PC Help Jansant - How to Clean Your Mouse

Cleaning your Mouse

If your like me and prefer the older style ball mouse over the newer optical versions then from time to time they need cleaning. If the mouse acts abnormally then it needs cleaning. Dust and lint builds up on the rollers inside the mouse.

Shut down your computer and unplug the mouse. Turn the mouse upside down, you will see a cradle that holds the ball in place. Normally there are arrows on this cradle, turning the cradle in the direction of the arrows will release the cradle and the ball can then be removed. Inside the mouse there are rollers, lint stick on these rollers is what causes the mouse to act erratically. The easiest way to clean these rollers is to use your fingernail and clear all the lint from the rollers. Be sure the lint drops out of the hole or you will soon be back in cleaning it again. If you have anti-static compressed air give the inside a quick blow, I use my lens blower bulb I use on my camera for this. Ensuring your mouse pad is clean will also help to keep the rollers inside clean.

To clean the outside of your mouse, use a damp cloth, ensuring you squeeze all the water out, you don't want water in your mouse. I don't recommend using cleaning solutions on your mouse or keyboard as they can wipe away printing on the device. Just a drop of dish washing detergent, to make a very weak solution will suffice.