Your mousepad improves the usability of your mouse, allowing it to operate with improved accuracy and without jitter. While some mice don’t require the use of a mousepad, some users, such as gamers, continue to use them for their slick surfaces, helping to give them an in-game advantage. Whether you’re a gamer or not, you should consider cleaning your mousepad from time to time. As mousepads rest upon your work surface, they can accumulate dust, dirt, and other particulates.

If your mousepad is really showing its age, though, it might be time to upgrade. Be sure to check out our guide on the best PC gaming accessories, including a selection of great mice and mousepads.

Luckily, to clean a mousepad, you don’t need any special tools or chemicals; in fact, you likely already have everything you need at home. Mousepad surfaces can be extremely delicate, so we want to avoid putting them through too much stress. Using standard household dish soap, along with a bit of elbow grease, is a great way to get your mousepad clean.

Step 1: Place your mousepad on a flat surface for cleaning.

Step 2: Wet your cloth under warm water from the tap, then squeeze it out so it is damp. If you are using a soft brush, wet the bristles under the warm water.

Step 3: Place a small dab of dish soap on your cloth or brush.

Step 4: Touch the cloth or brush to the mousepad’s surface and begin scrubbing using a small circular motion; this process may take a bit of time.

Step 5: Once satisfied with your mousepad’s cleanliness, run the entire pad under cool running water from the sink to remove any soap and debris.

Step 6: Use a dry towel to dry your mousepad; if needed, give the mousepad time to air dry before using it again with your computer.

When cleaning a mousepad, you may be tempted to take a few shortcuts, but be warned that many mousepads can be damaged if handled too roughly. While it may seem like a good idea at first, do not put your mousepad in a washing machine, dishwasher, or microwave; these devices can be too aggressive with your soft mousepad. Additionally, avoid using a clothes dryer, hairdryer, or any other heat source to speed up the drying process, as many mousepads use plastics that can potentially melt under these circumstances.