If you use a computer in your home or office, your mouse and keyboard are probably some of the most germ infected items you’ll come in contact with. They may even contain more bacteria than your toilet seat, so reducing the amount of dangerous bacteria on your mouse is “one” good reason alone for cleaning your mouse, whether it is a Mechanical Mouse, or an Optical Mouse.
As for Mechanical Mice, another reason is that a dirty mechanical mouse (mouse with a ball) can cause your mouse to move the cursor in only one axis or direction, meaning a roller is dirty. And if the mouse is erratic and hard to control, it usually means the rollers are wrapped in lint.
For best results, view the VIDEO above in “Full Screen”.
Read This BEFORE You Disconnect Your Mouse or Keyboard
Unless you are using a USB Mouse, always power-down the computer first before you start cleaning your mouse, especially if you are going to disconnect it.
NEVER connect or disconnect a PS2 Mouse (green) or PS2 Keyboard (purple) while the computer is ON, doing so could damage the corresponding mouse or keyboard controller on the motherboard. As for USB mice and keyboards, they are hot swappable, meaning they can be connected or disconnected “safely” when the power is on.
But if you are using a USB Mouse, you can just unplug it from the computer without turning off the power. Cleaning the mouse while the computer is booted-up to Windows can cause strange problems as you might randomly click on icons during cleaning.
Motherboard Jacks
USB and PS2 Plugs
Cleaning a Mechanical Mouse (aka Ball Mouse, Roller Mouse, Analog Mouse)
- Remove the mouse ball cover on the bottom of the mouse. Place your thumb and forefinger on the mouse ball cover and twist it in the direction of the arrows.
- Turn the mouse over with one hand covering the bottom. The ball and cover should fall out into your hand. If not, gently shake it until it does.
- Once the ball and cover are removed, use a cotton swab, your fingers or tweezers to remove any debris. Usually, there will be some dirt, hair and lint wrapped around the middle of each roller. It shouldn’t be necessary to clean the ball unless it is severely dirty.
- You can also use a can of compressed air and a small brush to loosen any debris and blow it away with the air.
- When blowing air, be sure to protect your eyes and wear goggles if necessary. Also, hold the can upright when blowing because pointing it downwards may cause some moisture to drip out of the nozzle.
- Once you have removed as much debris as possible, replace the ball and cover and twist the cover against the arrow until it locks in place.
- After the mouse has been reassembled, use a damp cloth moistened with water or rubbing alcohol and wipe down the mouse. Never spray any liquid directly on the mouse. You may also want to use some disinfectant.
- Wipe the buttons, the cable, as well as the pads on the bottom. Don’t press too hard on the buttons, and be careful not to lift the pads during cleaning.
- This is also a good time to inspect the PS2 connector for pushed or bent pins, and to check the cable for nicks and frays.
- When time to reconnect the mouse, ensure the computer is still off. Also, PS2 connectors are keyed, so be careful to mate them properly so you don’t bend any pins.
- If the mouse still works erratically, repeat the cleaning process and inspect the rollers for damage. If this doesn’t correct the problem, I suggest you replace your Mechanical Mouse with an Optical Mouse. Cleaning an Optical Mouse is very easy because there are no covers or moving parts to deal with.
Cleaning an Optical Mouse
- Locate the LED lens on the bottom of the mouse and use a cotton swab moistened with rubbing alcohol to clean the lens. Do not apply any pressure on the LED or lens.
- Use a damp cloth moistened with water or rubbing alcohol and wipe down the mouse. Never spray any liquid directly on the mouse. You may also want to use some disinfectant.
- Wipe the buttons, the cable, as well as the pads on the bottom. Don’t press too hard on the buttons, and be careful not to lift the pads during cleaning.
- This is also a good time to inspect the cable for nicks and frays.
Tip: Cleaning your Mouse Pad with a damp cloth can also help improve your mouse’s movement.
