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

Visit our Microsoft Answers Feedback Forum and let us know what you think.

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  1. Anonymous
    2010-11-03T19:40:30+00:00

    Throwing the mouse away because the rubber sides have started to disintegrate is foolish. Try the rubbing alcohol gambit. It works fine and the mouse is saved for another 10 years!!

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  2. Anonymous
    2010-09-05T00:57:38+00:00

    if the mouse still fuctions fine, just use a exacto knife to peal of the top layer of the rubber at 90 degres   and then light sanding to even the texture out very light sanding, that should get rid or the rubbery sticky feeling

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  3. Anonymous
    2010-08-26T17:52:55+00:00

    Just put some rubbing alchol on an old cloth rag and use that rub it off.  The alchol seems to disolve the coating and it comes off easily. 

    I've had to do that with all of my aging microsoft mice.  They continue to work fine and I prefer the plactic surface much better than the original rubber one.

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  4. Anonymous
    2009-12-21T16:55:36+00:00

    Try using Armor All, preferably the wipes (so you don't accidentally get any liquid inside your mouse).

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