Extending the Lifespan of Your Mouse

1. Unplug or turn off your mouse before cleaning. Wipe the exterior shell with a soft, lint-free cloth slightly dampened with water or isopropyl alcohol. Avoid harsh household cleaners.
2. Use a cotton swab or a soft brush to remove debris from crevices around buttons, side grips and the scroll wheel.
3. Spray a short burst of compressed air into the sensor opening to clear dust and hair. Do not insert anything into the sensor aperture.
4. Periodically remove the top shell (if your mouse allows) and gently clean the internal components with compressed air and a dry brush.
5. Wash or replace your mouse pad regularly; a dirty pad transfers grime back onto the mouse feet and sensor.

1. Don’t drop your mouse or slam it onto the desk. Mechanical shocks can damage switches and sensors.
2. Avoid yanking or twisting the cable. Route it in gentle loops and use a cable bungee or mouse bungee to reduce strain.
3. Never wrap the cable tightly around the mouse when storing; coil it loosely to prevent internal wire breakage and place the mouse in a dust-free pouch.
4. For wireless mice, store the USB receiver in a safe place and avoid dropping it. Keep magnets and strong electromagnetic fields away.

1. Inspect the PTFE feet (gliders) for wear. Replace worn feet with universal mouse feet replacements (mouse skates) every 6–8 months or when the edges feel rough to maintain smooth glide.
2. Clean the underside of the mouse and feet with a microfiber cloth to remove dust that causes friction.
3. Use a high-quality mouse pad suited to your sensor type; cloth or hybrid pads are gentle on feet and improve tracking.

1. For wireless mice, keep the battery between roughly 20–80% charge. Deep discharges and overcharging can shorten battery life.
2. Turn off the mouse when not in use or enable its sleep mode. Some mice automatically sleep after a few minutes of inactivity.
3. Use high-quality rechargeable batteries if your mouse supports them. Avoid mixing old and new cells.
4. If you won’t be using the mouse for an extended period, remove the batteries to prevent leakage.

1. Install firmware updates from your mouse manufacturer to fix bugs, improve sensor accuracy and sometimes extend battery life.
2. Keep your operating system and mouse drivers up to date to ensure proper communication and power management.
3. Check your manufacturer’s support page for downloads: Logitech, Corsair, Razer, SteelSeries, HyperX.

1. Operate and store your mouse in a clean, dry environment. Ideal humidity is between 40–60% with temperatures below 30°C to prevent condensation and component degradation.
2. Protect your mouse from spills. Liquids can short-circuit internal components and leave sticky residue.
3. When traveling, place the mouse in a padded case to avoid crushing and debris.

Even with perfect care, mechanical switches and sensors have a finite lifespan. If your mouse develops chronic double-clicking, loses tracking despite cleaning, or the cable frays beyond repair, replacing the mouse may be more economical than repairing it.