How To Clean Your Cloth Or Fabric Mousepad - SteelSeries

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GearCategory —— 03.13.2020How to Clean a Mousepad: Cloth & Fabric

A clean mousepad is key for your mouse to glide across effectively.

By SteelSeries5 minute read

This guide is an approved mousepad cleaning method from our product team to keep your gear free of dirt and grime.

If you’ve had any tracking issues when playing games, a dirty mousepad may be the culprit! In either case, cleaning your mousepad and peripherals on a regular basis is good practice. A clean mousepad is key for your mouse to glide across effectively.

Rubber or plastic mousepads can easily be wiped with wet wipes/damp cloth, but cloth or fabric mousepads require a bit more effort to get rid of all the oil, grease, and dirt your hands transfer on a daily basis.

(Note: this cleaning method is for non-RGB/non-wired mousepads. If you have a QcK Prism or other RGB/wired mousepad, read the How to Clean Your RGB or QcK Prism Mousepad blog post instead.)

Cleaning Supplies

Mild dish soap/detergent
Cleaning brush
Microfiber cloths
Hair dryer
Disinfecting wipes
Isopropyl alcohol
Soft Brush
Towel

5 Steps to Clean Your Cloth or Fabric Mousepad:

Submerge your mousepad in a bathtub or large basin of some sort (like your kitchen sink), preferably full of warm water (reminder: don't do this with a wired/RGB mousepad).
Pour a small amount of mild dish soap onto the mousepad. Remember, a little goes a long way.
Using the brush, scrub the entirety of the mousepad thoroughly to remove stains, oil, and debris.
Rinse the mousepad thoroughly and make sure to get it as dry as possible before setting it to dry on a towel, cloth side down.
After a couple of hours, the mousepad should be ready for gaming! Repeat as needed.

FAQ

Can You Put a Mousepad in the Washing Machine?

While manufacturers advise against machine washing soft or fabric mousepads to prevent damage and reduce lifespan, it's safe for machine-washable mousepads made of materials like polyester, nylon, rubber, and more. Follow these steps for optimal results:

Remove loose dirt with a soft brush.
Add a dash of mild detergent to the machine.
Use cold water and a low tumble cycle to prevent heat damage.
Avoid using bleach to preserve colors and material integrity.
Air dry the mousepad for 24-36 hours before use to prevent water damage.

If uncertain, consult the manufacturer to ensure your specific mousepad can withstand machine washing. For custom designs or delicate fabrics, hand washing is advisable. Proper care ensures a clean and functional mousepad without risking damage.

How do you Clean a Gaming Desk Mat?

Keeping your gaming desk mat clean is important to ensure you have the gaming experience. Follow these steps using household items to clean your mat effectively:

What you'll need:

Mild liquid dish soap
A soft brush or a clean microfiber cloth
Dry towel

Follow these steps:

Using a soft brush, remove loose mousepad debris from the desk mat's surface.
Add a small amount of gentle dish soap in a bowl with hot water to create soapy water.
Dampen a clean microfiber cloth or sponge in the soapy water and gently scrub the mat's surface, paying attention to any stains or spills.
Use a gentle circular motion with the cloth for stubborn dirty spots.
Rinse the mat thoroughly with cool water to remove any bit of soap.
Lay the dry towel on a desk surface, place the desk mat on top, and wrap it with the towel. Press gently to absorb excess moisture and speed up drying.
Allow the desk mat to air dry in a well-ventilated area, avoiding direct sunlight to prevent fading or damage.

Regular cleaning using this simple process will help maintain your gaming mousepad appearance, ensuring a clean and comfortable space for your gaming sessions.

Can a Dirty Mouse Affect Gameplay?

A dirty mouse can significantly impact gameplay. Dirt and debris can infiltrate your mouse, leading to various performance issues. For instance, dust accumulation near the optical sensor can hinder responsiveness and accuracy, diminishing your gaming precision. That's one of the reasons why we've created the AquaBarrier™ technology for our Aerox line.

Moreover, gunk under the mouse buttons and scroll wheels can result in lags and unregistered clicks, affecting your gameplay flow and causing frustration. To ensure optimal performance, it's vital to maintain a clean mouse. Regular maintenance, such as wiping down the exterior and using compressed air to remove dust from crevices, will help preserve your mouse's functionality and enhance your gaming experience.

Note: While we don't recommend them, if you do choose to use sprays, wipes, or any other cleaning and disinfecting products on your equipment, please carefully read all labels to ensure safe and correct use for both your belongings and your own health.

How to Clean Your RGB or QcK Prism Mousepad
How to Clean Your Gaming Controller
How to Clean Your Mouse
How to Clean Your Keyboard

TAGS:gaming mousepadguidehow tocleaningfabric mousepadcloth mousepadaccessoriesmousepadscleaning your gaming gear

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