How can I clean the rubber sides of my mouse?

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,

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Gloria

Microsoft Answers Support Engineer

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Terrible advice for the actual problem i.e. the decomposition of the surface of the mouse. Would you replace a computer because the paint has worn off? This happens with EVERY MS MOUSE that has this inferior "rubberized" surface. Unfortunately, MS decided to do this on the most used areas of the mouse - making it less ergonomic and much more "eww" when you grab the mouse as it is intended.

Better answers are either:

• remove this inferior coating material with a strong solvent, like Goop-off or you can sand off the coating with sandpaper as shown on the youtube video.
• clean the surface then apply a clear lacquer or varnish. If you disassemble the mouse and/or mask it properly, you can use a "fixative" often sold in art supply stores. Fixatives are clear acrylic coatings often in spray can versions that are used to protect the surface of charcoal or pencil drawings. It is usually NOT made for constant contact - so a poor choice for a long term solution. A varnish or clear coat enamel would work much better.

Microsoft should stop using this inferior coating - it degrades when used or not over time, and thus the shelf life of these products suffers.

Do NOT accept the "get a new mouse" solution. Or, at least make sure it is of a higher quality and built to last during actual use, not just the 90 day warranty period.

OF COURSE, the manufacturer should fix the faulty product, pull it from the shelves and either offer a refund or a discount on purchasing a replacement.

Lighter fuel sorted out my sticky Microsoft mouse. Thanks for the tip.

Thanks for your input! I will try it out. I have the same problem with an automatic wine cork remover. Seems like companies would provide a solution for things like this.

Thanks again.

Aloha,

Jim

Goo Gone on an old tee shirt worked well for me after giving up on the alcohol trick.