Practically everyone who uses a computer uses a special pad as a mouse stand. In principle, those who do not have it, can be listed on the fingers. With this simple accessory, you can make using the mouse much more comfortable. When using it, the mouse slides better, and the cursor does not jump on the screen. Using certain software, incorrect mouse operation can be critical.

But since dust can collect on the rug, and as a result of the fact that you slide on its surface with a mouse, over time it becomes so polluted that it will simply be uncomfortable to work. How to clean the mouse pad so that as a result of your actions it does not become unusable? It will depend on the material from which it is made. In this article we will consider the features of cleaning the mat, depending on what materials it uses. And also we will share some useful tips.

What are the rugs

Modern accessories come in several forms. For their production are used either natural materials or artificial. Since products made from natural materials are much more expensive, most users prefer synthetic.

Natural materials include fabric and leather. In turn, the fabric can be used both smooth and fleecy. The skin is mainly used high quality with a slight roughness. In addition, the rug can be either completely made of natural material, or have only a coating of it, and the base - of synthetic origin. For better stability and minimal slip on the table surface, the base may be rubberized or with a sticky base.

Depending on the destination, you can select play, amateur and professional mats. Some products use such an interesting parameter as the slip coefficient. The higher it is, the faster the cursor will be able to move around the screen. But at high speed, positioning accuracy may suffer. Therefore, smoother rugs are used as playrooms, and rougher ones are used for professional purposes.

Cleaning cloth rug

The rugs made completely of fabric or having a fabric surface are quite popular in the Russian market. They are quite reliable and easy to use. But their main drawback is that the fabric very easily attracts dust, as well as hairs, grease and dirt of your hands. Literally after several months of active work, you will notice how the appearance of your accessory has changed, and you can also feel a significant deterioration in the quality of the mouse.

Computer mouse pad made of cloth

Wash the mat of this type must be very careful, because damage is very simple. Although it is tissue, in most cases, especially if its cost is low, wet cleaning is contraindicated. Why?

• First, it can be deformed when dried. After that you can hardly work on it.
• Secondly, it is very easy to damage the small villi, due to which the precise positioning of the cursor takes place. You can use it, but the effectiveness will fall several times.
• Thirdly, very often the fabric covering is glued to a synthetic base. If you wet it, the surface will simply peel off.
• Fourth, if the edges are not stitched, they can quickly be tattered.

Given all the possible negative effects, it is best to clean it without the use of water and detergents. And for this you will need to purchase a special brush for woolen fabrics, or a fairly regular soft-bristled toothbrush. Carefully approach the selection of the brush, as if the bristles are too rigid, they can damage the sensitive fuzz of the carpet. Perfect for this purpose, a special miniature vacuum cleaner is used to purge computer parts. It can be connected to the USB-connector.

If dry cleaning does not help, you can take a chance and try to gently wash the mat in the water. How to do this to reduce the possibility of damage to the very minimum?

• First of all, make sure that the mat will not shed under the influence of water. How? Wet a sponge or napkin and slide it over the corner. If the color has not changed, everything is fine.
• Wet the mat under the tap and stick it to a flat surface. This can be either a bathroom wall or the bottom of a basin or sink. Water should be no hotter than 40 degrees.

• Do not use aggressive detergents that can damage the surface of the fabric. Ideal shampoo, baby soap, shower gel or gel for dishes. They provide reliable cleansing and at the same time do not harm the product.
• When folded, carefully apply detergent by hand or sponge. Do not allow circular movements, and spend in one direction.

• After soaping, leave the mat for at least 5–10 minutes in the foam. If this time is not enough, leave the mat for longer. Just see that it doesn’t come apart.

• Wash the mat so that no foam is left on it. Its remnants adversely affect the operation of mouse optics. This can be done either with a shower head, or by squeezing it out with your hands. Do not be too hard if the edges are not stitched. In addition, brushes are contraindicated in a number of coatings, as the villi can easily be damaged.
• To dry the mat, squeeze the water out of it in a circular motion. The accessory must remain attached to a flat surface. It is impossible to twist it in any case! To speed up this process, use paper napkins. Change them as you get wet. Next, hang a rug and dry it for at least a day. At this time, we do not recommend using it, as this may adversely affect its characteristics. The accessory should not be bent and deformed. It is forbidden to dry it in the sun or battery.

Cleaning hard mats

The rug is made of solid synthetic materials and is cheaper than fabric, and various care products can be applied to it, because it is not exposed to moisture. Use regular wet wipes to clean your workplace every week and clean the mat. For more thorough cleaning you can use almost any detergent. The only thing that should be considered is that it should not be aggressive so as not to corrode the surface. You can even wash it with ordinary soap and rinse under running warm water.

Plastic mouse pad

Cleaning high-tech rug and premium rug

Some premium rugs can be equipped with built-in electronics and be made of seemingly unusual materials: glass, bamboo, leather, metal. Yes, it is rather a status item than a daily work tool, but it also needs to be periodically cleaned. How to clean such a rug?

• First of all, you should pay attention to the recommendations of the manufacturer. Often, such exotic specimens are equipped with instructions for care.
• If there is no such instruction, turn on common sense and use recommendations for caring for products made from a specific material. So, if the mat has any built-in electronic components, in no case should it be wetted. For cleaning tools will be useful for the care of electronics: gel, wipes, spray or foam. Products made of bamboo and leather also can not be wetted, it is better to use a special tool. Glass surfaces are most effectively wiped with liquid ammonia, which will not leave streaks.

Useful recommendations

1. In case of severe pollution, it is better not to suffer with cleaning and not to wash the accessory, but to immediately buy a new one.
2. Do not forget to clean the bottom of the mouse, because if it is dirty, the mat will quickly become dirty again.
3. So that your accessory does not need to be thoroughly cleaned too often, wipe it with ordinary wet wipes several times a week.
4. If you use a wooden computer desk, treat the drying of the rug more carefully.
5. In no case do not use not fully dried accessory.

Conclusion

The mouse pad is a very simple and reliable accessory and can serve you for several years. To do this, just follow the basic rules of care. Do not wait until it gets too dirty. If this happens, clean it carefully. In the comments, please write how you clean your rug.