Computers, Laptops & Tablets Accessories & Hardware 84 84 people found this article helpful How to Clean a Wireless Mouse Keep your cordless mouse squeaky clean by Lisa Johnston Writer Lisa Johnston is a former Lifewire writer and an editor who covers computer peripherals and other consumer electronics since 2004. our editorial process LinkedIn Lisa Johnston Updated on May 29, 2020 The Ultimate Guide to Computer Mice The Ultimate Guide to Computer Mice Introduction Mouse Basics What Is a Mouse? Wired vs. Wireless: Which Is Better? Optical vs. Laser My Mouse Won't Work! How Do I Fix It? How to Connect a Wireless Mouse Tips for Using Your Mouse How to Change Mouse Speed or Sensitivity How to Use Your Phone as a Wi-Fi Mouse Best Way to Use a Trackball Mouse How to Clean a Wireless Mouse How to Clean a Dirty Computer Mouse Using Mice on Macs How to Use a Multi-Button Mouse with Your Mac Make Your Mac's Mouse Pointer Bigger Reducing the Magic Mouse's Battery Cost How to Fix Magic Mouse Disconnect Problems How to Fix a Magic Mouse Tracking Problem How to Use a Mouse With an iPad Configure Your Mac's Trackpad to Meet Your Needs How to Use the Virtual Trackpad on the iPad Our Recommendations: Best Mice The Best Wireless Mice The Best for Travel The Best for iPads The Best Vertical Mice The Best Ergonomic Mice The Best for Macs The Best Razer Mice cristinairanzo / Getty Images Tweet Share Email A wireless computer mouse can get pretty cruddy, pretty fast. The scroll wheel can easily get gummed up with hair, pet fur, and food particles. You may be concerned about germs and dirt on the upper and lower surfaces. You probably want to clean it more frequently if you share it, but you don't want to break it by getting the wrong part wet with soap and water. In this guide, we show you how to get your wireless mouse in optimal operating shape in just a few simple steps. What You Need to Clean a Wireless Mouse You need a few supplies before you get started on cleaning your wireless mouse, including: A can of condensed airCotton swabsCleaning wipesCleaning solution Alcohol isn't recommended as it can remove the color from your mouse. Logitech suggests mild dish detergent. How to Clean a Wireless Mouse Cleaning a wireless mouse takes about five to ten minutes. Here's how to do it: If the mouse has an on/off switch, switch it off. Using a can of condensed air, spray in between the scroll wheel and the click buttons if there's a gap there. Don't blow air directly on one spot for very long or condensation can form. Take a damp cleaning wipe and wipe the body of the mouse. Be sure to scrub at any stubborn marks and stains on the mouse’s bottom surface pads. The four feet areas at the corners of the bottom surface need particular attention as they're the areas that glide over the surface of your mouse pad and pick up grime. Lightly dampen a cotton swab with the cleaning solution. Use it to gently brush out any dust around the laser or LED. Don't wipe the laser or LED directly with the swab. Definitely, don't press into it. You might dislodge it. Using a dry cotton swab, wipe the area around the laser or LED. Again, avoid touching the laser or LED. Allow the mouse to fully dry before using it. Heavy Cleaning—Disassembling and Cleaning a Wireless Mouse Manufacturers tell you not to disassemble a mouse to clean it. But sometimes this can be a last resort, especially if you have a lot of dust or pet fur or human hair in your computer area. If you can locate the screws to unfasten the body of the mouse, do so carefully and use compressed air to gently remove debris from inside the mouse. Don't use any liquids or brush any components with a cloth or your fingers. Carefully reassemble. Doing this probably invalidates the warranty on the mouse.