People tend to overlook their computer mice for whatever reason when caring for their computer accessories. In truth, the mouse should be given priority because it is one of the only parts of a computer that is handled and utilized every time the computer is turned on, aside from the keyboard.
When your mouse is used for gaming, it’s extremely vital to keep it in good shape because any malfunctions might ruin your gaming experience. Not to mention the fact that gaming mice aren’t inexpensive. As a result, you’ll want to make sure you take proper care of it so that it lasts a long time. This post will show you how to clean your mouse and mousepad so you may have the best gaming experience possible.
WHAT YOU’LL REQUIRE:
The following are some examples of tools:
- Cleaning the gunk from the mouse with a Q-tip or microfiber cloth is an excellent idea. Microfiber clothes are excellent because they don’t leave fibres behind, but a Q-tip works well for hard-to-reach areas.
- Disinfectant Wipes / Isopropyl alcohol – Alcohol is excellent for sanitising. If you don’t have any alcohol, disinfectant wipes or water will suffice.
- rags, clean and dry – These rags can be used for dusting and drying.
- Toothpicks are another useful tool for cleaning nooks and hard-to-reach areas.
- If you need to disassemble your mouse, you’ll need a screwdriver.
- Tweezers – Not required, but may be useful for cleaning dirt from delicate or difficult-to-reach areas.
CLEANING YOUR GAMING MOUSE AT HOME
First and foremost, examine your mouse carefully. Apart from the keyboard, the mouse is arguably the dirtiest portion of your computer, as previously said.
Studies suggest that the average computer desk has up to 400 times more bacteria than the average toilet seat, according to a recent article in The Guardian. Furthermore, a mouse contains 1,676 germs per square inch. Even if the degree of filth appears to be overwhelming, there is a simple solution: cleaning and disinfection!
Read More: How to Test Mouse Sensor: Easy Guide for Online/Offline Testing
A CLEANING PROCESS FOR MOUSES IN FOUR STEPS
Step 1: Turn off your computer and unplug your mouse.
Remove the mouse from your computer and unplug it. Turn off your wireless mouse if it has one. If required, remove the batteries to avoid any problems. You will avoid being shocked as well as any electrical shorts or accidents if you take these precautions ahead of time.
Step 2-: Spray, swab, and pick are the next steps.
You’ll want to swab clean all the cracks, curves, crevices, and other portions of your mouse that collect dirt and grime. To clean the mouse, use a microfiber cloth and a Q-tip dipped in alcohol. Check that your Q-tip and cloth are wet but not dripping.
- A Q-tip can help you reach those hard-to-reach places and collect all of the dirt.
- The mouse’s sensor is a crucial part to clean, as a dirty sensor will interfere with the mouse’s tracking function. Using your Q-tip, gently swab the sensor.
- A compressed air can or gun is another useful piece of equipment. To make sure you’re getting all the dirt out of the mouse, use this gadget to blow air into the hard-to-reach areas and cracks.
- If your mouse has a rolling wheel, turn it over and roll it to release the dirt before wiping it away with your microfiber cloth.
- Using a toothpick, pry the undesired crud, muck, and filth out of your mouse’s crevices. These crevices can be discovered around the mouse’s buttons and body seams. Use the toothpick to chip away at the feet and the sensor region of the mouse to remove any dirt you may have missed.
YOUR MOUSE IS BEING DISASSEMBLED
Remove the top of the mouse once the alcohol has dried. This step differs slightly depending on the manufacturer of your mouse. Some tops pop off easily, while others require unscrewing. Before disassembling your mouse, make sure you’ve read the instructions and that it’s nearby.
Apply a fresh coat of alcohol to the tip of a new Q-tip. Crumbs, dead skin cells, hair, dust, and other debris can easily get inside the mouse due to the fractures and small apertures on the top.
Wait until your mouse is completely dry before reassembling it.
Step 3: Before reassembling, make sure all of the parts and pieces are dry.
You don’t want to harm your PC in any way. Make sure all of the components are completely dry before inserting them back into your computer. When your computer or mouse is plugged back in, even a small bit of moisture can completely destroy the components.
Allow a few minutes for your mouse to dry before plugging everything back in.
Step 4: Take careful care of your gaming mouse.
The best method to keep your mouse clean is to maintain it. The most efficient approach to keep your mouse in good operating condition is to be proactive and make sure things are kept clean rather than attempting to undo wear and tear.
Cleaning your mouse on a regular basis will ensure that dirt and crumbs that sneak in between the gaps don’t get too deep into it. Here’s how to keep your mouse in good shape while you’re using it:
- Before touching the mouse, wash and dry your hands, especially after eating. Grease and other components that remain on your hands after eating will accumulate in the cracks and crevices of your mouse, causing filth to build up.
- Drinking and eating food near your computer and mouse should be avoided. This will not only ensure that nothing spills and harms your equipment, but it will also keep your mouse clean.
- Clean your mouse and desk on a regular basis, especially after each use. This prevents dirt from accumulating over time. Furthermore, washing your desk and computer clean will prevent you from becoming ill from hazardous microorganisms.
STEP-BY-STEP GUIDE TO CLEANING YOUR MOUSEPAD
In addition to the mouse, you should clean the mouse pad on which it rests. The mouse pad is also prone to collecting dust and debris. It’s critical to clean your mousepad on a regular basis to ensure that your gaming mouse performs at its best.
Although cleaning the gaming mouse is the most critical aspect, the mousepad should not be overlooked. Because most mouse pads are constructed of cloth-like materials, dust can collect on them. Food, drink, and sweat can potentially contaminate them, affecting the mouse’s performance. Finally, because the mouse rests on the mousepad, it’s natural for the mouse to become dirty if the mousepad is unclean.
If you can’t afford to continually buying mousepads, soft touch pads may need to be washed with shampoo or conditioner or just thrown out.
CLEANING INSTRUCTIONS:
- Fill the sink halfway with warm water and soap. Any type of job is acceptable (dish or hand).
- Place the mousepad inside and soak it.
- Rub the mousepad lightly with a sponge, cloth, or soft bristles brush.
- Make sure the mousepad is clean and free of soap residue.
- Allow the mousepad to air dry.
- Allow the mousepad to air dry (24-36 hours should suffice).
CAUTION
Allow no contact with hot water for the soft rubbery area of the pad. Its adhesive may be affected, causing it to separate from the top section or become distorted.
When washing a touchpad, wipe it thoroughly with a soft cloth before letting it air dry in the shade. You should not leave it in direct sunlight since it will deteriorate and the rubber component will detach. Using a hairdryer is also effective, but only on the coolest setting.
IS IT POSSIBLE TO WASH A MOUSEPAD IN A WASHING MACHINE?
Yes, a mousepad can be laundered in the washing machine if you’re feeling lazy!
- In the washing machine, toss the mousepad.
- Pour in the detergent.
- Make use of COLD water. Your mousepad may be ruined by hot water.
- Do not use the dryer to dry your mousepad because the heat may destroy it.
CONCLUSION
If you want to invest in your gaming and get a gaming mouse, make sure you look after it! We’d hate it if you spent money on a mouse to improve your gaming experience only to have it break down due to inadequate maintenance.
Check out our store if you’re seeking amazing mice and mousepads to get you started! We’re here to meet all of your gaming requirements.