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Mousepads are a great way to help your mouse move more smoothly. Some of them even come with extra cushioning for support. Sometimes, however, they get dirty and need to be cleaned. This wikiHow will show you how.
Steps
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1Check out what your mousepad is made of. Usually it will be a spongy foam, covered with either a finely knit fabric or a plastic top.
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2Clean it according to the type of surface.
- If the surface is fabric, try rubbing gently with a moist washcloth or rag and a bit of shampoo. Shampoo is a mild cleaner that's gentle on most fabrics and on skin, plus you already have it.
- If your mousepad is plastic-covered, use any mild spray household cleaner and a cloth or sponge. Dish soap or shampoo will work just as well.
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3Rinse all the cleaner off the mousepad.
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4Pat the outside of the mousepad dry.
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5Allow the mousepad to dry thoroughly. Let it dry all the way through the foam before returning it to your desk.
Community Q&A
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QuestionWhat if the mouse pad has a drawing on it? Should I worry about it at all?
Community AnswerIt shouldn't be a problem on plastic mousepads, because the plastic is covering the drawing. However, if it is a spongy foam fabric, you may want to be gentler when cleaning. -
QuestionWhat should I do if the fabric mouse pad I cleaned now has a bump?
Community AnswerTry cleaning it again with hot water and soap, and then hang it to dry. That should stop bumps from forming as well as get rid of any existing bumps. -
QuestionCan I clean a 3D anime mouse pad with shampoo, or will the color fade?Community AnswerShampoo will likely make the colors fade, so you should try warm water first and see if that helps clean it up.
Warnings
- Leave the mousepad extra time to dry if your desk surface is wooden.⧼thumbs_response⧽
- Do not put your mouse back on a wet mousepad; wait for the pad to dry thoroughly first.⧼thumbs_response⧽
- Just in case your fabric mousepad is not colorfast, get only a corner of it wet at first.⧼thumbs_response⧽
- Use a washcloth, towel, or rag that you don't mind getting dirty.⧼thumbs_response⧽
About This Article
To clean your mousepad, first fill a sink with soapy water and place the mousepad in it. Gently brush the top of the mousepad with a sponge, then rinse the mousepad off with water. Next, rub the mousepad with a dry cloth to remove the excess water. Finally, let the mousepad air dry for 24 hours before using it again. If the back of your mousepad says “machine washable,” you can wash it with your regular laundry instead. Just use cold water and air dry the mousepad when you’re done. For more household items you can use to clean your mousepad, read on!
