Wash your cloth mousepad every 3–4 weeks.

Every three to four weeks, or whenever you notice the glide getting sluggish and the fabric feeling a little greasy. That’s about right for most people who use a mouse daily.

Hand wash it with mild dish soap and cold water. Gently rub the surface with your fingers, rinse thoroughly, and press out the water with a towel. Let it air dry flat. Never wring it, never use hot water, and definitely don’t throw it in the dryer.

Machine washing is risky — it can warp the base or fray the edges. I’ve ruined a couple nice pads that way. Hand washing takes five minutes and adds months of life.

If your pad has a printed design, wash even more gently. The ink can fade if you scrub too hard. And if you eat lunch at your desk every day, move to a 2‑week schedule.