Cleaning Your Mouse

DO IT:  Now, and then as often as necessary (when you have to start shaking it).

Have you ever had to pick up your mouse and give it a little shake?  Or move it around in exaggerated motions because the cursor just isn’t moving along in a smooth, even motion? 

It’s probably because your mouse needs to be cleaned. A mouse works by sending signals to the computer as the roller ball turns, and the computer translates these signals to the movement of the mouse pointer on your computer screen. 

As you use your mouse, the ball inside (called the track ball) picks up dust and dirt and transfers it into the mouse.  And if you use any type of eraser material, your mouse will be even worse! 

So you can see why cleaning your mouse is so important.  Even the smallest piece of dust or debris can make your mouse misbehave. 

What You’ll Need:

Soft cloth
Mild cleaning solution
Cotton swab or Q-tip   
Isopropyl Alcohol

Step 1:
Unplug the mouse from your computer.  Be sure to remember the location of the connection so you can plug it back in when you are done.  Or you can put a small piece of masking tape near the connection as reminder. 

Step 2: 
Clean the outside of the mouse casing with a soft cloth and mild cleaning solution.  If you have an optical or laser mouse, this is the end of your cleaning task!  If you have a traditional roller ball mouse, continue to Step 3.

Step 3: 
When you turn your mouse over, you will see part of a small rubber or plastic ball that comes through the cut out in the cover.  When this balls rolls, it causes other rollers inside the mouse to turn.  Those internal rollers control the direction of the mouse cursor (up, down, right, left). 

Take a good look at this bottom cover.  There are usually markings on it that tell you how to remove it (similar to a battery cover).  Once you get the cover off, slowly turn the mouse over and the little ball will drop out. 

Step 4: 
Check the ball for any surface damage – it should be smooth.  If it is not, and this is rarely the case, you will need to discard it and purchase a new one.  

Step 5:
Now that the ball is out, you will see three other rollers that also need cleaning.  Be careful not to scratch these rollers. 

Dip the cotton swab or Q-tip in isopropyl alcohol and clean all the dirt off the rollers.  When you feel confident that the rollers are clean, turn the mouse over and give it a gentle shake to loosen any of the dust particles remaining.  You may even blow or spray condensed air to clean it out.  Remember, any dust remaining will soon find its way back to the rollers! 

If your mouse is really dirty, you may need to repeat the cleaning process from Step 5.

Step 6:
Turn the mouse upside down and gently replace the track ball.  Replace the cover on your mouse and lock it into place. Plug your mouse back into the computer.  Your mouse should now be as good as new! 

Step 7:
Don’t forget to clean your mouse pad before you start using your clean mouse again.  It generally a good idea to keep your mouse pad clean to keep dirt and debris from getting into the rollers of your mouse.

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