How can you tell when your computer mouse needs to be cleaned?

Answer 1

The short answer is when it is dirty. This can apply to both mechanical and optical mice. If looking at the bottom of the mouse you can see dust in the hole or on the ball, it won't hurt to clean it out.

The long answer is that when your mouse cursor jumps around on the screen or refuses to move at all, you should check the mouse.

Only mechanical mice are likely to ever need a cleaning, unless your computer's environment is exceptionally dusty or dirty. A mechanical mouse can generally be identified by the ball that can be seen partially protruding from it's bottom. This ball, which is generally made from a synthetic rubber, can get sticky with age. That stickiness will then pick up grit, dust or lint in normal usage, and then in turn stick what has been picked up onto the rods or rollers inside the mouse, eventually causing the mouse to function as described.

If you have an optical mouse, the hole in the bottom of the mouse will be unobstructed, and generally have a very small, visible laser light shining through it. You can clean most optical mice by blowing a little dry air to dislodge any accumulated dust or dirt. (Hot breath not such a good idea nor are fingers, canned air is a better choice, and a clean cotton swab if required.)

IBM support recommended replacing a ball that had become sticky all the way back in the '80s; now a more practical solution is to replace your mechanical mouse with a new optical mouse. You can find them on-line for less than $5 with shipping these days.

Answer 2

Yes it does help otherwise it will become slow and hard to control. You can also get PC mouses that use a sensor thing.