Mousepad Maintenance: How To Clean A Mouse Pad

April 30, 2025

MOUSEPAD MAINTENANCE: THE BEST WAYS TO KEEP YOURS CLEAN

Real talk: We should all probably be cleaning our computers more than we do — that includes your keyboard, computer screen, and office accessories. Another spot that often gets overlooked? The humble mousepad.

Between sweaty hands and mid-day snacks, it’s totally normal for mousepads to get a little (or a lot) dirty. But luckily, there’s an easy way to change that. Keep reading for a breezy tutorial that takes just a few minutes — and is well worth every second, as a cleaner workspace is a happier and more balanced workspace.

Why Mouse Pad Cleanliness Matters (More Than You Might Think)

Your mouse and mousepad are high-touch spaces (much like light switches, door knobs, and faucets), so it’s recommended to clean and disinfect it regularly to prevent bacteria, germs, and all the things you don’t want around from spreading.

Not to mention, over time, dirt, debris, and crumbs that build up on your mouse pad can affect its accuracy and ability to function. Plus, if you’re touching a dirty surface on a regular basis, then it’s likely spreading to your face, hair, etc. Not ideal!

On the other hand, when your mousepad is clean, it’s set up for a longer lifespan – and it’ll provide a foundation for a clean, calm workspace that will be more enjoyable to work in.

A wooden desk with a laptop, plants, and a stool in a bright room.

Elements Collection

Wondering How To Clean A Mousepad? Here’s What You’ll Need

Do you need a special mouse pad cleaner? Not at all! You’ll need the following common household supplies:

A microfiber cloth or lint brush to wipe off debris
A disinfectant wipe
Alternatively, if you don’t have a disinfectant wipe: A mixture of water with a drop of gentle dish soap + an old toothbrush or cleaning brush

Step-by-Step Guide:
How to Wash a Mouse Pad

Follow these three simple steps on how to wash a mouse pad easily and efficiently. A little TLC can go a long way!

1. REMOVE DEBRIS

If you used a soapy mix or disinfectant wipe, give your mousepad some time to air dry. It’s a good idea to clean it off at the end of the work day rather than right before a meeting when you need to use your mouse pad. And repeat!

2. USE A DISINFECTANT WIPE OR GENTLE CLEANING WASH

3. LET IT AIR DRY

5 Tips to Keep Your Mouse Pad Clean

The easiest way to keep your mousepad clean is to avoid it getting super dirty in the first place. Here are some easy tips to keep your mouse pad in tip-top shape for the long haul.

Unleash Your Productivity Powerhouse

REGULARLY WIPE IT DOWN
- A short and sweet wipe-down will keep your mouse in good condition and help prevent dirt from building up.
WASH YOUR HANDS
- Unsurprisingly, the cleaner your hands, the cleaner your mouse pad will be, too.
WATCH YOUR SLEEVES
- Keep in mind that if you have a coffee spill on your sleeve, it’s likely to transfer to your mousepad.
BE MINDFUL OF LOTION
- As wonderful as lotion is, be careful it’s not transferring to your mousepad, which could lead to gunk and germs.
KEEP FOOD AND DRINKS AT A DISTANCE
- Easier said than done! But the less food and drinks spill onto your mousepad, the cleaner your mousepad will stay.

Common Mouse Pad Cleaning Questions, Answered

How often should you wash your mouse pad? Are washing machines safe? Below we’re answering your common questions.

HOW OFTEN SHOULD I CLEAN MY MOUSE PAD?
- Ideally, your mouse pad should be thoroughly cleaned about once a week – or every other week. But chances are if you think your mousepad is due for a wash, it’s probably a good idea to take a minute to clean it and not make it one of those “save it for another day” tasks (that never get done).
IS IT SAFE TO PUT MY MOUSE PAD IN THE WASHING MACHINE?
- If your mouse pad maker specifically says you can do this, go for it. Otherwise, it’s probably not a great idea. And we would never recommend putting your mousepad in the dryer as it can cause it to melt.
HOW TO REMOVE STAINS FROM A MOUSE PAD?
- Grab a small cleaning brush/used toothbrush and scrub your mouse pad with a combination of water and mild soap. This will help get rid of oils, stains, and any build-up of dirt.

A Few Quick Fixes to Common Mousepad Messes

Here’s how to clean your mousepad and avoid messes in the first place. Check out these easy fixes that have a big impact with *very* minimal effort.

CRUMBS
- If you tend to snack while you use your computer (we do too), then quickly wipe it down and shake off any crumbs in the garbage.
SWEAT
- Use a disinfectant wipe or microfiber cloth to wipe off dirt and have a germ-free surface.
PET HAIR
- A lint brush is a super handy way to remove stray hairs from your furry friends.

Person sitting at a desk working on a computer in a cozy room.

Upside Sit-To-Stand Desk

DIRT
- Use a gentle microfiber cloth to wipe off the mouse pad.
COFFEE STAINS
- Spills happen. We’d suggest using a soapy water mix with a cleaning brush to gently scrub it down.

The Benefits of a Clean Mousepad

At Haworth, we believe that office setup efficiency starts with a clean and organized space — from your mouse to your screen and all your other ergonomic workspace essentials.

It’s no secret that when you are in a clean space, you’re more likely to feel happy, productive, and more focused. On the other end of the spectrum, research shows that messiness is linked to procrastination and difficulty with focus. And other studies find dirty spaces can cause anxiety and stress.

Of course, stressful and messy environments aren’t ideal anywhere, but especially not where you’re working and required to prioritize, stay on task, and think clearly and creatively. So if you find yourself getting distracted more often or in need of a little productivity boost, the solution may be as simple as cleaning up and organizing your workstation.

For a full range of ergonomic desk accessories, check out our streamlined and stylish accessories that are designed to help you get organized, and more importantly, stay organized. We’ve got you and clutter covered with everything from wire management baskets to bookends and paper trays.

The Bottom Line: Wash Your Mouse Pad - It’s Worth It!

Cleaning your mouse pad — and the rest of your workspace – is not to be underestimated! Now that you know how to care for your mouse pad, you may be even more inspired to care for the rest of your desk. Before you know it, your workspace will be in better shape than ever.

Curious to learn more ways to improve your workflow and productivity? Check out these 12 tips to improve your focus and our tried-and-true list of essentials every WFH space needs.