How to Clean a Mousepad Without Damaging it

This guide will tell you How to clean a mousepad without damaging it. You will also learn the best way to clean other mouse pad materials. The best way to clean a mouse pad depends on its type and material. If the pad has a fabric surface, you can clean it with a damp washcloth with shampoo. Mouse parse with a thick plastic surface, you can use a light spray household cleaner with a sponge or cloth to clean.

A dirty mousepad looks dusty and can cause further conflict between the pad and the mouse. This affects your gaming performance. To restore the pad to its initial attractiveness and efficiency, it is advisable to clean the collected dirt and dust once in a while.

Table of Contents

Types of Mousepads

Clean the Mouse Pad Before deciding on the best way to clean a mouse pad, you must first determine what it’s made of. Most popular mousepads are made with sponge foam. You have to be careful that there is no perfect way to clean all mouse types. Each mouse pad type should be approached differently to avoid damage during cleaning. In this regard, various mousepads can be broadly divided into three categories:

1# Ergonomic Mousepads

Ergonomic mouse pads have carefully placed padding layers to reduce the pressure on your wrist tendons in use. While ergonomic pads come in different shapes, everything is designed to be parallel to the surface of your wrist table whenever you use them. Such a design can reduce stress on the carpal tendons, thereby reducing complications such as recurrent strain and carpal tunnel syndrome.

2# Gaming Mousepads

These are designed to increase usability and enhance your overall gaming experience. Most of them are intended to provide a larger workspace, better ergonomics, and better sensitivity. In most cases, gaming mousepads are made of plastic. Not only is it designed for tolerance, but the surface of these pads often contains graphical images. Therefore, they need to be cleaned properly to avoid damaging their surface.

3# Textured Mousepads

Textured Mousepads have a fabric surface layer to improve mouse efficiency, especially on smooth table surfaces. The design of textured mousepads also features mild cushioning for the user. Various materials are used to make these mouse pads. Most textured mouse pads on the market today are low-density rubber compounds such as butadiene rubber. The fabric is glued on top of the rubber to provide the desired texture surface for the mouse. Some shaped mousepads are made of leather, plastic, silicone rubber, cork, or wood.

Interesting Blog:- Is Your iPhone Not Showing up on PC? Easy Methods

Can you Clean it in the Dishwasher?

Yes, most common mouse pad types can be washed in the dishwasher without significant damage. In this case, you have no additional considerations for the wash cycle. However, it is not advisable to use hot water and strong detergents when cleaning the washing machine’s mouse pad. You will need to wrap the mouse pad with a few towels for more delicate mouse pad materials before throwing it in the washing machine.

If you want to clean the mousepad in the washing machine, here’s how to reduce the damage:

Put the dirty mouse pad into the dishwasher and add soap or regular detergent.
Start the washing machine with a cold and low tumble.
Air-dry the mouse pad; Allow it to dry for 24 to 36 hours before using it again.

The Best Way to Clean a Mousepad

Depending on the mousepad’s type and material, different methods can be used to clean it thoroughly. The proper cleaning method depends on how dirty the mousepad is. For example, you can remove dirt from the mousepad’s surface by gently wiping it with a light cloth. However, deep stains on the fabric mousepad require a more involved cleaning method. The following are some of the most effective ways to clean a mousepad depending on the type and material:

How to Clean an Electric Mousepad

Some of the best gaming mousepads have electrical components such as LED lighting. Similarly, electrical mouse pads have special cleaning requirements. Immersing such mousepads in water can damage their electrical components. In this case, the electrical gaming mousepads should be cleaned without water. So, how do you clean a mousepad without water? It would help if you got a multipurpose cleaner or multipurpose wipe as your cleaning supplies.

Sprinkle with a Multi-Purpose Cleaner on a Clean Cloth to get wet. Alternatively, you can use a multipurpose cleaning wipe. Rub gently with a damp cloth or wipe the surface of the mousepad to remove dirt and grime. When done, tap the mousepad with a dry cloth and let it dry at room temperature.

How to Clean a Neoprene Mousepad

Neoprene is a type of natural rubber that is preferred for its non-skid and improved grip properties. By design, most neoprene mouse pads have a rubber base that attaches to the fabric top. The material does not absorb water and dries quickly after cleaning. Although this material is easy to clean, you should never use acetone or alcohol-based cleaning agents on neoprene. These cleaning agents destroy the rubber adhesive that attaches the rubber base to the fabric top of the mousepad.

Instead, it would help if you had a mild cleanser, a bowl, lukewarm water, and a sponge to clean the neoprene mousepad. Here’s how to proceed:

Fill the bowl with warm water, add a few drops of a light cleanser, and stir to get a uniform solution.
Dip the sponge in the solution and flip the mousepad over the neoprene surface.
Using a damp sponge, rub the neoprene’s surface and remove any dirt sticking to its surface.
Repeat step 3 until the surface is clean.
Rinse the mousepad in clean water.

How to Clean a Fabric/Cloth Mousepad

Although some manufacturers recommend cleaning the mousepad in the washing machine, fabric mousepads can be cleaned by hand. To do this, you need mild soap, warm water, a drying rack, and some cold water in a basin, tub, or sink.

Here are the steps you can take to clean a cloth mousepad properly:

Put warm water in a bowl and add a few drops of mild liquid soap.
Stir the solution slightly to mix evenly and soak the fabric mouse pad in the soap solution.
Using a soft bristle brush, rub evenly on the upper and lower surfaces or the mousepad.
Remove the dirty water and put it in a container with clean water. Rinse the mousepad thoroughly with water.
Hang the mousepad to dry (preferably in the shade)

How to Clean a Touchpad on a Laptop

Regardless of the make and model, cleaning the touchpad on your laptop improves its response and motion quality. To properly clean the touchpad, you can use a 50% solution of isopropyl alcohol or ammonia-based window cleaner.

Before cleaning the touchpad, you must close it and remove it from power. If possible, removing the battery will make the process more secure. When done, here’s how to clean the touchpad:

Moisten the cloth with water.
Gently wipe the touchpad surface to remove dirt and grime.
Now moisten the cloth by rubbing isopropyl or alcohol. Any glass cleaning agent will work best for this step.
Wipe the surface of the touchpad gently with a damp cloth.

How to Clean a Mousepad With a Wrist rest

Some mousepads have a wristrest in their design. Such an interactive design supports your wrist whenever you use the mouse. In most cases, the surfaces of such mousepads are covered with microfiber.

To properly clean this wrist support microfiber, you will need a bowl, hand soap, a large towel, and a microfiber towel. To wash the mousepad:

Step 1: Take a bowl with lukewarm or cold water

Step 2: Thoroughly dampen the mousepad in the water and place it on a towel with the face facing upwards.

Step 3: Put a few tablespoons of hand soap in a bowl of water and stir to get a homogeneous solution.

Step 4: Dip a microfiber towel in the soap solution and apply it to the mouse pad. (You may need to use a considerable amount of pressure while at it).

Step 5: Now dip the mouse pad back into the bowl and allow the dirt to come out before removing the excess water.

Step 6: Fill the bowl with clean water and soak the mousepad before putting it back on the towel.

Step 7: Place the towel on top of the mousepad and let it dry at room temperature.

How to Clean an RGB Mousepad

Compared with traditional mouse pads, RGB mousepads are more laborious to clean. RGB mousepads include electrical components such as RGB lighting. To get started, you need to unplug the mouse pad. Next, mix a little soap and water in a bowl.

Dip a sponge into the soap solution and remove the excess soap solution. Use a sponge to gently wipe the mouse pad’s surface while trying to avoid electric lights as much as possible. After a while, clean the sponge and pour in the extra water. Soak in the soap solution and repeat the cleaning steps until you are satisfied with the results. When done, dab the top of the mousepad with a towel to remove excess water. Let it air dry for a few hours until it’s scorched.

How to Clean a Razor Chroma Mousepad

This is another type of electric gaming mouse with special cleaning requirements. The razor chroma requires minimal maintenance to provide excellent performance. However, you should altogether remove and clean it from the USB port at least once every month. To clean thoroughly, wipe the mousepad with a cotton swab soaked in warm water or a soft cloth. You should not use soap or cleaning agents on this type of mousepad.

Conclusion

There are many types of mouse pads on the market today, all of which have different cleaning requirements. You should clean your mouse pad every 4 to 5 weeks of use. The easiest cleaning method is to throw it in the dishwasher and run it in low settings. However, not all mousepad types and objects should be cleaned this way. Some, like electrical types, need to be cleaned without water. This guide will tell you how to clean your mousepad with minimal or no damage properly.