How to Wash a Mousepad

Every day, you sit down at your desk and work. You probably scratch your head or face, and you might even eat in front of your computer. All of these things lead up to dirt and debris on your desk. An office desk can have over 10 million types of bacteria on it. So, you should clean every bit of your desk frequently. Knowing how to wash a mousepad effectively can save you a lot of time and trouble when cleaning your desk, either at the office or home.

Can You Put a Mousepad in a Washing Machine?

Depending on how your mousepad is shaped, you could wash it in the washing machine. Make sure to wash it on a delicate cycle with gentle soap if you’re worried about fading or cracking issues. If your mousepad has a tag, check it to see if there’s anything you should avoid. Make sure you wash your mousepad in cold water for the best result. You shouldn’t throw your mousepad in the dryer because the heat could cause issues with the rubber underside. 

Avoid using bleach if you wash your mousepad in the washing machine. Bleach can take away the color in your mousepad and potentially leave it with an unfavorable texture that might make it challenging to use. Knowing how to wash your mousepad correctly can help you avoid any mistakes that could damage your favorite desk mat or decorative mousepad.

How to Wash a Mousepad By Hand

If you don’t want to risk your mousepad getting beaten up in the washing machine, you can choose to wash it by hand. When learning how to wash a mousepad by hand, you should have all the materials nearby to ensure the process goes as smoothly as possible. Washing your mousepad is pretty easy once you know what to do, and you should aim to clean it at least once every couple of weeks. 

1. Fill Up Your Sink

Whether you’ve taken your mousepad or desk mat from your home office or brought your corporate mousepad home, your destination is the same: the sink. The kitchen sink may give you enough space to wash your mousepad effectively. Make sure that you’re only using cold water on your mousepad to help it retain color and designs. You’ll want to use mild dish soap or hand soap to clean it.

Pour the soap over your mousepad. You may want to mix some into the water to create a soapy lather before adding your mousepad. Once your mousepad is saturated with bubbles, one way or another, it’s time to start cleaning your mousepad, beginning with any stains.

2. Use a Sponge to Scrub

Ideally, you would get rid of the stains as soon as you make them. When you drink coffee or eat at your desk, you risk staining your mousepad. Try to get up future stains as quickly as possible. For now, consider making a solution of one part white vinegar and two parts water to fight the stain. This solution will only work on recent stains, not stains that have already been washed and dried without getting it out effectively.

Scrub with a gentle yet firm sponge on your mousepad’s surface for the rest of your mousepad. You’ll want to free any dirt that could be stuck in any part of your mousepad, especially if there are crevices or cracks from wear. Be mindful of any text, logo or image that could be peeling off. Take care when scrubbing your mousepad. You want to remove the grime, but you don’t want to remove anything else of value on the mousepad.

3. Pat Your Mousepad Dry

Since you don’t want to throw your mousepad in the dryer, the best thing to do is lay it out on a towel or paper towel and blot it dry. Absorbing the excess liquid with a towel can help it air dry faster. Once you’ve pressed down on your mousepad and blotted out as much moisture as you can, allow it to dry on the towel by itself. Check on it now and then to ensure that it’s drying as it should. You can always go back and pat it dry after some time has passed.

Knowing How to Wash a Mousepad Keeps Your Desk Clean

Aim to clean your desk semi-regularly to get rid of the debris and bacteria that could be hiding in the nooks and crannies. Since your hand rests on your mousepad as you operate your computer, it’s one of the most important parts of your desk.

Knowing how to wash a mousepad can keep you clean and healthy, especially if other people use your computer, too. Try to limit how dirty you make your desk by taking lunch or snack breaks away from it. You can still have your coffee — as long as you treat the stains as soon as you make them.