How to Clean and Maintain a Custom Mousepad

Ah, did you just spill coffee all over the mouse pad and now wondering what to do?

From stubborn grease stains to the layers of dust on our custom mouse pads, we all have been there.

We spend a considerable amount of time in front of our desks, so there's a good chance we're wearing out our mouse pads.

It seems tempting to throw our mouse pads into the washing machine, but wait!

Can we really just go for it?

Most manufacturers recommend not doing this as it can damage our mouse pad and reduce its lifespan.

So what should we do?

Just throw it away and buy a new one?

No, not at all.

Mouse pads are to make our lives easier, not to complicate it with an unnecessary financial burden.

Let’s talk about tips to clean and maintain a custom mousepad.

We all know the frustration of a mouse cursor stuttering across a dirty surface.

A pristine mousepad not only enhances the precision of your mouse movements but also contributes to a smooth and enjoyable computing experience.

From gaming to graphic design, a clean custom mouse pad is the unsung hero that ensures your peripherals function at their best.

First things first, let's understand our battleground.

Mouse pads come in various materials, from cloth to hard surfaces and everything in between.

The cleaning methods depend on the material, so identifying what your mousepad is made of is crucial.

Cloth mouse pads are popular for their comfort, while hard surfaces offer a different kind of precision.

But each mouse pad has its own dos and don'ts when it comes to washing them without destroying the pivotal part of our gaming arsenal.

Some people prefer cloth mouse pads because their maintenance is relatively easy.

When we feel like our fabric mousepad is dirty to the extent that it disrupts our mouse movements, we can simply wash them out.

Follow these steps to clean your cloth mouse pad:

Step 1

Put a custom mouse pad in the sink, and if we have a large one, place it in the tub. Then, slowly dampen it with water and use any soap or mild shampoo.

Step 2

Now, use a sponge or brush to scrub the dirty spots.

Keep in mind that we should always use a soft brush to clean away the toughest drains.

If we use heavy-duty tools like wire sponges or hard-bristle brushes, it can damage our mouse pad.

Step 3

Now, rinse the pad with water to get rid of stains.

Again, avoid using hot water as it can damage your pad.

Always use cold water and properly wash so there are no signs of soap left.

Step 4

Now, take a towel and pat dry your freshly cleaned mouse pad.

This will not completely dry our mouse pad; we need to air-dry it.

Besides, we can use a fan to dry excess moisture.

We can also use wipes, sprays, and other disinfectant products to clean a custom mouse pad.

However, most manufacturers don’t encourage using them as they are harsh on our mousepads and can reduce their lifespan.

Hard mousepads like plastic and rubber are also really easy to clean.

We can directly wipe off any spills without worrying about drying them.

To clean our hard mouse pad, we need a microfiber cloth and a screen cleaner or maybe rubbing alcohol.

We can also use disinfecting wipes, but they are not must-haves.

Once we gather all of these requirements, we need to follow this procedure.

Step 1

First off, we need to grab ourselves a trusty piece of microfiber cloth; it's going to be our partner in grime-fighting.

Then, we have two options: either spray the screen cleaner directly on the mouse pad or spray it on the cloth.

Step 2

Then, we need to start wiping down the mousepad's surface, showing extra love to those areas harboring visible dirt or grime.

Step 3

If we want to go the extra mile in getting rid of every stain, we have to use a disinfectant.

It's the final boss battle in the quest for cleanliness.

Step 4

Next, we have to wipe away any lingering moisture with a dry cloth.

Also, we have to let our mouse pad bask in the fresh air for complete drying.

As compared to a fabric mouse pad, hard mouse pads are easy to clean as they have a non-porous surface.

So far, we met with mouse pads that are really simple to clean.

We can wash on our own terms without having any specific SOPs.

But when it comes to tech mousepads, the washing process gets a bit complicated.

If we own an RGB custom mouse pad, such as one equipped with USB ports and lights, you can’t follow the normal washing procedure.

So, for those of us who have wired RGB mouse pads, we have to follow this procedure to ensure our washing process does not risk damaging the mouse pads.

Step 1

Let's play it safe.

First of all, we have to unplug the mousepad and give it a little space away from its electronic buddies.

Step 2

Now, let's whip up a gentle cleaning concoction.

Then, we need to put a tiny drop of dish soap or shampoo on the corner of a microfiber cloth. Next, we have to dip that cloth into warm water.

Afterward, we need to squeeze and wring out that cloth like a seasoned laundry pro so water can not reach the ports.

Step 3

Then, this wet cloth should be used to clean the mouse thoroughly, getting rid of every visible stain.

Now, we need to rinse the cloth properly and use the damp cloth back on the mouse pad surface until the last trace of soap is gone.

Step 4

Finally, we have to leave the mouse pad to dry.

In addition, we need to keep the face of the mouse pad down while drying and avoid direct sunlight.

As we went through the right ways to clean our mouse pads, some of us might still be wondering if we could just throw our fabric mouse pads in the washing machine.

Sometimes, we are in so much hurry that this whole cleaning process seems like an uphill battle.

So, should we go with the washing machine?

There is no straightforward answer, but yes, you can consider this option.

However, it depends on the type of cloth mousepad we have.

Some fabrics might withstand the pressure of washing machines without damaging themselves.

Others might be weak enough to fray just after one round of washing machine.

Though it is always discouraging to use a washing machine, there are few materials for which we can use a machine if we cannot go with any other option.

• Polyester

• Microfiber

• Rubber

• Acetate

• Nylon

• Acrylic

• Foam

• Polyurethane

While cleaning our mouse pad in the washing machine, we must keep these things in mind.

• Always use mild detergent. We should avoid heavy-duty washers.

• Use cold water in the washing machine, as warm water can be damaging.

• Set the washer to the light cycle to stay on the safer side.

• No need to use a bleaching powder or any other special cleaning agent.

• Do not use the machine dryer at the end of the washing process.

Some of us invest in custom-printed mouse pads.

So, when dealing with a custom-printed mousepad, it's crucial to remember that various printing techniques are used to bring those designs to life.

While some printing methods can withstand the washing machine shuffle, the safest bet is to pamper your mouse pad with a hand-cleaning session.

This way, we're ensuring that our custom design remains in its pristine condition.

How To Clean Cloth Mouse Pads (NOT RGB)

By following this comprehensive guide about how to clean and maintain a custom mousepad, we are not just preserving a piece of fabric or a slick surface; we are investing in the longevity and performance of your entire setup.

So, let's raise our mousepads high and embrace the gleam of a well-maintained workspace!