If your computer mouse is slower than a tortoise, don't replace it just yet. You might return it to its former glory with a bit of clean up and tinkering around.

Outside cleaning

If you're having issues with your mouse buttons not responding, it might be just grime build up that's getting them stuck. Take a toothpick and push around in the spaces between the buttons and the body of the mouse. You'll see dust build up if that's the issue.

Then, put the mouse bottom up, and start scratching at the edge of the pads there, if they have grime on them. After you do all this, your mouse will be much faster and the clicker responsive just like the first day you used it.

Scrolling Wheel Clean-Up 

Power off the mouse and put it belly-side up, unscrewing the bottom off so you can have access to the inside. Blow some hair in the mouse, preferably with a can of compressed air. This will remove most or all of the dust inside. The scroll wheel will be resting in its plastic assembly, with two springs extending from either side. Pull upwards on the ensemble remove it. Hold the compressed air can at a 4 inch distance from the wheel and fire some air at it until it looks clean.

Afterwards, immerse the tip of a Q-tip in isopropyl alcohol and run it around the circumference of the wheel. Allow the wheel to dry completely, and put back the plastic assembly in your mouse. A click will be heard once it's seated correctly. Screw the mouse's back panel and verify if the scroll wheel works.

Optical Mouse Interior Clean Up

If your mouse moves fine, but there's no cursor movement, the issue might lie with dirt blocking the light in the mouse which is responsible for movement. Particles of dust and stray hairs can block the light and prevent the mouse sensor from picking up movement.

Unplug the mouse, and turn it bottoms up to locate the area where the LED light lens is located. Dampen the end of a q-tip with a special cleaning solution and gently wipe the area to remove the dust and residue. Once done, use a dry q-tip to wipe the area of any remaining fluid, ensuring its dry. Give it 2 minutes of rest before plugging the mouse back in.

Mechanical Mouse Interior Clean-Up

Unplug the mouse and turn it upside down. You'll see a circular cover on the bottom of the mouse, which you'll have to turn anti-clock wise to remove it. Take the ball out. Use a soft tissue with a bit of cleaning fluid to clean the mouse ball of dust, hair and other debris. Inside the ball casing there should be rollers—clean those next. After it's all clean, put the ball and cover back in. Let it dry for a few minutes before plugging back in.

With a bit of cleaning fluid and patience, you can make your mouse run faster than the day you got it. For more tips and repair help, contact local experts such as Tresami Computer Engineering.