Clean Your Computer Mouse

Edited by Debbie, Charmed, Eng, Pia Marie Villamante and 2 others

5 Parts:
Kinds of Computer Mouse
Instructions to Clean a Trackball Mouse
Instructions To Clean an Optical Mouse
Tips
Comments
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I'll bet you never thought you would have to clean a computer mouse, right? I know I didn't! So why is it necessary to clean it, and how? As you move your mouse on the bottom, you will notice a circle, and in the middle you will see a little ball, which will allow the mouse to glide easily on the pad. This ball, turns three rollers inside. two small, and a bigger one. Over time, this ball can pick up dust and debris. If you don't take the time to clean it out once in a while, what happens is the dirt gets on those rollers and builds up, and the mouse pointer will not move at all on the screen, or will be sporadic. So let's see how we can clean the mouse so it works correctly:

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Kinds of Computer Mouse

  1. 1
    Mechanical mouse. This kind of mouse is equipped with a ball underneath that detects movement.
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  2. 2
    Optical mouse. Unlike the mechanical mouse, this one is equipped with an LED light. They have laser, radar or sensors underneath and can be used without a mouse pad.
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  3. 3
    Optomechanical mouse. This has the same features as the optical mouse, like the laser sensor, but cannot be used without a mouse pad.
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Instructions to Clean a Trackball Mouse

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  1. 1
    Turn off your computer and unplug your mouse. Take the cover off the back, it will either slide off, or you will turn it counterclockwise.
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  2. 2
    Take the ball out, clean off with a soft cloth, and set aside.
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  3. 3
    Now you will clean the rollers. You can use a Q-tip to clean each one.
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  4. 4
    Replace the ball and cover when finished. Plug your mouse back in.
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Instructions To Clean an Optical Mouse

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  1. 1
    Shut down your computer and disconnect your mouse.
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  • 2
    Check the lens underneath your mouse. If you notice any dirt, dust or debris, blow it off. If you can't remove it, use alcohol and cotton swabs, and gently clean the lens.
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  • 3
    Inspect the elastic pads underneath your mouse. Dirt usually forms here, which could make your mouse don't move as easily. Use your fingernail to remove as much dirt as you can.
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  • 4
    Get a wet cloth and wipe the dirt left behind on your mouse.
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  • 5
    Connect your mouse back to your computer and you're ready to use your newly cleaned mouse.
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    • Tips

    • Make sure your mouse pad is clean before you set your mouse down, so no dirt and dust goes back into your mouse.
    • Instead of a mouse pad that collects dirt and dust, use a square piece of cardboard or a card.

    If you have problems with any of the steps in this article, please ask a question for more help, or post in the comments section below.

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    Article Info

    Categories : Hardware

    Recent edits by: Lynn, Pia Marie Villamante, Eng

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