Wash Me! - Mouse
Very often this behavior happens because the mouse has accumulated dust or dirt. If you are using the usual type of mouse with mechanical rollers and contacts, it is almost a given that sooner or later the mouse will need cleaning. (Optical mice generally don’t have this problem.) Fortunately, cleaning the mouse is a simple operation but should be done while the computer is off or the mouse unplugged (not because of any electrical danger, but because otherwise Windows can be very unhappy and even freeze during the cleaning.)
Turn the mouse over and pop off the bottom cover. Usually, this is done by twisting the cover. Remove the ball that is inside and clean off any debris that is on the ball. A paper towel dampened with alcohol is one way of cleaning but watch out for stray fibers from the towel. Also clean the roller contacts that are inside the mouse with a cotton swab such as a Q-tip dampened with alcohol. Make sure all dust and debris are removed from inside the mouse. Let the inside dry and replace the ball and the cover.
How to clean your mouse?
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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