The performance of a computer mouse directly depends on the quality of the surface on which it moves, as well as on its cleanliness. Therefore, any user should know how to clean a mouse pad so that it does not fail at the most crucial moment.
The smoothness of movements, the accuracy of the pointer and other parameters of a computer mouse directly depend on the quality and cleanliness of the accessory used
Cleaning Rules
To avoid damaging the product during cleaning, follow these recommendations:
- if you still have the instructions, be sure to read them - this will help you avoid mistakes;
- do not wash the mat with hot water;
- Before the main cleaning, remove stuck-on dirt with a plastic scraper;
- It is advisable to wash the rug by hand - this way there is less risk of damaging it;
- Do not wash the illuminated product with water: only special napkins for equipment are suitable;
- When washing by hand, do not squeeze, wrinkle, or rub the accessory too much;
- A heavily worn or torn rug cannot be cleaned; this will lead to even greater damage. It is better to replace it with a new, more convenient and modern one;
- After cleaning, the product should be thoroughly dried and only then used;
- The accessory needs to be cleaned every 3-4 months or more often, depending on the frequency of contamination.
Attention! Before treating your rug, check how much it sheds. Using a clean, wet cloth, apply pressure over a small area of the product. If a colored mark remains on the cloth, the mat can only be cleaned with office equipment wipes and a non-concentrated soap solution: ¼ bar of brown laundry soap per 1 liter of water.
Traditional methods
When cleaning your mouse pad, you can also use home remedies:
- baby soap and shampoos;
- ammonia;
- washing powder.
Of the listed substances, ammonia requires special attention. Avoid contact with eyes and mucous membranes of the nose and mouth. If this happens, rinse with plenty of water and consult a doctor.
Homemade preparations do not have an antistatic effect and do not form a slip film.
What will you need?
Choosing the right tools and products will help you clean your accessory efficiently and without damaging it. The following can be used as cleaning products:
- wet wipes or cleaning product for office equipment;
- non-aggressive detergents: shampoo, laundry soap;
- monitor cleaning spray;
- alcohol.
Necessary tools and equipment:
- soft sponge;
- microfiber cloth;
- roller for cleaning clothes or stationery tape (optional);
- plastic scraper (optional);
- cotton pads.
List of means and devices that cannot be used:
- sharp objects: scissors, metal scrapers, knives, blades, files, etc. – they can easily damage the coating;
- aggressive and abrasive products: washing powders, household chemicals for cleaning plumbing and kitchen appliances;
- hard brushes, metal sponges that scratch the surface and erase the design.
How to clean a gaming mouse pad?
These rugs are very different from other models. They are designed for gamers, and therefore contain many additional functions: USB connectors, Bluetooth inputs, lighting, etc. Because of these features, they are difficult to clean, because the electronics do not tolerate contact with water.
However, it is necessary to clean dirt from them in any case; this can be done as follows:
- Clean with office equipment wipes or special sprays for cleaning contacts/monitors.
- Remove the remaining stains with a napkin soaked in a solution of ammonia in water (1:1), it is important to ensure that the product does not get inside.
- Wipe the accessory dry with a soft, lint-free cloth.
Aluminum
When it comes to cleaning aluminum rugs, you should know that they are the easiest to clean. This material repels liquids.
These products are designed for gamers and the main thing here is precise and fast mouse glide. Therefore, you cannot use abrasive products; they leave scratches, as a result of which the mouse’s performance becomes worse.
For cleaning, use warm water and wipes.
Caring for different brands of rugs
Each manufacturer provides its own recommendations on how to clean a particular accessory; most often, such information can be found in the instructions for the product.
A4 tech x7
This computer mouse pad is durable and strong, but gets dirty quickly, because... easily absorbs dirt.
You can clean it with wet wipes for computer equipment. For more thorough removal of dirt, the following method is suitable:
- Make a soap solution.
- Soak the rug in it for 15-20 minutes.
- Moisten a soft sponge with liquid soap.
- Clean the accessory with it, removing all dirt.
- Rinse off the foam with water.
- Blot with a dry cloth and dry.
SteelSeries QcK
SteelSeries QcK are rubberized, strong and durable. They are easy to wash, so you can clean them by hand as follows.
Necessary:
- Soak the accessory in water with 1-3 drops of dishwashing liquid for 10-15 minutes.
- Apply shampoo to a soft sponge.
- Clean the product.
- Wash off any remaining product.
- Dry.
Roccat
Rugs of this brand are durable and wear-resistant due to the aluminum layer. The only thing you cannot do with the product is bend it.
You can clean the accessory in the same way as SteelSeries.
Razer
This manufacturer produces several models:
- Vespula - it has a smooth and rough side;
- Kabuta – adhesive layer on the bottom, microfiber on top.
The smooth side, as well as the Kabuto model, can be cleaned with soapy water or laundry soap. For rough surfaces, it is allowed to use only running water or wipes to clean office equipment.
As a preventive measure, you can treat accessories of this brand once a week with a cotton swab dipped in an alcohol solution (1:1).
Attention! The Razer mat cannot be rubbed or bent.
Bloody
This model belongs to the premium class, it is stitched and has a rough surface. Bloody is great for mice with aluminum legs.
You can clean a rug from this manufacturer using a soap solution or sprays or liquids for cleaning computer equipment.
Rubber or cork
Such accessories are durable. They can withstand wet cleaning, but cannot be washed in a machine.
Even after numerous cleanings, rubber products retain their performance properties. They can be placed in a basin of water and cleaned with a brush and soapy water.
You just need to follow the rules for caring for such products. For example, the water temperature should be no more than 40 degrees, and hard brushes and solvents should not be used.
How to clean a cork mouse pad? Here, too, you should adhere to certain care rules.
Cork mats should not be immersed in water. They only tolerate wet cleaning. Such products should be wiped with a damp cloth or napkins; a cleaning product for office equipment is also suitable.
Can I wash my mouse pad in the washing machine?
Not all accessories are machine washable. This stain removal method is only suitable for fabric and rubber.
These materials are quite resistant to mechanical stress. However, there are rules for washing them:
- do not machine wash if the product is very worn, with unraveling seams;
- be sure to place the rug in a washing bag - this will protect it from scratches and abrasions;
- spinning must be turned off;
- The water temperature should not be more than 40°C.
Attention! Washing fabric and rubber mats in a washing machine is a last resort option. If possible, it is better to clean the product by hand.
Distinctive features of working with wooden furniture
Depending on the manufacturing features, furniture may be sensitive to a certain type of cleaning. Wooden surfaces can be damaged under the influence of such factors:
- mechanical impact;
- influence of acids or alkalis;
- a large amount of liquid;
- severe dryness;
- elevated temperatures.
In addition, it is important to consider that wood has a porous structure. If you neglect to systematically clean surfaces, there is a risk of grease getting into the structure of the material. It will be very difficult to remove it
It will be very difficult to remove it.
It is important to consider that fat deposits have a tendency to polymerize. It will not be possible to remove such stains without professional solutions.
Proper drying
After cleaning, the mat must be dried properly. This will protect the product from deformation, delamination, loss of functionality and color.
There are several rules to follow when removing excess moisture:
- Do not dry the product with a hairdryer, on a heater, radiator or near an open fire;
- You can remove excess moisture with paper or regular towels, dry wipes, or a soft cloth. It is better not to use a fabric with lint, as it will remain on the rug;
- It is necessary to dry the accessory for 2-3 days until the liquid has completely evaporated;
- You can place the product on a horizontal surface covered with a highly absorbent fabric, or hang it on a clothesline, securing it with clothespins.
Plastic
A plastic computer mouse pad is the easiest to clean. This material does not absorb dirt, and therefore it is simply washed with dish gel or any liquid product.
For cleaning, use a soft sponge; you should not use hard ones, as scratches will remain on the plastic product, and then it will look ugly.
Such a surface can be wiped simply with a damp cloth or napkin, which is designed for wiping gadgets.
If a good cleaning is required, add more detergent and wash it in the bathroom. The water temperature for plastic should be no more than 40 degrees.
Tips for care and use
Here are a few more recommendations that will extend the life of the product and maintain its beautiful appearance:
- The accessory must be cleaned at least every 3 months;
- you cannot eat or drink at the computer - this leads to contamination of the keyboard, mouse and rug;
- the faster the stain is removed, the greater the chance of returning the product to its original appearance;
- wipe the dust from the rug every 6-7 days;
- When cleaning, do not forget to also clean the mouse and keyboard; a lot of dirt accumulates in them.
How to clean a computer mouse from grease and dirt on the outside
Due to the specific nature of its operation, this cursor control device accumulates a large number of bacteria from our fingers, which can be hazardous to health. In the summer heat, a person sweats profusely, and the palms become dirty faster. But it’s not always possible to work at a computer after washing your hands. Therefore, the external surface of the manipulator should be disinfected from sweat and grease regularly.
Degreasing a mouse with a bactericidal wipe (photo source - Yandex.Pictures)
It can be disinfected using special wipes with bactericidal properties, which can be purchased for a small amount in computer stores. The method of wiping with a damp cloth moistened with alcohol, known according to many instructions, is also very effective.
