Every 2-4 weeks, or whenever it feels greasy.

That’s the sweet spot for consistent glide without wrecking the fabric. If you eat at your desk or have oily skin, lean toward the shorter end. If you’re a dry-handed minimalist, you can push it longer.

Washing too often is worse than not washing enough. Harsh scrubbing or tossing it in the dryer can fray the edges or delaminate the rubber base. Use a soft sponge, mild dish soap, and lukewarm water. Scrub gently, rinse thoroughly, then lay flat to air dry.

If your mouse starts skipping or the surface feels tacky, it’s time. Otherwise, don’t fix what isn’t broken.