How to Clean Mouse Pads and Keyboards

It’s easy to overlook cleaning our laptops and accessories like keyboards and mouse pads, but these high-touch gadgets accumulate dust, dirt, and oils from our fingers. Regular cleaning is essential to maintain their performance and hygiene. Let’s dive into detailed steps for cleaning mouse pads and keyboards to keep your workspace fresh and your gadgets in top shape.

How to Clean Mouse Pads

Mouse pads come in various materials, including plastic, rubberized, neoprene, and cloth. Each material requires a slightly different approach for cleaning. Here’s a step-by-step guide:

Identify Material

First, determine what your mouse pad is made of. If it's hard to tell, check the tag or the manufacturer’s website for details.

Plastic Mouse Pads: These are the easiest to clean. Simply wipe them down with a microfiber cloth and all-purpose cleaner. Ensure you cover the entire surface and remove any sticky residue.
Cloth, Rubberized, or Neoprene Mouse Pads: These materials require a bit more care. Follow these steps:

Cleaning Cloth, Rubberized, or Neoprene Mouse Pads

Prepare Cleaning Solution: Fill a bowl with warm water and add a teaspoon of gentle dish soap. Mix until the soap is dissolved.
Soak: Submerge the mouse pad in the solution and let it soak for 5-10 minutes. This helps to break down the oils and dirt accumulated on the surface.
Scrub Gently: Use a microfiber cloth to gently scrub the mouse pad. Be careful if your mouse pad has a printed design, as scrubbing too hard can damage the print.
Rinse: Rinse the mouse pad thoroughly with warm water to remove all soap.
Dry: Pat the mouse pad with a towel to remove excess water and lay it flat to dry completely. Avoid using it until it’s fully dry to prevent any damage to your mouse.

How to Clean Laptop Keyboards

Laptop keyboards require delicate handling to avoid damaging the keys or internal components. Here’s a step-by-step guide:

Turn Off and Unplug: Ensure your laptop is turned off and disconnected from any power source.
Shake Out Debris: Gently shake the laptop upside down over a garbage bag to remove loose dirt and crumbs.
Compressed Air: Use a can of compressed air to blow out any remaining debris between the keys.
Clear Tape Method: Use clear tape to pick up grime from around the keys. Stick the tape down, press it into the gaps, and lift to remove dirt.
Wipe Down: Use electronic cleaner wipes to clean the keyboard surface. Follow the instructions on the wipes for safe use.
Dry: Use a microfiber cloth to dry and polish the keyboard.

How to Clean External Keyboards

External keyboards often accumulate more dirt due to their frequent use. Follow these steps to clean your external keyboard:

Turn Off/Unplug: Disconnect the keyboard from your computer.
Remove Loose Debris: Shake the keyboard upside down over a garbage bag to dislodge any loose particles.
Detail Clean: Dampen a Q-tip with rubbing alcohol (ensuring it’s not dripping) and clean between the keys. Use toothpicks for any stubborn grime.
Compressed Air: Blow out any remaining debris with compressed air.
Surface Clean: Dampen a microfiber cloth with rubbing alcohol and wipe the tops of the keys and the keyboard’s surface. Ensure the cloth is damp, not wet.
Dry: Use a dry microfiber cloth to thoroughly dry the keyboard.

Conclusion

Regular cleaning of your mouse pad and keyboard not only maintains their appearance but also ensures their longevity and performance. A clean workspace can improve your productivity and reduce the risk of malfunction due to dirt and grime.

By following these simple steps, you can keep your home office looking neat and your gadgets functioning properly. Remember, quick weekly wipe-downs can minimize the need for deep cleaning, making maintenance a breeze. Invest a little time in cleaning, and you’ll enjoy a cleaner, more efficient workspace.

How to Clean Mouse Pads and Keyboards