How to Clean a Mouse Scroll Wheel [Easiest Methods]

Cleaning your mouse will prolong its life and increase your productivity

by Radu Tyrsina
Radu Tyrsina
Radu Tyrsina
CEO & Founder
Radu Tyrsina has been a Windows fan ever since he got his first PC, a Pentium III (a monster at that time). For most of the kids of... read more
Reviewed by Alex Serban
Alex Serban
Alex Serban
Windows Server & Networking Expert
After moving away from the corporate work-style, Alex has found rewards in a lifestyle of constant analysis, team coordination and pestering his colleagues. Holding an MCSA Windows Server... read more
Affiliate Disclosure
  • It is essential to clean the mouse scroll wheel to increase its life and to keep it functioning smoothly.
  • Cleaning the mouse scroll wheels removes the dust and grime collected during gaming sessions or on work desks.
  • You can easily clean a mouse scroll wheel using isopropyl alcohol and compressed air can.
how to clean mouse scroll wheel
XINSTALL BY CLICKING THE DOWNLOAD FILE
To fix Windows PC system issues, you will need a dedicated tool Fortect is a tool that does not simply clean up your PC, but has a repository with several millions of Windows System files stored in their initial version. When your PC encounters a problem, Fortect will fix it for you, by replacing bad files with fresh versions. To fix your current PC issue, here are the steps you need to take:
  1. Download Fortect and install it on your PC.
  2. Start the tool's scanning process to look for corrupt files that are the source of your problem
  3. Right-click on Start Repair so the tool could start the fixing algorythm
  • Fortect has been downloaded by 0 readers this month.

A computer mouse tends to get dirty very quickly, and the buildup of debris can cause it to become less responsive or even stop working. Whether you use your mouse for work or for gaming purposes, a clean scroll wheel is essential for a seamless experience.

Why should I clean the mouse scroll wheel?

There are not one but many reasons why you should consider cleaning your mouse scroll wheel regularly. Some of the obvious ones are: 

  • Cleaning your mouse screen wheel preserves the life of your computer mouse and keeps it working properly. 
  • Food particles and dead skin cells clogged in the scroll wheel can damage the internal mechanisms of the mouse. 
  • A dirty mouse scroll wheel makes it difficult to scroll the web pages and affects your productivity. 

Now that you know why keeping a mouse scroll wheel clean is necessary, let’s proceed to the different methods to clean the mouse scroll wheel without investing much time and effort.

How do I clean a mouse scroll wheel? 

1. Things you need 

  1. Compressed air can – To blow away the dust or debris stuck on and around the scroll wheel
  2. Q-tip/Cotton swab – To clean the scroll wheel with disinfectant. 
  3. Jeweler’s screwdriver – To loosen the small screws that hold the mouse panels together 
  4. Isopropyl alcohol – To disinfect the scroll wheel and clean the oil buildup.
  5. Microfibre cloth – To wipe and dry the scroll wheel and internal circuit of the mouse

2. Cleaning Process 

  1. Unplug the mouse and remove the batteries if it is a battery-powered wireless mouse.How to clean mouse scroll wheel
  2. Turn over the mouse such that its bottom faces upwards. Identify the screws that hold the panels together and use a jeweler’s screwdriver to loosen and remove them, keeping them in a safe place. Some models have a central screw instead of several screws. 
  3. Gently lift the top panel upward to remove it and reveal the scroll wheel and internal circuit. Remove the wheel and both attached springs by pulling the plastic assembly upward.How to clean mouse scroll wheel
  4. Hold the can of compressed air about four inches above the wheel and the internal circuit. Now blow short bursts of air on each side of the wheel to remove all trapped dust and debris particles. Repeat the process until the mouse looks completely clean.
  5. Dip the Q-tip or cotton swab in isopropyl alcohol and gently wipe the tip around the wheel’s circumference to clean away any oily buildup and dirt. 
  6. Use the microfibre cloth to dry the scroll wheel and internal circuit, and maintain extreme caution. 
  7. Once the internals of the mouse is completely dry, place the wheel back and reposition the assembly in the center. A small click sound will ensure that the wheel is well seated in its correct position. 
  8. Now fit the top panel back in place, flip over the mouse to replace the screws, and tighten them using the screwdriver.how to clean mouse scroll wheel 
  9. Test your mouse to make sure it works flawlessly.

How do I clean the mouse scroll wheel without taking it apart?

1. Things you need

  1. Q-tips – To clean the scroll wheel. 
  2. Microfiber cloth – To dust and dry the mouse wheel without leaving any lint behind. 
  3. Toothpick – To reach hard-to-reach areas where Q-tip won’t reach.
  4. Isopropyl alcohol or contact electronic cleaner – To sanitize and disinfect the mouse from viruses and bacteria.

2. Cleaning Process 

  1. Ensure your mouse is disconnected from your PC. If you have a wireless mouse, power it off and take out any batteries to avoid causing damage.
  2. Put your mouse under a bright light source and turn it over. 
  3. Slowly roll the scroll wheel with your hands and run a toothpick around to loosen the stubborn dust and grime stuck in the scroll wheel and surrounding areas.How to clean mouse scroll wheel
  4. If your scroll wheel feels sticky or not functioning properly, take a Q-tip dipped in isopropyl alcohol or electronic contact cleaner and carefully disinfect the scroll wheel and the ridges around it. Apply minimum pressure to avoid damaging the scroll wheel mechanism. 
  5. Use a microfibre cloth to dry alcohol or contact cleaner completely before using the mouse again.How to clean mouse scroll wheel
  6. Once the cleaning is done, reconnect the mouse to your computer and turn it back on.

Expert tip:

SPONSORED

Some PC issues are hard to tackle, especially when it comes to missing or corrupted system files and repositories of your Windows.
Be sure to use a dedicated tool, such as Fortect, which will scan and replace your broken files with their fresh versions from its repository.

It’s easy to wipe clean the scroll wheel of your mouse without taking it apart, unlike most people think. But it would be best if you exercise caution when doing so.  

That’s it! You can thoroughly clean the mouse scroll wheel by applying minimal effort. You may want to check out our guide that explains what you should do if the right click is not working on your mouse

If you have any queries or suggestions, feel free to contact us in the comments section below, and we’ll be in touch as soon as possible.

Still experiencing issues?

SPONSORED

If the above suggestions have not solved your problem, your computer may experience more severe Windows troubles. We suggest choosing an all-in-one solution like Fortect to fix problems efficiently. After installation, just click the View&Fix button and then press Start Repair.

This article covers:Topics: