How can I clean the rubber sides of my mouse?

rubbing alcohol and cotton swabs, make sure its unplugged id say

I agree here, suggesting that it's time to replace the mouse is a pathetic answer.

I've gone through a number of MS hardware products with the rubberized **** that starts to become sticky and melt off. In fact, they all have, sometimes within a year of a brand new purchase. 

I guess it is time to start buying new, products that aren't microsoft's with the useless plastocrap!

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

I have the same issue with my Microsoft wireless keyboard 3000 and I can't get a hold of any number to call and complain about this issue.

The wrist rest is disgustingly sticky and I hate sticky surfaces. It's like I had purposely applied yucky material on the keyboard. As I see it this is a huge manufacturing mistake and I should get my money back. I'm not going to replace a functional 2 year old keyboard because Microsoft can't be responsible for a poor choice of materials. The alcohol solution really didn't work for me--still sticky as ****!

Any opinion or phone number would be appreciated.

Here's what I did:

First of all, never clean the rubber with any type of cleaner. I've found that it is only after cleaning that the rubber becomes sticky or tacky in the first place. There is some type of coating (maybe silicon or some other industrial chemical, but I'm not sure exactly what) that is applied to the rubber at the factory. Once that is gone, it will never have the exact same feel unfortunately. The cleaner sits there all night after cleaning and you will find that it is only tacky hours after cleaning because it sits there and dissolves the factory coating and starts to eat into the rubber itself. You can however amend it somewhat which may be desirable to most because of the high cost of nice mice and the fact that it is wasteful to throw away a perfectly good item. 

1. After the rubber has become unbearably sticky/tacky, clean it thoroughly with dish soap and water on a rag. You really have to scrub it good at this point. If you use a clean paper towel, you can actually see the rubber coming off a little. If you have to, do this several times. Then rinse with water on a rag instead of the water/soap mixture. LET DRY COMPLETELY.
2. I have tried many things, and the best so far is Armor-All that is used for automobiles. Take a cotton swab and wet it completely with the Armor-All. Apply it to the dry rubber portions of the mouse in one or two or three coats, letting it DRY COMPLETELY as this is key. Just rub it on, let it dry 15 minutes, apply the next coat, let dry, etc.
3. After the last coat has dried, take a clean cloth and wet with water. Rub all the excess armor all off the mouse and rubber portions. Again, allow this to dry at least 30 minutes. Wash your hands thoroughly and let completely dry afterward-not only because of the chemicals on them, but because believe it or not, the mouse will STILL feel tacky next time you touch it because of the residue on your fingers! 

There you have it. Like I said, it will never be exactly the same, but all the sticky/tackiness of the rubber will be gone. The mouse will now feel like a natural rubber product in that it will not be tacky, but have a more grip-like feel, or if you will be more "grippe" :)

I would love to know what the factory coating is and if it can be purchased and re-applied.