How can I clean the rubber sides of my mouse?

Anonymous
2009-07-15T22:46:08+00:00

I have the MS Wireless IntelliMouse Explorer 2.0.  I've had it for approximately 2 years.  The rubberized sides have become sticky/tacky.  What can I use to clean them?  The mouse works just fine; it's the texture of the grips that is yucky.

Windows for home | Previous Windows versions | Devices and drivers

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Anonymous
2009-07-16T04:56:35+00:00

Kirstin McDonald,

Thank you for visiting the Microsoft Answers community forum.

On the hard plastic parts you can use any kind of mild household cleanser on a soft cloth, never spray anything directly on any electronics.  You can get special cleaners at the computer / electronics stores, but basically they are much different from your common all purpose cleanser.  Never use anything harsh that will break down the plastic.  For the soft rubber like surfaces you have to be more careful to use something very gentle like a mild liquid hand soap, just a tiny dab on a web cloth.  Or try those pre-moistened hand wipes.  If it is gentle enough to wipe your hands with, then it should be safe for the mouse.  If the rubber has started breaking down and getting sticky, don't try to clean it, it is time to get a new mouse.

Hope this helps.

Thanks,

Gloria

Microsoft Answers Support Engineer

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  1. Anonymous
    2017-08-04T14:45:34+00:00

    Alcohol solved 90%.  I then used a very fine steel wool (00000) to polish sides,  Use care to avoid getting wool filings inside mouse.

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  2. Anonymous
    2017-06-13T04:06:34+00:00

    every time I clean the mouse, the wheel becomes yucky and no matter how you clean it, just don't wash away. so annoying!

    after I read this, before throw it away, open it up, take the wheel out, washed with dish soap, dried well, then pour little bit of clear elmer's glue on paper towel and rolled it. just roll over the paper towel to take off excess and let it dried completely, put it back.

    It worked! no more yucky sticky wheel! i dont know how long it would last, but a day later, still smooth.

    maybe next time, i will try crazy glue.

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  3. Anonymous
    2017-03-15T00:58:35+00:00

    This works!  Thanks

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  4. Anonymous
    2016-10-24T19:07:29+00:00

    I have the MS Wireless IntelliMouse Explorer 2.0.  I've had it for approximately 2 years.  The rubberized sides have become sticky/tacky.  What can I use to clean them?  The mouse works just fine; it's the texture of the grips that is yucky.

    I just tried Gloria's suggestion with dish soap using a blue kitchen scrubby pad. It took a little effort but it did finally come off. 

    Thanks Gloria

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