If you are a hardcore gamer, sometimes you just need to take a break from your elite headshots and fill your face with various carbonated liquids and deliciously flavored potato chips. It is, of course, inevitable that you are going to get some of these all over your mousepad. Even if you are not a gamer, we’ve all hilariously spit coffee all over our desks while reading the latest Dilbert comic. Here is how to clean a mousepad!
Different Types of Mousepads
The first step in returning your mousepad to its original clean condition is to know what it is made of. Typically, there are 4 types of materials that are used to make a mousepad: cloth, fabric, rubber or plastic.
The easiest mousepad to clean are those made from rubber and plastic. You should be able to get away with just using a warm soapy cloth, or even better, an Alcohol Wipe to clean away the mess. Cloth and fabric mousepads are a bit trickier and will require more effort to return them to their previous glory.
Steps to Clean a Mousepad
The following are the tools you are going to need to properly clean a mousepad:
- Warm water (not boiling hot water!)
- An all-purpose scrub brush
- Shampoo (any kind will do)
- Towel
- Elbow grease and a ‘git er done’ attitude
Depending on the size of your mousepad, you’ll either need to do this in the sink or the bathtub. First, pour warm water on the mousepad. You can let it soak for a few minutes if the stain is particularly deep, or you feel like your mousepad needs rehydration. Just kidding, a dehydrated mousepad isn’t a real thing. However, depending on your mousepad it may panic when submerged in water. Calmly reassure it that he/she/they are safe, and this won’t take long.
Next, drizzle a small amount of shampoo on the top of the mousepad and use the all-purpose scrub brush to gently agitate the surface to bring up the stain. While you are at it, make sure you do he entire surface of the mousepad so it comes out totally clean!
Once you are happy with how mousepad surface looks, rinse the front and back of the mousepad with warm water to remove the shampoo. Next, pat down the mousepad with a dry towel. Make sure you apply enough pressure to soak up any water that remains in the mousepad.
Leave the mousepad to air dry for several house before returning it to its rightful place on your desk. I suggest flipping it over a few times to ensure that it has completely dried.
Can you use washing machine to clean your mousepad?
Sure, but be aware that washing machines are typically quite rough on things during the washing process. Also, for goodness sakes, USE COLD WATER! The last thing you want is a melted mousepad that is now warped and won’t lay flat on your desk.
I would generally avoid washing a mousepad in a dishwasher though, the above manual method works fine, and really, it is not a lot of work!
Conclusion
By taking the time to maintain your mousepad you can greatly increase its lifespan, keeping it out of the landfill and keeping money in your pocket. It’s amazing how much better it will look (and probably function) after taking a trip to the mousepad spa!
