Machine washing a cloth mousepad is fine, but use cold water and gentle cycle.

Yes, you can wash most cloth mousepads in a washing machine. The key is to avoid heat and agitation.

Cold water, delicate cycle, no spin if you can. Don’t use hot water — that’s what shrinks the fabric and can mess up the rubber base. Also skip the dryer; air dry flat. High heat is the enemy here.

If your mousepad has stitched edges or a thick rubber backing, it might not survive the washer. In that case, hand wash with dish soap and a soft brush. But for a standard thin cloth pad, the machine works great.

Just don’t treat it like a pair of jeans.