How to Clean a Mouse Ball

You roll the mouse over the mouse pad, but the pointer is still in the same place on the screen! This is no way to run a computer. You can smack it against the pad to cure this the first few times it happens. After that it’s time to clean a mouse ball. Fear not! This is merely a small cleaning job, not an electronic repair. Your pointer will be shooting across the screen in no time.

Difficulty: Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Rubbing alcohol
• Cotton swab
• Mild soap
• Clean cloth

How to Clean a Mouse Ball

1. Remove the ball. Leave the mouse connected to the computer. Turn the mouse upside down. The mouse ball is sticking out through a hole in a circular disk. Use a fingernail to turn the disk slightly counterclockwise until it’s loose. Put a hand over the bottom of the mouse and turn it right side up. The mouse ball and containment disk will fall into your hand.

2. Clean the roll sensors. Look into the opening under the mouse. There’s a wheel and two poles as thick as toothpicks that contact the mouse ball. Dip a cotton swab into rubbing alcohol and rub it against these to clean away all dirt and debris. Roll the three components to clean them on all sides. Leave the mouse open for a few minutes to allow drying.

3. Clean the ball. Wash the ball with a damp soapy cloth. Do not use solvents on a rubber ball. Dry the ball with a clean cloth. Dust away any lint.

4. Reassemble and roll on. Hold the mouse upside down and place the ball back in the opening. Put the disk in place over the hole and turn slightly clockwise to lock it in place. Set the mouse upright on its pad and give it a test roll. Now get back to work!