You probably already know that your computer keyboard is dirtier than the average toilet. The next time you get around to sanitizing this all-important workspace, don't forget to clean its equally nasty next-door neighbor, the mousepad.
Mousepads simply don't show a lot of grime, but that doesn't mean there aren't all kinds of germs hanging out on the surface. Whether used for work or gaming, mousepads take a lot of punishment, so they definitely need some TLC.
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Fortunately, it's not a cumbersome chore to clean a mousepad. The following method (from gaming website Glorious) can be used for any fabric or plastic mousepad that doesn't include any sort of tech, like a USB port.
- First, soak the mousepad in a sink or bowl filled with water and a gentle soap. A nice, mild shampoo or even a squirt of hand soap will do the trick.
- Using a soft brush, sponge or washcloth, gently scrub the mousepad.
- Rinse the mousepad with cold water until all the soap is gone.
- Finally, pat the mousepad dry with a clean towel. Allow it to fully air-dry before using it again. This takes at least 24 hours.
Some fabric mousepads are even machine washable! If this is the case with yours, follow these steps:
- Place the mousepad in the washing machine and add a small amount of detergent.
- Using only cold water, run the machine on the gentle cycle.
- Remove from the washing machine, then air dry for a minimum of 24 hours.
Plastic mousepads can be quickly cleaned, no water required. Try this method from Real Simple:
- Using a cleaning spray, lightly spray the surface of the plastic mousepad.
- Wipe the cleaning spray away with a clean cloth. If any areas are obviously dirty, use a little extra elbow grease.
- Finish it up with a swipe of a disinfecting wipe.
- Allow it to air-dry before using the mousepad again.
There's no hard-and-fast rule as to how often you should clean the mousepad, but a minimum of once every three months, as well as after any illness, is a good start.
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