How to clean an old mouse
D. Houston from Regina writes: “I know my comptuer mouse is old but I can’t afford a new one. Can you tell me how to clean it so it works better?”
D. Houston from Regina writes: "I know my comptuer mouse is old but I can’t afford a new one. Can you tell me how to clean it so it works better?"
Sure thing. Today’s mice are "optical," which means instead of a mouse ball underneath its belly, it’s a tiny optical sensor that does all the work. The advantage of these mice over ball-based mice is that they’re more precise, can be used on virtually any surface and require no cleaning.
But if you want to stick with your old ball-based mouse, here’s a tip on cleaning it.
First, turn the mouse upside-down, and with your fingers, gently unscrew the bottom by turning counter-clockwise. Take out the ball. Now rub it with a cloth, such as a hand towel (not a tissue or anything that can leave residue). When you’re done, put it aside for a moment.
The real gunk is on the three little rollers underneath the mouse that holds the ball in place. Take a cotton swab and dip it in rubbing alcohol, then brush each of the rollers until all the junk is removed.
Replace the ball, screw the cap back on and it should be good as new.
If this doesn’t do the trick, make sure the connection to the PC is secure.
Come on now thats just cheap how much really is a mouse. Dont make people from Regina look bad.
Come on ! A doctor that cannot afford to update to an optical mouse ? Is this some kind of joke ?
Hey guys,
First of all, she's not a doctor. He first iniial is "D."
And yes, while optical mice aren't expensive, if she doesn't have the cash, so what? Maybe this mouse is comfortable for her so why should she change?
Marc
Waste not, want not. I just tried this tip and it was helpful!
Waste not, want not. I just tried this tip, and it was great!
Hello. First disconnect your mouse from the computer. Now the best way to clean the roller ball is under warm to hot tap water and a little dish soap. It will rejuvenate the rubber and help it last a long time. It will also remove any glazing-over that is caused by dust and dirt. Let it air-dry and this should take only 5-10 minutes, while you follow the next step. To clean the (up to 3) rollers inside the mouse, either use the edge of a finger-nail tip (carefully, of course), or a cotton-swab as used to clean your ears. Moisten the cotton swap end with only 1 or 2 drops of water and your're good to go. Reinsert the dried-off rolller ball and retaining clip, reconenct it to the computer and you're good to go. Keep in mind that with the falling prices of computer parts these days, you can easily buy a brand new optical USB or optical wireless mouse anywhere from $6 and upwards as a last resort.