Mouse cleaning is a process that is often overlooked. You should clean your mouse about every 6 months (depending on use) or whenever you notice the cursor doesn't move as smoothly over the screen as it should.

How to avoid a sticky cursor:

• Avoid spilling liquids on your mouse.

• Keep your mouse pad clean and dry.

• Use a slick mouse pad rather than a fabric one.

• Clean your mechanical mouse regularly.

Materials Needed:

• Tweezers

• A can of compressed air

• Cotton swab

• Rubbing alcohol

Cleaning your mouse:

1. Unplug the mouse from the back of your computer.

2. Turn your mouse upside down.

3. Locate the plastic ring that holds the mouse ball in place.

4. Using both thumbs, rotate the ring in the direction of the arrows until it won't turn any further. If you don't have arrows, just turn it whichever way it will go.

5. Pick up your mouse and pour the ball and ring into your hand. 

6. Set the ring aside and wash the ball under lukewarm water.

7. Set the ball aside and let it air dry.

8. Carefully remove any lint and debris with the tweezers. (You can use a couple shots of compressed air to remove some stubborn lint from the inside of your mouse.) Use caution to keep the can upright so you do not spray moister into your mouse.

9. Put some rubbing alcohol on the end of your cotton swab (do not saturate the swab) and swab the rollers and the inside compartment.

10. Let your clean mouse air dry. For you impatient folks, using a hairdryer on a low setting will work fine to speed this process.

11. Re-assemble your mouse and plug it back in to your computer when you are sure that it is completely dry.  

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