When you’re working in an office, one of the areas that can be overlooked when cleaning is the actual equipment in use, particularly computer mouses.

From the mouse itself to the mouse pad and the equipment around it, your computer mouse is often something that can be overlooked when you think about cleaning your desk. This, paired with the lack of knowledge surrounding mouse cleanliness, can result in an unhygienic work environment.

However, if you’re interested in learning how to clean a computer mouse and how to keep it cleaner for longer, whether you are having issues with your mouse and its performance or are just looking to work in a cleaner, more hygienic environment, here are the best ways to keep your mouse cleaner for longer.

  • Cleaning the exterior

The exterior of your mouse is probably the part that you clean most regularly, and the part you’re the most confident in doing.

To make sure you are cleaning the exterior of your mouse properly, be sure to first unplug it from whatever device it is connected to, and then you can simply wipe it with a damp cloth and some rubbing oil. After leaving it to dry, the exterior of your mouse should be squeaky clean.

If you have a mouse that has any angled edges that are perhaps more difficult to clean with a cloth, take a cotton bud and gently swipe it over those areas to remove any lingering bacteria.

  • How to clean mouse buttons

Cleaning the buttons can be a little trickier because there is the potential risk of damage if you don’t do it properly.

To do this properly, ensure your mouse is disconnected from any devices and use a toothpick to gently remove any dirt or grime that has built up in the edges surrounding the buttons that you might not otherwise be able to get to, before using rubbing alcohol to disinfect the buttons and ensure that you’re removing any grease or dust that may have built up over time.

  • With a trackball

A computer mouse with a trackball can present difficulty when cleaning because if there is any dirt on your trackball it can interfere with the performance quality of the mouse. To clean it, you must ensure your mouse is disconnected from your device and open up the compartment containing the trackball.

From there, dampen the sponge-like material in the interior of the mouse with rubbing alcohol, being careful not to use too much, and then delicately scrape off any debris that clings to the sponge, as it could be affecting your mouse’s sensitivity.

It can also be helpful to blow out any remaining dust, which is recommended to be done using a hairdryer or an air duster, and then cleaning the trackball itself with rubbing alcohol.

Once you wipe down the trackball and allow it to dry, moisturise your hands and gently roll the trackball around on your palms. Doing this will allow the trackball to absorb any excess moisture on your hands, which will allow for it to glide more smoothly over your mouse pad.

Then, simply reassemble the mouse and it will be working better than ever! Doing this regularly will ensure that you don’t run into any long- term problems with your mouse regarding its cleanliness.

  • How to clean a mouse pad

It is of vital importance that you maintain the cleanliness of your mouse pad because it is the place where your mouse can pick up the most bacteria. Ensuring that this surface is clean will mean you will have to clean out your mouse less frequently.

To do this, fill up a sink or bath with warm, soapy water and place the mouse pad in. You can then – depending on the sturdiness of your mouse pad – use a sponge or a gentle cloth to rub the mouse pad delicately, ensuring that you spend time on any stubborn stains to make sure there is no bacteria left behind.

Then, rinse it out thoroughly, making sure there is no soap left before leaving it to dry. It is recommended that you let it air dry anywhere between 24-36 hours before you resume use of your mouse pad.

Some mousepads – although it is very important to check with the manufacturer before you try this! – are machine washable. If you are using this method, be sure to set it to a cold, low tumble, and still allow it to air dry for 24-36 hours after cleaning to ensure optimum results.

  • Clean your surroundings

Next to the mouse pad, this is probably the most important in ensuring you don’t have to clean your computer mouse less regularly. Often, you are sitting at your desk for a huge period of your working day, which means a lot of dirt and grime can build up that you’re not even aware of!

To combat this, make sure you wipe down your desk, computer, keyboard, and any other desk-related objects regularly to ensure there is no build-up of dust or bacteria that could affect the performance of your mouse.

As well as this, making sure you are disinfecting your hands before and after using your mouse can do wonders for ensuring your mouse isn’t getting dirty too quickly, as even natural moisture from our hands during the day can make your computer mouse greasy.

By performing these steps on a regular basis and ensuring that other people in your office are doing the same, you can ensure that your workspace remains as clean and hygienic as possible, all while posting the performance levels of your computer mouse and therefore your overall productivity levels. You can check out these cleans as well as other commercial cleaning services here.

Gone are the days of being irritated by a jumpy cursor or an invalid Bluetooth connection. By using these steps to clean your mouse, you can ensure it is always at its peak performance levels.

Now, go forth with your newfound knowledge, and make your work environment work for you.