How to Clean Mouse Pad

What You'll Need

• Soap-Man Lemon Glow Dish Soap
• Warm water
• Soft sponge or cloth
• Clean towel

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. 1

   Pre-vacuum or shake out crumbs

   Before any wet cleaning, vacuum the surface with the upholstery attachment or take the pad outside and shake it out. Cloth pads especially trap food crumbs, hair, and dust between fibers -- skip this step and you will smear that debris into a paste during the wash.

2. 2

   Submerge in warm soapy water

   Fill a basin with warm (not hot) water and a few drops of dish soap. Submerge the mouse pad and let it soak for 5-10 minutes. Hot water above 100F warps the rubber base permanently, so test the water with your hand first -- it should feel comfortable, not steamy.

3. 3

   Gently scrub the surface

   Use a soft sponge to scrub the surface in small circular motions. Focus on areas where your wrist rests, mouse-tracked discolored spots, and the rubber edge bands where grime collects. Do not use a brush stiff enough to fray the fabric weave.

4. 4

   Rinse thoroughly

   Rinse under clean running water until all soap is removed and the water runs clear. Squeeze gently -- do not wring or twist. Twisting the pad creases the rubber base and creates permanent waves in the surface.

5. 5

   Air dry flat

   Lay the mouse pad flat on a clean towel and let it air dry completely before using. This can take 12-24 hours. Flip it once at the halfway mark so the underside dries evenly. Never use a hairdryer, dryer, or radiator -- heat warps the rubber and bubbles the cloth top from the base.

Pro Tips

• TIPClean your mouse pad every 2-4 weeks if you use it daily -- accumulated oils reduce mouse tracking accuracy.
• TIPFor RGB or hard surface mouse pads, wipe with a damp cloth only -- never submerge electronics.
• TIPMachine wash cloth mouse pads on a cold gentle cycle in a mesh bag, but air dry only.
• TIPGaming and esports pads (Artisan, Zowie, etc.) need cleaning every 2 weeks because micro-glide pad debris accumulates faster than office mice -- skip this and your sensor will start jittering.
• TIPIf you eat at your desk, keep a microfiber and a small bottle of dish soap solution within reach for instant spot cleans -- ground-in food is harder to remove than fresh.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• XUsing hot water, which warps the rubber base and causes the edges to curl permanently.
• XPutting the mouse pad in the dryer, which melts the rubber base and causes delamination.
• XUsing it before fully dry, which promotes mold growth and creates a slippery surface.
• XSpraying glass cleaner or kitchen disinfectant directly on the pad -- the alcohol and ammonia in those products break down the rubber binding and shorten the pad's life.
• XDrying with a hairdryer or near a heat vent to speed things up -- the heat lifts the cloth surface off the rubber base and creates permanent bubbles.

Frequently Asked Questions