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

Locked Question. This question was migrated from the Microsoft Support Community. You can vote on whether it's helpful, but you can't add comments or replies or follow the question.

0 comments
Answer accepted by question author
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.

Was this answer helpful?

20+ people found this answer helpful.
0 comments

44 additional answers

Sort by: Oldest
Most helpful Newest Oldest
  1. Anonymous
    2010-11-03T19:41:07+00:00

    I had the same problem and it was solved by the alcohol rub. Mouse saved!!!!!

    Was this answer helpful?

    5 people found this answer helpful.
    0 comments
  2. Anonymous
    2010-11-03T19:42:46+00:00

    Too mechanical and tiresome. The rubbing alcohol is definitely the answer to getting rid of the disintegrating rubber. They never should have designed the mouse with that stuff in the first place.

    Was this answer helpful?

    20+ people found this answer helpful.
    0 comments
  3. Anonymous
    2010-11-24T03:08:12+00:00

    I had the same problem with the sides of my Wireless Intellimouse Explorer getting very sticky. The rubbing alcohol treatment worked like a charm! Thanks for the help!

    Was this answer helpful?

    4 people found this answer helpful.
    0 comments
  4. Anonymous
    2011-04-15T13:21:26+00:00

    I got Isopropyl Alcohol (according to the pharmacist, it is rubbing alcohol).  It didn't work.  My Mouse and Keyboard is still very sticky.

    Was this answer helpful?

    1 person found this answer helpful.
    0 comments