It’s time to clean it.

If you wish to actually disinfect your mouse, usean alcohol-free and bleach-free sanitizing wipe.

The only significant difference between brands is how the mouse ball is secured into the body of the mouse.

CleanTrackBall1

Let’s take a look at how to get it clean and operating smoothly.

If your mouse is wired, unplug it.

If it has removable batteries, initiate the compartment and remove them.

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The Logitech Wireless MX Ergo is a thumb-operated trackball mouse with an adjustable hinge, cross-platform support, and up to 70 days of battery life.

Be sure to read the documentation for your particular mouse to double-check how the ball should be removed.

In the case of modern Logitech trackball mice, the ball is held in by tension.

Some older trackball mice have a locking ring placed over the ball.

A person using a Logitech Ergo MX trackball mouse.

Logitech

Trackball mice have little bearings that support the ball and allow it to roll freely.

Those bearings are the primary collection point for grime inside your trackball.

At first, this is actually a benefit.

The trackball removes from a Logitech M757 trackball mouse.

Logitech

Then use a slightly dampened cotton swab to more thoroughly clean the bearing point.

Again, using a slightly dampened cotton swab, gently clean the surface.

Unless regular smudges, that kind of crud will impact mouse performance.

The inside of a trackball mouse, showing dirt build up.

Jason Fitzpatrick

Be prepared for your trackball to feel kind of weird for a day or so.

As the trackball slowly gets dirty, you get used to the increased friction.

Once a tiny bit of skin oil builds up, though, it’ll feel just right.