How to Clean a Roller Ball Mouse

The mouse is one of the most important pieces of external hardware on a computer. Although optical mice are fast replacing mechanical mice on new desktop computers, many people still work with the older rollerball mouse.

The caveat of using a mouse with a ball is that the ball picks up dust, dirt, and hair, and carries that junk inside the device. When the mouse becomes too full of dirt and dust, the mouse can malfunction or stop working altogether.

Luckily, it is very easy to clean a roller ball mouse. Once you remove the filth, the mouse works as good as new.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

1. Look on the bottom of the mouse for one or two screws that hold the device together. Unscrew them, and put them in a safe place.

2. Gently pry apart the mouse. The top should come completely off, but you will have to be careful around the buttons.

3. Once the mouse is open, gently lift out the circuit board and cable assembly. If you think you will forget how to put it back inside, take a snapshot of it.

4. Take out the little spring thingie next to the ball. You will clean this separately.

5. Fill a bowl with warm soapy water, and submerge both halves of the mouse. The bottom half should have just the ball and two wheels attached to it, and the top half should be all plastic.

6. While the big pieces are soaking, use a q-tip to gently clean off dust and dirt from the circuit board and spring thingie.

7. Rinse the two halves of the mouse until they are sparkling, and dry them thoroughly.

8. Re-assemble the mouse with newly cleaned pieces, and put the screws back in place.

9. Hook up the mouse to your computer and you will notice that if functions much better. To keep your mouse clean, wipe off the mouse pad once in a while, or get a new pad.