwashing liquid or hand soap
- A bowl or basin
- Cold water
- A sponge
- A soft-bristled brush
- A clean towel
1. Rinse And Clean
Place your mousepad in a bowl or basin that’s large enough to clean it. Pour some cold water on it before using a sponge soaked with dishwashing liquid or hand soap to wipe away any evident stains.
2. Scrub Gently With A Brush
Use a soft-bristled brush to wipe down your mousepad in a thorough, yet gentle manner. This is an opportunity to scrub a bit deeper and get rid of oil and grease stains that have made their way into the fabric. Scrub as hard as you need to while being mindful of not damaging the mousepad.
3. Rinse Off
Once your mousepad is stain and grease free, rinse away the soap or dishwashing liquid with cold water.
4. Pat Down And Leave To Dry
Grab a clean towel and use it to pat down your mousepad. Once you’ve extracted as much water as you can, leave the mousepad out to air-dry, or better yet, place it in front of a fan for a few hours until it’s completely dry.
Can You Clean Your Mousepad In A Washing Machine?
Once you’ve ensured that you have a clean washing machine, the answer to this question is yes. If you aren’t in the mood to clean your mousepad by hand, or your busy lifestyle demands your time elsewhere, you’re able to wash your mousepad in the washing machine if it’s made of the following materials:
- Microfiber
- Foam
- Polyester
- Nylon
- Acrylic
- Polyurethane
- Acetate
- Rubber
Use the following washing machine settings and tips to ensure no damage is done:
- Set your washing machine to a cold, light cycle.
- Use a mild detergent only.
- Do not use any bleach when cleaning.
- Do not throw your mousepad into the tumble dryer. Air-drying is the best option.
After using one of the cleaning methods listed above, your mousepad will look and feel brand new. Clean it 4-5 times a year to keep it in great condition and get the most out of it. To save time, do it while cleaning your laptop screen so that your entire workspace is taken care of. Remember to only use cold water when cleaning your mousepad to avoid ruining any parts of it.
