Yes, sunlight will wreck a mousepad.

UV radiation breaks down the dyes and polymers in most mousepad materials. After months of direct sun, you’ll likely see yellowing (especially on light-colored pads) and the surface turning brittle or developing a stiff, shiny glaze. This is not a defect — it’s physics.

Cheap cloth pads are the most vulnerable. The rubber base can also dry out and crack. Even so-called “premium” pads with coated surfaces aren’t immune, though they last a bit longer. If your pad sits by a window that gets afternoon sun, you’re basically baking it.

The fix is simple: move the pad out of direct sunlight. Or buy a new one — they’re cheap enough that it’s not worth stressing over. Just don’t expect the same performance from a sun-damaged pad.