Your mouse, or an optical mouse for short, is one of the most crucial aspects to owning a computer. A clean mouse pad, whether you have a wireless or wired mouse, is vital. The same for having a clean mouse scroll wheel. Whether it is a mouse for CS:GO or another function, you need a clean computer mouse. Here’s how to clean it.
Why Do You Need to Clean a Computer Mouse?
Why do you need to have a clean computer mouse? Well, to increase productivity, for one. Before you can learn how to clean a mouse or the best way to clean a mouse pad, take a look at your mouse. There are different mouse types, like a mouse for a laptop or desktop.
Having a clean mouse is imperative no matter whether it is for design function or web development. Instead of wondering when to replace your computer mouse, learn about cleaning a mouse first.
Step-by-Step Guide How to Clean a Mouse
Here is your step-by-step guide for cleaning your old computer mouse. Keep in mind that, depending on age and function, cleaning will only go so far.
1. Turn Off the Mouse
The first step in “how to clean a mouse”, is learning how to disconnect it. There are quick disconnect wire connectors on most wired mouses. The wire quick disconnect allows you to disconnect the mouse from the device quickly and easily.
If you are wondering how to disconnect wire connectors, consider if your mouse is wireless. These come with a separate USB dongle that pop into any of the open USB ports on your laptop or computer. The latter is becoming more and more popular to use because they don’t involve any wires to get in the way and mess things up.
For the most part, no matter if your mouse is wireless or wired, you should be able to pop it out of the connector easily. Modern mouses are USB connected, allowing for easier connectivity and removal as you go.
2. Spray the Computer Mouse
Computer mouse cleaning means having a cleaning spray ready to go. You can use a homemade cleaning spray when cleaning a computer mouse. Just make sure that if you buy something that it is compatible and safe to use with electronics.
There are even some homemade remedies that you can cook up using common household items. Again, just make sure that when you clean your computer mouse, those chemicals are fine for use with electronics. You don’t want to ruin your mouse while trying to improve it.
It is also recommended that you keep electronics/computer wipes in your home. They are great for getting dust, dirt, and any other sort of grime off of the various surfaces of your computer. That goes a long way towards extending the life of your computer and its various components, saving you money in the long term.
3. Use a Cleaning Cloth for the Computer Mouse
Have a microfiber cleaning cloth or cloth wipes ready. The microfiber fabric is the best option and you can find the best microfiber cloth for relatively cheap. Whether you have a wired mouse or optical mouse, you need to clean away the spray from the previous step.
The microfiber cloth will ensure that you don’t do any damage to the various components of the mouse along the way. It provides a smooth, soft clean that will get into the nooks and crannies of your mouse along the way.
Wiping your mouse down with a microfiber cloth from time to time is a great way to keep it clean without having to do the other steps. Consider having some available in your home at a moment’s notice.
4. Clean the Mouse Scroll Wheel
Don’t forget the mouse scroll wheel. If you are wondering how clean a mouse scroll wheel, start by running a mouse scroll wheel test. If it moves freely, you are fine. But if it struggles to move, you need to clean. You want a smooth scroll mouse wheel.
The process is much the same. Give it a wipe with your microfiber cloth. If it is really dirty, use your spray and wipe it away. Like the rest of the mouse, stay on top of the scroll wheel cleanliness. When it gets gunked up and dirty, you can have a very difficult time moving it.
5. Clean the Mouse Pad
First of all make sure that you have a large mouse pad to give yourself ample room to work. Cleaning a mouse pad can be a little difficult. Don’t wash your mouse pad. Learning how to clean a mouse pad mostly means getting to it early.
If you spill something on your mouse pad, wipe it up quickly. Otherwise, it will set and become that much more difficult to get rid of. Otherwise, dust it and wipe it off from time to time as you would the mouse. A clean mouse pad can mean a world of difference when it comes to the function of the mouse.
Conclusion
Keeping your mouse clean is a relatively easy thing to do. It just takes a little diligence and care to ensure that it remains clean and functional. When you let your mouse get dirty over time, it can stop functioning properly if it works at all.
The good news is that you can keep your mouse clean with just a few simple steps. Besides, it will save you the cost of having to replace your mouse whenever it starts to act up. Even those a mouse is a cheap expense these days, it is money that could be put to other use.
Another helpful hint: check your mouse DPI. Check the mouse battery. Run a DPI mouse test, click your mouse button (and test the mouse buttons). Even perform a scroll test once in a while. It will give you an idea of how well your mouse is functioning.
About The Author
Michelle Joe
Michelle Joe is a blogger by choice. She loves to discover the world around her. She likes to share her discoveries, experiences, and express herself through her blogs. You can find her on twitter
