We all know the struggle — you got a mousepad to make things a little easier at your workstation or gaming rig, but over time it’s gotten dust, dirt and stains on it from the punishment you’ve put it through. You might be tempted to throw it in a washing machine, but most manufacturers recommend against this because it can damage the fabric and reduce its lifespan.

So what’s the best way to keep your workstation looking clean and your mouse at optimal usability? Whether you’re using a cloth pad or a hard surface, a full-size plug-in RGB pad or a small utilitarian pad, there are many ways to get it squeaky clean. Read on to find out how to clean your mousepad!

Table of Contents

• Cleaning a Fabric Mousepad
• Cleaning a Hard Mousepad
• Cleaning an RGB Mousepad
• How Often Should You Clean a Mousepad?
• Quick and Easy Cleaning Tips
• Do’s and Don’ts

Cleaning a Fabric Mousepad

If you’re using a soft or fabric mousepad of any size, you can wash it by hand to remove grime and stains. (Remember not to do this technique with an RGB mousepad, as you can damage the electrical components. Refer to the section below on cleaning an RGB mousepad.)

What You’ll Need

• Warm water and somewhere to put it
• Mild soap, such as pure castile or dish soap, or shampoo
• Clean sponge
• Soft bristle brush
• Towel
• Mousepad (obviously)

Steps To Follow

1. Fill a sink, tub, or other basin with warm water, then submerge the mousepad.
2. Add a little soap or shampoo into the water or onto the mousepad, then scrub it with the sponge. Alternatively, put the soap on the sponge first, then scrub.
3. Use a soft-bristle brush to scrub out any tougher stains or oils. (Don’t use a hard-bristle brush or wire sponge for this, as you can damage the mousepad.)
4. Thoroughly rinse the mousepad once you’re finished scrubbing, making sure no soap remains.
5. Place the mousepad cloth side down on a towel to let it dry, ideally overnight. You can place it near a fan to help remove excess moisture.

You can use sprays, wipes and other disinfectant products, although most manufacturers don’t recommend them as they can shorten the life of your mouse pad. If you do, be sure to read the labels carefully before using.

Can You Put a Fabric Mousepad in a Washing Machine?

While manufacturers don’t recommend using a washing machine for cleaning a soft or fabric mousepad, you can safely put yours in a washing machine if it’s made from any of these materials:

• Polyester
• Acetate
• Nylon
• Microfiber
• Rubber
• Foam
• Acrylic
• Polyurethane

Steps

1. Put your mousepad in the washing machine with a drop or two of soap or mild detergent.
2. Set the washer to cold, low tumble. Never use hot water, as the heat may damage the rubber backing.
3. Change the program to a gentle cycle.
4. Don’t use any bleach.
5. Air dry the mousepad once done. Wait at least 24 to 36 hours until the next use for optimal results.

The results may vary based on the material and quality of the mouse pads. If you’re not sure whether it’s safe for a washing machine, get in touch with the manufacturer to confirm. A mouse pad printed with a custom design might get ruined in a washing machine, and this process can overall shorten the life of the mousepad, so it’s best to wash it using one of the hand washing methods mentioned above.

Can You Put a Mousepad in a Dryer?

It’s best to avoid using a clothes dryer to dry a soft or fabric mouse pad. Since a dryer relies on heat to get the job done, it can damage the pad’s rubber backing. The safest way to dry a fabric mouse pad is to use a towel or let it air dry over time. If you need to use one in the meantime, you may want to purchase a spare mouse pad.

Cleaning a Hard Mousepad

Hard mousepads with less porous surfaces are a bit easier to clean than soft mousepads, allowing you to directly wipe them down without worrying about damaging the surface.

What You’ll Need

• Microfiber cloth
• Screen cleaner or rubbing alcohol
• Disinfecting wipes (optional)
• Mousepad

Steps

1. Spray screen cleaner on a piece of microfiber cloth, or directly onto the mousepad. You can also dip a corner of the cleaning cloth in rubbing alcohol, but be sure to wring it out before cleaning.
2. Wipe the mousepad’s surface until it’s clean, focusing on areas with visible dirt or grime.
3. Follow up with a disinfectant wipe if you’d like to be sure all germs are removed.
4. Wipe away any extra moisture with a dry cloth and allow the mouse pad to air dry completely.

Cleaning an RGB Mousepad

For a wired RGB mousepad, whether soft or hard, you’ll want to be a bit more careful when washing it so you don’t damage the electrical components.

What You’ll Need

• Dish soap or shampoo
• Microfiber cloth
• Towel
• Mousepad

Steps

1. Unplug and move the mousepad away from other electronic devices.
2. Pour a small drop of dish soap or shampoo on a corner of a microfiber cloth and dip it in warm water.
3. Squeeze and wring out the cloth properly to prevent water from leaking out or entering any ports.
4. Wipe the mousepad’s surface thoroughly using the cloth, focusing on grimier spots.
5. Rinse the microfiber cloth to wash away the soap.
6. Use the rinsed cloth to remove the remaining soap from the mouse pad.
7. Leave the mousepad to dry face down on a towel once completely clean.

How Often Should You Clean a Mousepad?

Cleaning your mousepad thoroughly about three to four times a year should be enough to maintain it. If you want to follow a schedule, you can:

• Wipe it with a damp cloth once a week to remove surface dirt.
• Thoroughly clean it once every three to four months.

Quick and Easy Cleaning Tips

You don’t need to wash a mousepad thoroughly every time. If you think a quick touch up would do the job, follow these tips:

• For a soft pad, run a hand vacuum over it to remove dust and particles.
• For a metal or plastic pad, wipe it with a microfiber towel or disinfecting wipe to remove dust.
• Blow away debris using a compressed air duster.
• Spray fabric protector on a soft pad to repel liquid and prevent staining.

Do’s and Don’ts

Now that you’re familiar with the process of mousepad cleaning, here are a few more tips:

Do’s

• Use baking soda to remove stains without soap.
• Rinse with cold water whenever you wash.
• Air dry for at least 24 hours after washing.
• Look up whether the material is washer-safe before putting it in a clothes washer.

Don’ts

• Wash in a dishwasher — hot water can damage the mousepad.
• Leave in direct sunlight.
• Use a hair dryer, clothes dryer or microwave to dry.

Conclusion

Working with a dirty mousepad of any kind can be a hassle, but cleaning them doesn’t have to be a difficult process. We hope this guide has helped you get your workstation looking as clean as can be. Let us know how you keep your mousepad clean in the comments below!