Keeping your mousepad clean is important for optimal performance and hygiene. However, cleaning a mousepad with an attached wrist rest can be tricky. The wrist rest is often made of materials like foam or gel that can’t simply be wiped down. Fortunately, with the right techniques and cleaning agents, you can keep your mousepad with wrist rest looking like new.
Why Keep Your Mousepad Clean?
There are a few key reasons you’ll want to regularly clean your mousepad with wrist rest:
- Remove built-up dirt, oils, and grime – These can impede the mouse’s tracking ability and lead to skips or jumps.
- Prevent spreading germs – A dirty mousepad harbors bacteria that can cause illness.
- Extend its life – Cleaning helps prevent permanent stains, damage, and wear.
- Improve tracking – Keeping the surface clear of debris improves responsiveness.
- Freshen appearance – Make it look nice and new again.
You’ll want to aim to clean your mousepad every 1-2 weeks for optimal results. More frequent heavy usage may require more frequent cleaning.
Supplies Needed
Gather the following supplies before beginning to clean your mousepad:
- Mild hand soap or dish soap
- Warm water
- Microfiber cloth
- Old toothbrush
- Rubbing alcohol (optional)
- Paper towels
- Cotton swabs
Step 1 – Clear Desk Space
First, clear a space on your desk around the mousepad to work. Remove any items sitting on top of the mousepad. You’ll want an open working area to allow access to the entire pad surface.
Step 2 – Remove Large Debris
Check for and remove any large pieces of dirt, crumbs, or debris present on the mousepad surface. This includes around the wrist rest area. Pick up and discard any large particles.
Step 3 – Shake Out Mousepad
Pick up the mousepad and gently shake it over a trash can to dislodge any loose dirt or crumbs trapped within. Be careful not to bend or warp the pad. A gentle back and forth shaking should suffice.
Step 4 – Wet Microfiber Cloth
Wet a clean microfiber cloth with warm water. Wring it out thoroughly so it is damp but not dripping wet. This will be used to wipe down the surface.
Step 5 – Wipe Down Mousepad Surface
Wipe down the entire top surface of the mousepad using the damp microfiber cloth. Apply light pressure and wipe in small circular motions. Make sure to get the edges and corners. Allow to air dry.
Step 6 – Spot Scrub Stubborn Stains
Check for any remaining dried, caked-on stains or spots. Apply a small amount of mild soap directly to these spots. Let sit briefly. Then use the edge of the microfiber cloth to gently scrub and lift the stain.
Alternatively, you can use a dampened old toothbrush to scrub these stubborn spots away. Rinse and dry the area when finished scrubbing.
Step 7 – Clean Wrist Rest
The wrist rest requires some extra care when cleaning. Start by using a microfiber cloth to wipe away any initial surface debris or dust.
If the material is plastic or rubber, use a cotton swab dipped in rubbing alcohol to scrub away grime buildup. Let the alcohol sit briefly before wiping clean with a cloth.
For cloth or foam wrist rests, use a lightly soap-dampened cloth, gently blotting and dabbing to lift dirt. Avoid excessive scrubbing or soaking of the material.
For gel-type rests, use a small amount of soap and water. Dab gently with a cloth to clean. Do not submerge the gel pad in water.
Step 8 – Clean Underside
Flip the mousepad over to access the bottom surface. This often collects dust, hair, and other debris. Use the damp microfiber cloth to wipe away any buildup from the underside.
If needed, use rubbing alcohol on cotton swabs to tackle tougher grime in crevices or edges around the bottom.
Step 9 – Rinse and Dry
Once wiped fully with soap and water, go over the mousepad one last time with just warm water to rinse. Wipe dry with a clean cloth or paper towels. Allow to fully air dry before using again.
Tips for Cleaning a Mousepad
Follow these tips when cleaning any standard mousepad:
- Unplug USB powered mousepads before cleaning.
- Avoid excessive water that can warp or damage pad.
- Do not use bleach, ammonia, or harsh cleaners.
- Wash hands before cleaning to avoid new oils and dirt.
- Blot liquid spills quickly to prevent lasting stains.
- Replace worn or damaged mousepads for best performance.
How Often Should You Clean Your Mousepad?
Most standard mousepads should be cleaned every 1-2 weeks for average use. Here are some guidelines based on usage:
| Usage Frequency | Cleaning Frequency Recommended |
|---|---|
| Light use 1-2 hours per day | Every 2-4 weeks |
| Moderate use 2-4 hours per day | Every 1-2 weeks |
| Heavy use 4+ hours per day | Weekly |
| Very heavy use 8+ hours per day | Every 3-5 days |
More frequent cleanings may be required if you eat and drink around your computer.
Can You Machine Wash a Mousepad?
Not all mousepads can be safely machine washed. Here are some guidelines:
- Cloth mousepads without rubber bases can be washed in cold water, gentle cycle then air dried.
- Hard plastic or rigid pads cannot be machine washed.
- Never machine wash leather or silicone mousepads.
- Submerging rubber-based pads can lead to deterioration.
- Check manufacturer guidelines to see if washing is recommended.
Hand washing is safest for most standard mousepads. Only machine wash if explicitly stated by the manufacturer.
How to Sanitize a Mousepad
For deeper cleaning and disinfecting, you may want to periodically sanitize your mousepad. Here are some safe sanitizing methods:
- 70% isopropyl alcohol – Dampen a cloth and wipe down the entire pad surface. Allow to fully dry. Safe for most materials.
- Lysol or Clorox disinfectant wipes – Carefully wipe down the pad following label instructions. Avoid over-saturation.
- Hydrogen peroxide cleaner – Lightly spray on and let sit 5 minutes before wiping clean with a cloth.
- Diluted bleach – Mix a 10% bleach solution. Dampen cloth and wipe pad. Rinse thoroughly after.
Always spot test sanitizers on a small corner first to check for any reaction with the mousepad materials.
How to Remove Tough Stains from a Mousepad
Challenging stains like coffee, ink, or grease require a little extra effort. Here are some stain removal techniques:
- Rubbing alcohol – Soak stained spot and gently scrape with toothbrush.
- Baking soda paste – Mix with a little water and gently scrub stain.
- Distilled white vinegar – Saturate stain. Let sit 5 minutes before rinsing.
- Dish soap – Apply directly to stain. Scrub with toothbrush.
- OxiClean powder – Dampen and make paste. Let sit 30 minutes before rinsing.
- Mr. Clean Magic Eraser – Gently erase stain if mousepad surface allows.
Always test products on a small inconspicuous area first to ensure they don’t damage the mousepad. With time and patience, even set-in stains can be removed.
Conclusion
Cleaning a mousepad with wrist rest takes a little extra care but follows the same basic process as standard pads. By using the right gentle cleaning agents and techniques, you can keep your mousepad looking fresh and performing like new. Regular cleaning every few weeks helps prevent permanent damage from builds up of dirt, grime, and liquids. With light maintenance, your mousepad can last for years of optimal gaming, work, or general use.