{"id":1972,"date":"2007-01-04T21:33:14","date_gmt":"2007-01-04T16:03:14","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.quickonlinetips.com\/archives\/2007\/01\/tips-to-easily-clean-your-apple-mighty-mouse\/"},"modified":"2026-10-16T19:31:48","modified_gmt":"2026-10-16T14:01:48","slug":"tips-to-easily-clean-your-apple-mighty-mouse","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.quickonlinetips.com\/archives\/2007\/01\/tips-to-easily-clean-your-apple-mighty-mouse\/","title":{"rendered":"How to Clean an Apple Mouse: Magic Mouse and Mighty Mouse"},"content":{"rendered":"<p>Apple mice pick up fingerprints, grime and sometimes a stuck scroll. In 2007 we collected tips to clean the Mighty Mouse, the white Apple mouse with the tiny scroll ball that famously clogged. The Mighty Mouse is long discontinued, but plenty are still in use, and today&#8217;s Magic Mouse needs cleaning too. Here&#8217;s how to <strong>clean an Apple mouse<\/strong> safely.<\/p>\n<p><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"aligncenter size-large wp-image-64583\" src=\"https:\/\/www.quickonlinetips.com\/archives\/wp-content\/uploads\/clean-apple-mouse-1024x538.webp\" alt=\"How to clean an Apple mouse\" width=\"1024\" height=\"538\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.quickonlinetips.com\/archives\/wp-content\/uploads\/clean-apple-mouse-1024x538.webp 1024w, https:\/\/www.quickonlinetips.com\/archives\/wp-content\/uploads\/clean-apple-mouse-300x158.webp 300w, https:\/\/www.quickonlinetips.com\/archives\/wp-content\/uploads\/clean-apple-mouse-150x79.webp 150w, https:\/\/www.quickonlinetips.com\/archives\/wp-content\/uploads\/clean-apple-mouse-768x403.webp 768w, https:\/\/www.quickonlinetips.com\/archives\/wp-content\/uploads\/clean-apple-mouse.webp 1200w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><\/p>\n<p><strong>Quick answer:<\/strong> Turn the mouse off or unplug it, then wipe it with a soft, <a href=\"https:\/\/www.quickonlinetips.com\/archives\/go\/microfiber-screen-cleaning-cloth\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"sponsored nofollow noopener\">lint-free cloth<\/a> slightly dampened with water. Apple says <a href=\"https:\/\/www.quickonlinetips.com\/archives\/go\/isopropyl-alcohol-wipes\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"sponsored nofollow noopener\">70% isopropyl alcohol wipes<\/a> can be used on hard, non-porous surfaces of its products. Avoid sprays, bleach and getting moisture in openings. For a Mighty Mouse with a stuck scroll ball, turn it upside down and roll the ball firmly on a clean cloth or paper.<\/p>\n<div id=\"ez-toc-container\" class=\"ez-toc-v2_0_89 counter-hierarchy ez-toc-counter ez-toc-custom ez-toc-container-direction\">\n<p class=\"ez-toc-title\" style=\"cursor:inherit\">Table of Contents<\/p>\n<label for=\"ez-toc-cssicon-toggle-item-6aea3eeb6c628\" class=\"ez-toc-cssicon-toggle-label\"><span class=\"ez-toc-cssicon\"><span class=\"eztoc-hide\" style=\"display:none;\">Toggle<\/span><span class=\"ez-toc-icon-toggle-span\"><svg style=\"fill: #1a202c;color:#1a202c\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" class=\"list-377408\" width=\"20px\" height=\"20px\" viewBox=\"0 0 24 24\" fill=\"none\"><path d=\"M6 6H4v2h2V6zm14 0H8v2h12V6zM4 11h2v2H4v-2zm16 0H8v2h12v-2zM4 16h2v2H4v-2zm16 0H8v2h12v-2z\" fill=\"currentColor\"><\/path><\/svg><svg style=\"fill: #1a202c;color:#1a202c\" class=\"arrow-unsorted-368013\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" width=\"10px\" height=\"10px\" viewBox=\"0 0 24 24\" version=\"1.2\" baseProfile=\"tiny\"><path d=\"M18.2 9.3l-6.2-6.3-6.2 6.3c-.2.2-.3.4-.3.7s.1.5.3.7c.2.2.4.3.7.3h11c.3 0 .5-.1.7-.3.2-.2.3-.5.3-.7s-.1-.5-.3-.7zM5.8 14.7l6.2 6.3 6.2-6.3c.2-.2.3-.5.3-.7s-.1-.5-.3-.7c-.2-.2-.4-.3-.7-.3h-11c-.3 0-.5.1-.7.3-.2.2-.3.5-.3.7s.1.5.3.7z\"\/><\/svg><\/span><\/span><\/label><input type=\"checkbox\"  id=\"ez-toc-cssicon-toggle-item-6aea3eeb6c628\" checked aria-label=\"Toggle\" \/><nav><ul class='ez-toc-list ez-toc-list-level-1 ' ><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-1\" href=\"https:\/\/www.quickonlinetips.com\/archives\/2007\/01\/tips-to-easily-clean-your-apple-mighty-mouse\/#How_to_clean_an_Apple_mouse_Magic_Mouse\" >How to clean an Apple mouse (Magic Mouse)<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-2\" href=\"https:\/\/www.quickonlinetips.com\/archives\/2007\/01\/tips-to-easily-clean-your-apple-mighty-mouse\/#How_to_clean_an_Apple_Mighty_Mouse_scroll_ball\" >How to clean an Apple Mighty Mouse scroll ball<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-3\" href=\"https:\/\/www.quickonlinetips.com\/archives\/2007\/01\/tips-to-easily-clean-your-apple-mighty-mouse\/#Keep_your_mouse_clean_longer\" >Keep your mouse clean longer<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-4\" href=\"https:\/\/www.quickonlinetips.com\/archives\/2007\/01\/tips-to-easily-clean-your-apple-mighty-mouse\/#FAQ\" >FAQ<\/a><ul class='ez-toc-list-level-3' ><li class='ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-5\" href=\"https:\/\/www.quickonlinetips.com\/archives\/2007\/01\/tips-to-easily-clean-your-apple-mighty-mouse\/#Can_I_use_alcohol_to_clean_my_Magic_Mouse\" >Can I use alcohol to clean my Magic Mouse?<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-6\" href=\"https:\/\/www.quickonlinetips.com\/archives\/2007\/01\/tips-to-easily-clean-your-apple-mighty-mouse\/#Why_does_my_Magic_Mouse_drag_on_the_desk\" >Why does my Magic Mouse drag on the desk?<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-7\" href=\"https:\/\/www.quickonlinetips.com\/archives\/2007\/01\/tips-to-easily-clean-your-apple-mighty-mouse\/#Is_the_Mighty_Mouse_still_sold\" >Is the Mighty Mouse still sold?<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/li><\/ul><\/nav><\/div>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"How_to_clean_an_Apple_mouse_Magic_Mouse\"><\/span>How to clean an Apple mouse (Magic Mouse)<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<ol>\n<li>Switch the mouse off (switch on the bottom) or unplug it.<\/li>\n<li>Wipe the top and sides with a soft, lint-free cloth lightly moistened with water.<\/li>\n<li>For disinfecting, gently wipe hard surfaces with a 70% isopropyl alcohol wipe, as Apple&#8217;s cleaning guidance allows.<\/li>\n<li>Clean the bottom rails and sensor window with a dry cloth or cotton swab; dirty rails make the mouse drag.<\/li>\n<li>Let it dry fully before switching it back on.<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n<p>Don&#8217;t spray liquid directly on the mouse, use abrasive cleaners or soak it.<\/p>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"How_to_clean_an_Apple_Mighty_Mouse_scroll_ball\"><\/span>How to clean an Apple Mighty Mouse scroll ball<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<ul>\n<li><strong>Roll it clean<\/strong>: hold the mouse upside down and roll the scroll ball in circles against a clean cloth or sheet of paper for about a minute. Don&#8217;t press too hard.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Tape trick<\/strong>: some users loop a thin strip of clear tape gently under the ball to lift dirt.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Compressed air<\/strong>: a short burst around the ball can dislodge dust.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Opening the mouse<\/strong>: guides exist for prying it open to clean the rollers, but this can break the shell and isn&#8217;t recommended unless the mouse is otherwise useless.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>If the scroll still sticks, the mechanism may be worn; it may be time for a new mouse.<\/p>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Keep_your_mouse_clean_longer\"><\/span>Keep your mouse clean longer<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<ul>\n<li>Wash or sanitise your hands before long work sessions.<\/li>\n<li>Clean your <a href=\"https:\/\/www.quickonlinetips.com\/archives\/go\/mouse-pad\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"sponsored nofollow noopener\">mouse pad<\/a> or desk surface regularly.<\/li>\n<li>Avoid eating over your keyboard and mouse.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>Using an Apple mouse on a PC? See <a href=\"https:\/\/www.quickonlinetips.com\/archives\/2009\/05\/apple-mighty-mouse-on-windows-pc\/\">how to use an Apple Magic Mouse on Windows<\/a>.<\/p>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"FAQ\"><\/span>FAQ<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Can_I_use_alcohol_to_clean_my_Magic_Mouse\"><\/span>Can I use alcohol to clean my Magic Mouse?<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<p>Yes, Apple says 70% isopropyl alcohol wipes are fine on hard, non-porous surfaces. Avoid getting moisture in openings.<\/p>\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Why_does_my_Magic_Mouse_drag_on_the_desk\"><\/span>Why does my Magic Mouse drag on the desk?<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<p>Dirt on the bottom rails or a rough surface. Clean the rails and use a smooth mouse pad.<\/p>\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Is_the_Mighty_Mouse_still_sold\"><\/span>Is the Mighty Mouse still sold?<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<p>No, Apple replaced it with the Magic Mouse in 2009.<\/p>\n<p>Disclosure: As an Amazon Associate, QuickOnlineTips earns from qualifying purchases.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Apple mice pick up fingerprints, grime and sometimes a stuck scroll. In 2007 we collected tips to clean the Mighty&#8230;<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":4,"featured_media":64583,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_kad_post_transparent":"","_kad_post_title":"","_kad_post_layout":"","_kad_post_sidebar_id":"","_kad_post_content_style":"","_kad_post_vertical_padding":"","_kad_post_feature":"","_kad_post_feature_position":"","_kad_post_header":false,"_kad_post_footer":false,"_kad_post_classname":"","footnotes":""},"categories":[16,23,15],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-1972","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-apple","category-computers","category-gadgets"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.quickonlinetips.com\/archives\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/1972","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.quickonlinetips.com\/archives\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.quickonlinetips.com\/archives\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.quickonlinetips.com\/archives\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/4"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.quickonlinetips.com\/archives\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=1972"}],"version-history":[{"count":3,"href":"https:\/\/www.quickonlinetips.com\/archives\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/1972\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":67459,"href":"https:\/\/www.quickonlinetips.com\/archives\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/1972\/revisions\/67459"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.quickonlinetips.com\/archives\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/64583"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.quickonlinetips.com\/archives\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=1972"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.quickonlinetips.com\/archives\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=1972"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.quickonlinetips.com\/archives\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=1972"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}