Wash your mousepad to fix the shiny spot — for a while.

Yes, you can reduce a shiny spot by washing the pad, but it won’t last forever.

That spot is from oil and sweat from your wrist or forearm, combined with constant friction. Over time it flattens the fabric or foam fibers, making them smooth and reflective instead of matte. The good news: a wash with warm water and a drop of mild dish soap can lift the oil and fluff the surface back up. Scrub gently with a soft brush or your fingers, rinse, and let it air dry completely.

This works best on cloth pads. Hard plastic or rubber pads might not respond as well — the shine there is actual wear, not just gunk. If washing doesn’t help, the pad’s surface is permanently polished. At that point replacing it is the only fix.

Future you might deserve a fresh pad anyway — they’re cheap, and the glide will feel amazing.