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
    2011-09-03T17:29:03+00:00

    Gloria

    Microsoft Answers Support Engineer

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

    This is what Microsoft's answer is?  Get a new mouse? 

    So Microsoft products, we pay so much money for,  are actually designed to be disposable after 1 year?

    This is the same attitude in management which has orphaned us who happened to purchase a computer during the time only Vista was available.  And Microsoft would not even offer to upgrade or discount to Windows 7.

    Gloria, this is why Apple, Google and the rest are not even looking at Microsoft in the race.  Microsoft is so stuck in the past, no one else cares what you are doing anymore.

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  2. Anonymous
    2011-10-10T23:00:24+00:00

    Thanks for the rubbing alcohol idea.  I tried different cleaners and computer cleaning wipes even baby wipes but nothing worked.  The alcohol worked like a charm though and peeled that nasty rubber stuff off the mouse exposing the nice hard smooth plastic bellow it.

    Honestly I dont know why they put the rubber stuff on it.  I like the harder plastic feel anyway.

    My wifes mouse is up next its starting to get that tacky feel to it.  Ill save the wash cloth I used on mine until hers needs cleaned.

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  3. Anonymous
    2011-10-18T06:21:52+00:00

    The best fluid to clean rubber is... water! Prolonged use of alcohol may make the rubber hard...

    If you still have an old mouse with a rubber ball then clean it with a tissue that is slighty wet and don't forget to clean the small plastic shafts inside. Dirt is easily collected here and may lead to very irregular mouse behaviour.

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  4. Anonymous
    2011-11-07T12:12:08+00:00

    Great tip it worked like a charm. Had to rub hard though...

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