How to Clean Your Computer Mouse in 5 Minutes or Less

Let’s start at the beginning … there are two types of computer mice; the first is a mechanical mouse and the second is an optical mouse. The mechanical mouse uses a metal or rubber ball and rollers or sensors, while the optical mouse uses an LED light to detect movement. Both mice connect to your desk via standard cable, USB port, or are wireless.

As with your keyboard, phone, and laptop, it is very important to keep any type of mouse free of dust, dirt, debris, hair, pet hair, crumbs, etc. When a mechanical or optical mouse gets dirty, pointer movement can be sporadic or stay in one position, making it difficult to get the pointer where you want it to go. If you’re prepared, cleaning any type of mouse is a breeze.

The following steps will teach you how to clean your computer mouse in 5 minutes or less:

1. The first step in cleaning your mouse is to unplug it or turn it off if it is wireless.
2. On a mechanical mouse, flip it over and remove the piece covering the ball. (If you are cleaning an optical mouse, go to step 6)
3. Take the ball out and remove all dust, dirt, and debris with a soft cloth.
4. Then with a cotton swab, fingernail, or other small object, remove dust, dirt, and grime from the rollers or sensors.
5. Put the ball back on and then the lid.
6. On an optical mouse, use a damp cloth to gently remove dust, dirt, and grime from the pads on the bottom of the mouse.
7. Remember never to spray the mouse directly with any liquid.
8. Wipe the clean area with a dry cloth.
9. Reconnect the mouse or turn it on and click without making a mess.

How often you need to clean your computer mouse will depend on your working environment. If you are in a typical office environment, you may only need to do this every two months. If you are at home with pets and / or children, you may need to clean the mouse once a month. Also, summer is coming to an end, which means flu season is just around the corner. To avoid spreading germs during peak flu season from November to April, be sure to wash your hands constantly and clean your mouse, keyboard, phone, and laptop once a week.

Do you have any advice to add? Feel free to leave a comment!