High-touch surfaces are among the dirtiest places in one’s household, and for any gamer, computer mouses, keyboards, and controllers are all included in that category. The trouble is that unlike faucets, light switches, and doorknobs, electronic accessories can be really tough to clean.
Though it does take more time and effort, it doesn’t have to be too bad if you’ve got the right tools. Here’s how to keep your gaming sessions squeaky clean.
Cleaning a computer mouse is relatively straightforward, but can be a bit time-intensive. The first part is the easiest, wiping the larger surfaces of the mouse with an alcohol wipe. Though your mouse might not look dirty, odds are that you’ll feel a bit grossed out after going over your mouse with a wipe.
From there, it gets tricker. Most computer mice have two parts to the shell which are snapped or screwed together. This typically leaves a ridge that surrounds the entirety of the mouse, and can be difficult to clean.
The best way clean this is taking a toothpick and running it through the seam, ideally scraping along the sides as well, followed by the small cracks around the mouse wheel and between the mouse buttons. Any fine-pointed object can be used, such as a pin or a SIM card ejector tool. Finish things off by dipping a cotton swab in alcohol and rubbing it alongside those ridges to sanitize the area.
Compared to a computer mouse, cleaning a keyboard is easy. All you need to do is blast it with compressed air, tilt your keyboard, and then blast it again. This should remove most of the dust, hair, crumbs, and other little bits of nastiness out from beneath the keys. Using compressed air isn’t entirely easy, as just blowing it with impunity will cause it to become encased in frost, so use short bursts.
From there it’s just a matter of using a moistened cotton swab, preferably one covered with rubbing alcohol. Scrub out the area between the keys to complete the procedure.
Cleaning out a video game controller is generally the same as cleaning out a computer mouse, but there are literally more moving parts to work around and thus a few more precautions that must be taken.
Wipe down the surfaces with an alcohol wipe to remove residue from your hands. Use a toothpick on the ridges of the shell, the crevices around the buttons, the holes for the speakers, and any other nooks the controller may have. Dip a cotton swab in rubbing alcohol and mold it to wipe out those ridges. A bit of rubbing alcohol around the buttons can help unglue any stickiness you’re experiencing.
Do take care, though. While rubbing alcohol will evaporate quickly, one should never be overly enthusiastic about introducing a liquid into any kind of circuitry. Additionally, avoid taking a cotton swab to the USB or headphone jacks of controllers. Though using alcohol can help clean rusted contacts, getting bits of cotton caught up in the jacks can potentially ruin a controller.
Players must be 21 years of age or older or reach the minimum age for gambling in their respective state and located in jurisdictions where online gambling is legal. Please play responsibly. Bet with your head, not over it. If you or someone you know has a gambling problem, and wants help, call or visit: (a) the Council on Compulsive Gambling of New Jersey at 1-800-Gambler or www.800gambler.org; or (b) Gamblers Anonymous at 855-2-CALL-GA or www.gamblersanonymous.org.
