Everyone should know how to clean a mousepad properly because a dirty pad is unhygienic and can also interfere with how well your mouse works, especially during game play. Depending on which type of mousepad you have and how messy it is, you can use one of these methods to make it look like new again.
How to Clean a Mousepad Made of Fabric
This wash-by-hand method works easily on all soft mousepads including ones with wrist rests and those made of cloth, neoprene, etc.
Supplies Needed
- Warm water
- Dish soap
- Clean sponge
- Dry towel
- Small baker's rack - optional
Cleaning Steps
- Hold the mousepad and the sponge under warm running water to wet them thoroughly.
- Squirt a little dish soap directly on the pad and use the sponge to work it into the entire surface.
- Rinse the soap away with more warm water. If there's still a dirty spot, apply more soap and repeat.
- Lay the freshly washed mousepad on a towel. Fold the ends of the towel over the top of the pad and press to remove excess water.
- Let the pad air dry completely. Placing it on a small baker's rack, like the kind used for cooling cookies, provides more airflow and helps the pad dry faster.
How to Clean a Hard Mousepad
Hard mousepads are even easier and quicker to clean than soft ones. Use this method for mousepads with hard tops such as those made with glass or plastic surfaces.
Supplies Needed
- Microfiber cloth
- A little rubbing alcohol or screen cleaner
Steps
If your hard pad has usb ports, such as a Razer, RGB or QCK mousepad, unplug before cleaning.
- Dip a corner of the microfiber cloth in warm water or rubbing alcohol and wring it out.
- Alternatively, spray screen cleaner on the microfiber cloth.
- Wipe the mousepad's surface until it's clean.
- Use the dry part of the cloth to wipe away any residual moisture.
How Often Should You Clean Your Mousepad?
There's no ideal schedule for how often you should clean your mousepad. You should simply clean it whenever you notice it's dirty because build up from spills, food, skin flakes and more can increase friction on the pad and keep your mouse from gliding over it easily. If you still prefer to clean on a schedule:
- Wipe your pad with a damp cloth once a week to remove surface dirt.
- Plan for a thorough cleaning once a month or every other month as needed.
Quick and Easy Mousepad Cleaning Tips
There's no need to give your mousepad a full wash if all it needs is a quick touch up. Try these cleaning tips.
- Run a hand vacuum over a soft mousepad to remove dust and crumbs quickly.
- Wipe a hard pad with a microfiber towel to remove dust and loose debris.
- Use a compressed air duster to blow away debris.
- Spray a clean soft pad with a fabric protector product to repel liquid and prevent staining, which will keep the pad clean longer.
Can You Clean a Mousepad in a Washing Machine?
According to PC Gamer, most soft mousepads can be cleaned in a washing machine (although you should check with the manufacturer to make sure). They do recommend using warm water because even though hot water can kill germs, it could also damage the rubber backing.
Can You Put a Mousepad in the Dryer?
Just like hot water, the heat from a dryer might damage the non-slip backing on your mousepad. Rather than risking that, it's safer to let the pad air dry on its own. If you're worried about the waiting time, consider purchasing a second pad so you always have one ready to go whenever you want to use your computer.
Minimal Cleaning Efforts Yield Maximum Results
Cleaning your mousepad is so quick and easy there's no excuse to let it get grimy and make your mouse drag. Use whichever cleaning method suits your needs best and you'll extend the life of your pad and enjoy a smooth experience every time.
