Soap and water is all you need.

Yes, dish soap and warm water with a soft cloth is the safest way to clean a hard plastic or polycarbonate mousepad without scratching it or damaging the coating.

Polycarbonate is tough, but the surface coating (often a matte or textured finish) is the fragile part. Harsh chemicals like alcohol, acetone, or Windex will strip that coating over time, leaving it shiny and sticky. Abrasive sponges or paper towels are also a bad idea — they leave micro-scratches that show up under bright light.

Here’s the routine: Fill a sink with warm water and a drop of mild dish soap. Dunk the pad, gently rub it with your fingers or a microfiber cloth. Rinse thoroughly (soap residue feels gross under your hand). Pat dry with a clean microfiber cloth, then air dry flat. That’s it.

If there’s a stubborn oil spot from your wrist, let it soak in soapy water for five minutes before wiping. No scrubbing, just patience.

Your mousepad will outlive your mouse if you treat it right.