Previously we looked at how to clean a computer keyboard but what about that other stalwart of computing – the mouse!
Depending on the type of mouse you have the process involved in cleaning a mouse can be quite different. Traditional mice had a physical roller ball on the underside of them and relied on the actual movement of that ball to dictate movement whereas most new mice today tend to use optical sensors which are basically a light (well more specifically an LED) or laser sensors and both are much less prone to getting dirty that the more traditional roller ball.
Below is a picture of each type of mouse – if yours is an optical or laser mouse then you only need follow the first 2 steps of this guide but, if yours is an older style roller ball mouse, then you should follow all the steps. If you are unsure then please check either with your computer manufacturer or with the manuals which came with your computer or mouse before attempting to try and clean it.
computer_mouse
Regardless of what type of mouse you use it will pick up dust and dirt the more you use it. When roller mice were more common people used mouse mats as they created a more natural and responsive surface but as optical and laser mice have become more common so mouse mats have become a thing of the past meaning mice are typically used on the desk surface and, if you have read our previous article on germs in the office, you will know that the desk is one of dirtiest things in the office – even dirtier than a toilet!
Typically it is time to clean your mouse when the cursor movement starts to get jerky or is not as precise as it used to be.
Before you begin you are going to need a few things – some sort of small pointed object like a pin, a cotton bud, a lint free cloth and some mild dishwashing detergent. Alternatively you can buy alcohol wipes from most office supplies shops which will take the place of the cloth and detergent.
As with cleaning your keybaord the first thing to do is turn your computer off and remove the mouse from the computer. As before, if your mouse is connected via USB this is not strictly necessary but it is best practice none the less.
The first thing you should do is clean the exterior plastic surfaces of the mouse where your hand connects with the mouse. For this use either alcohol wipes or a lint free cloth and some mild dishwashing detergent ensuring that the cloth is always only damp and that the mouse does not get excessively wet. Make sure and clean all the surfaces of the mouse including the underside using this method.
When cleaning the underside you will probably notice there are a number of little rubber pads on the bottom of the mouse. These are used to keep the sensor off the top of your desk and to allow the laser or optical sensor to reflect back off the surface the mouse is on. Often around these pads between the pad and the body of the mouse you will see a build up of dust, fluff and other dirt. With the pin gently and carefully scrape any dirt you can see out of these gaps. It may take some time as there are often many pads and joins on the mouse (for batteries, for example) but it is worth doing. And be careful! A pin may not be the most dangerous implement in the world but it will hurt if you stick it in your finger!
Once you have cleaned the surfaces of the mouse you now will either have to do one of the following – but not both!
If your mouse is an optical or laser mouse take the cotton bud and very gently wipe the laser or optical sensor and take any excess dust or dirt off. Do not push too hard and take care not to move anything. Once you have done this you are done! One clean mouse!
If your mouse is a roller ball mouse you will have to do a little more and it will involve opening the mouse but DONT WORRY! It is dead simple!
Turn the mouse over so the bottom is facing you and you should see the roller ball protruding out slightly from the bottom of the mouse. Around the ball there should be a little ring with an arrow pointing in the direction you need to turn it to unlock the cover. Press the little ring down gently and turn in the direction indicated by the arrow and the ring should come off. Now remove the mouse ball.
Once you have the ball in your hand you should clean it gently with the lint free cloth and mild detergent ensuring you do not physically damage any of the surfaces as this will affect its future precision.
Inside the actual mouse itself where the roller ball used to be you should see a number (usually two or three) of little rollers attached to the mouse. These will normally have lots of dirt on them and, quite often, will even have a loop of fluff or lift wrapped around the roller. Use the cotton bud dampened with a little mild detergent to gently clean the rollers making sure you rotate them all the way around to clean all the surfaces. If the dirt will still not come off (most often happens when there is a loop all the way around) you may need to use the pin or your finger nail to break the loop and allow you to remove it.
Once that is done all you need to do is to return the ball into the mouse, replace the locking ring and pushing down slightly turn the ring the opposite way to that which opened it and you are done!
Tags: ball, computer, cotton bud, dishwashing detergent, laser sensors, lint free cloth, mouse, surface, traditional mice, underside
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