How to clean logitech mouse pad

How to clean logitech mouse pad

(Image credit: Getty)

With more and more of us spending heaps of time at our desks, the likelihood of funking up your mouse pad (opens in new tab) increased exponentially. Assailants such as pizza grease, soda, or other mystery stains are sure to make their way onto your mouse pad at some point, and as someone who's scarfed down an entire grilled cheese seconds before a video conference, I get it—sometimes food at the desk happens. Ultimately it means food on the desk will happen. 

Nothing is certain except death, taxes, and mouse pad stains.

The right way to clean a mouse pad

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First off there, there are certain places to avoid placing your mouse pad, in case you were thinking of taking it off your desk to clean it. Don't hang it out to dry in the sun as the colours are likely to fade. It should not go in the dishwasher, washing machine or dryer—extreme suds and extreme heat are bad for rubber and plastic.

There's been some debate on the appropriate way to clean a soft surface or cloth mouse pad. The reason I'm advising you to stay away from washing machines and dishwashers is that these kinds of mouse pads are easy to damage. Not all spin cycles are created equal, so even a low tumble setting on certain washers or dryers could warp and damage the rubber bits in a mouse pad (many cloth mouse pads have some sort of textured rubber base to keep the pad in place when in use). And the surface needs to be pristine and smooth for your mouse to properly glide over it without issues.

Wisdom from Katie

How to clean logitech mouse pad

(Image credit: Future)

Just a note about hydrophobic mouse pads, such as the one that comes with the Arozzi Arena gaming desk (opens in new tab). I managed to completely ruin mine by using chemical cleaner (the kind you hoover off after it dries). Don't be me. Be smart like Jorge. 

Even if you own a machine-washable mouse pad, make sure you follow the manufacturer's cleaning instructions to the letter and exercise caution. 

Heat is also the enemy; the rubber used in most mouse pads has a pretty low melting point. This means sticking it in the microwave, blasting it with a hairdryer, or letting it spin around in hot water are all terrible ideas.

Our best recommendation for cleaning a cloth gaming mouse pad is merely using a squirt of dish soap, warm water, a sponge or washcloth, and some good ole fashioned elbow grease to rub out the stain. Then air dry. If you're using a plastic or hard surface mouse pad, a damp washcloth should do the trick, since those are easier to spot clean.

How manufacturers recommend you clean your mouse pad

I asked two makers of comically large cloth mouse pads, Corsair and HyperX, about their mouse pad cleaning best practices, just to make sure this was the best approach. Both agreed on simple hand washing and that a washing machine is not a good idea.

"Most people will use some soap and water to clean their mouse pads and then let it air dry," HyperX told us. "Putting it into the washing machine to clean is not recommended by us."

"Very warm water, just a little bit of liquid dish soap in the sink," Corsair recommends. "Then just rinse it in cold water gently and not put it in the washing machine."

How to clean logitech mouse pad

Don't cry over spilled chocolate milk. Here's how to clean your oversize mouse pad. (Image credit: Future)

1. Scrub with warm water and dish soap (Image credit: Future)

2. Rinse with cold water. (Image credit: Future)

3. Air dry for at least 24 hours (Image credit: Future)

Recap

DO

  • Scrub the affected areas with dish soap and warm water in the sink 
  • Rinse with cold water 
  • Air dry for a day 

DON'T

  • Shove it in your washing machine
  • Shove it in your dishwater
  • Shove it in the microwave
  • Use intense fabric cleaner on it if it's hydrophobic
  • Put in dryer
  • Use a hair dryer
  • Leave out in the sun

This guide is an approved mousepad cleaning method from our product team to keep your gear free of dirt and grime.

If you’ve had any tracking issues when playing games, a dirty mousepad may be the culprit! In either case, cleaning your mousepad and peripherals on a regular basis is good practice.

Rubber or plastic mousepads can easily be wiped with wet wipes/damp cloth, but cloth or fabric mousepads require a bit more effort to get rid of all the oil, grease, and dirt your hands transfer on a daily basis.

(Note: this cleaning method is for non-RGB/non-wired mousepads. If you have a QcK Prism or other RGB/wired mousepad, read the How to Clean Your RGB or QcK Prism Mousepad blog post instead.)

You will need:

  • Mild dish soap

  • Cleaning brush

  • Towel

Steps:

  1. Submerge your mousepad in a bathtub or large basin of some sort (like your kitchen sink), preferably full of warm water (reminder: don't do this with a wired/RGB mousepad).

  2. Pour a small amount of mild dish soap onto the mousepad. Remember, a little goes a long way.

  3. Using the brush, scrub the entirety of the mousepad thoroughly to remove stains, oil, and debris.

  4. Rinse the mousepad thoroughly and make sure to get it as dry as possible before setting it to dry on a towel, cloth side down.

  5. After a couple of hours, the mousepad should be ready for gaming! Repeat as needed.

Enjoy your clean mousepad!

Note: While we don't recommend them, if you do choose to use sprays, wipes, or any other cleaning and disinfecting products on your equipment, please carefully read all labels to ensure safe and correct use for both your belongings and your own health.

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