How to Clean a Mouse Scroll Wheel

Using your computer can get frustrating when the scroll wheel on your mouse needs to be cleaned. The cursor either fails to respond to your movements of the mouse, or acts erratically. You try adjusting the mouse location. Then you try tapping the mouse aggressively on the mouse pad to fix it, but that fails to make the cursor respond properly to your movements. You could buy a new mouse, or save money by cleaning yours.

Difficulty: Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Cotton swabs
• Rubbing alcohol

1. 
   Locate the removable ring

   Turn your computer mouse upside down, and locate the removable ring that holds the rubber ball inside the mouse. You should be able to see part of the rubber ball through the hole in the removable ring.

2. Follow the arrows on the removable ring to turn it counterclockwise and remove the ring. Press firmly on the ring to turn it.

3. 
   Remove the ring and rubber ball.

   Remove the ring and the rubber ball from inside the mouse, and set them aside in a safe location while you clean the scroll wheel inside the mouse.

4. 
   Locate the wheels inside the mouse.

   Locate the tiny wheels that turn inside the mouse now that you have removed the ball. There are several, and one may look more like a pin assembly that you can turn with your finger. Look for the pieces of lint and dirt stuck to these wheels that are causing the erratic behavior.

5. Dip one end of a cotton swab in rubbing alcohol and rub one wheel. Remove the particles from inside the mouse as they come off the wheel. Repeat this step for each wheel, using a clean cotton swab.

6. Place the rubber ball back inside the mouse once you have cleaned the scroll wheels. Then replace the ring that holds the ball in place, and turn it clockwise firmly to lock it back into place.

Tips & Warnings

• If you cannot turn the removable ring of the mouse with your fingers, try using the eraser end of a pencil to push it counterclockwise.
• Use caution when cleaning your mouse around young children, as the small parts are choking hazards, and may seem like tempting toys.

References

• Getting Dust Out of Scroll Wheel
• Mighty Mouse Repair Guide
• Mouse Wheel Events Do Not Work in the Visual Basic 6.0 IDE

[davida8575]

on 10/3/2009 Thanks for the tips.