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
    2011-08-22T17:04:37+00:00

    Gracias.

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  2. Anonymous
    2011-08-22T16:45:02+00:00

    A workable solution is apply talcum powder on the sticky grips of the mouse.

    It worked fine for my sticky Microsoft mouse two years old.

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  3. Anonymous
    2011-08-13T13:46:08+00:00

    It solves the problem beautifully but needs some diligent work - much more than cleaning a flat surface. You basically have to scrape off the entire rubber coating with several strokes using a smooth paper towel or cloth dabbed with enough alcohol. - enough to work on the rubber but not too soaked up to let alcohol flow into the crevices. A few minutes of that and my mouse is great to go - absolutely no sticky surface !

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  4. Anonymous
    2011-05-25T18:30:11+00:00

    I have the same problem with the rubber breaking down. I wish Microsoft would offer a better fix as it is a material problem, not a maintenance issue. How about a $25 off coupon. I'd spend mine on a new Microsoft mouse.

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