# Is there any way to clean the trackball on my MightyMouse? **URL:** \ **Category:** Factual Questions\ **Created:** [September 3, 2007, 7:48am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-there-any-way-to-clean-the-trackball-on-my-mightymouse/417884 "2007-09-03T07:48:43Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 8\ **Page:** 1
**Author:** ![picunurse](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/p/7bcc69/32.png) [@picunurse](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/picunurse)\ **Post date:** [September 3, 2007, 7:48am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-there-any-way-to-clean-the-trackball-on-my-mightymouse/417884/1 "2007-09-03T07:48:43Z")
It’s been getting gitchy for about two weeks. Last week my computer was in the hospital for a day, so having nothing better to do, I set up a magnifying glass, ans using Q-tips, I carefully cleaned it with water. (It was very dirty) It was better for a day or two, but now it’s worse than ever. I’ve used canned air, that helps for a minute. I’ve turned it over and tapped it, helps for a turn or two. Isn’t there anything I can do?! I love my MightyMouse. I want it to work. I don’t want to buy another one… Pleeeeease … Thanks. 🆒 ---
**Author:** ![Mangetout](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/mangetout/32/19_2.png) [@Mangetout](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Mangetout)\ **Post date:** [September 3, 2007, 8:26am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-there-any-way-to-clean-the-trackball-on-my-mightymouse/417884/2 "2007-09-03T08:26:08Z")
I’m not familiar with the specific device, but with ball-type mice (not exactly the same as a trackball, I know), the problem used to be caused by an accumulation of dirt not on the ball itself, but on the rollers that sense its movement inside the device - is the ball removable? ---
**Author:** ![SparrowHawk](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/s/ac8455/32.png) [@SparrowHawk](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/SparrowHawk)\ **Post date:** [September 3, 2007, 8:45am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-there-any-way-to-clean-the-trackball-on-my-mightymouse/417884/3 "2007-09-03T08:45:55Z")
I think cleaning it with alcohol on a lint-free cloth would be better than water. If you google “Mighty Mouse cleaning” you get some suggestions for taking it apart if you feel brave. Personally, I am not that brave. ---
**Author:** ![picunurse](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/p/7bcc69/32.png) [@picunurse](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/picunurse)\ **Post date:** [September 3, 2007, 11:38am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-there-any-way-to-clean-the-trackball-on-my-mightymouse/417884/4 "2007-09-03T11:38:27Z")
Here is a picture of the [MightyMouse](http://www.apple.com/mightymouse/) The ball I’m talking about is the tiny one on top for scrolling. The ball is rubber. Alcohol would dry it out, I think. I’ve taken many mouses apart over the years, but I’m not sure I’m up to this one. I’ll look at the instructions and maybe … Thanks. ---
**Author:** ![Fear\_Itself](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/fear_itself/32/19637_2.png) [@Fear\_Itself](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Fear_Itself)\ **Post date:** [September 3, 2007, 11:47am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-there-any-way-to-clean-the-trackball-on-my-mightymouse/417884/5 "2007-09-03T11:47:46Z")
From the Apple website: [How to clean your Mighty Mouse](http://docs.info.apple.com/article.html?artnum=302417) > [@](#): > > The same procedure can be used to clean the scroll ball on your Mighty Mouse if it has become discolored or dirty. Use a clean lint-free cloth lightly moistened with water. Wipe the ball and the surrounding area, making sure to rotate the ball itself to ensure complete coverage. If the scrolling feels rough or if the scroll ball isn’t scrolling up, down, or side-to-side, hold the mouse upside-down and roll the ball vigorously while cleaning it to help dislodge any particles that may have collected on the internal hardware. Sounds like you have already done everything they recommend. ---
**Author:** ![picunurse](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/p/7bcc69/32.png) [@picunurse](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/picunurse)\ **Post date:** [September 3, 2007, 1:32pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-there-any-way-to-clean-the-trackball-on-my-mightymouse/417884/6 "2007-09-03T13:32:47Z")
I just checked some of the cleaning suggestions in Google. I tried one of the least invasive and it’s working again. I don’t know for how long, and I may have to try something more drastic. Thanks everyone. ---
**Author:** ![Hanna](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/h/b3f665/32.png) [@Hanna](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Hanna)\ **Post date:** [September 3, 2007, 3:49pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-there-any-way-to-clean-the-trackball-on-my-mightymouse/417884/7 "2007-09-03T15:49:24Z")
I gave up on my Mighty Mouse. it seemed I was cleaning it daily, but there was something inside (sticky) that just wouldn’t come out even using Apple’s recommended method. I even searched on the Apple user discussion boards and found solutions that would work temporarily. But it always clogged up again so I switched back to my Logitech Trackman cordless trackball. ---
**Author:** ![ltfire](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/l/7ea924/32.png) [@ltfire](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/ltfire)\ **Post date:** [September 4, 2007, 12:12am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-there-any-way-to-clean-the-trackball-on-my-mightymouse/417884/8 "2007-09-04T00:12:19Z")
I am a year into the 3 year contract I purchased when I bought my I Mac. I have ordered and received three new Mighty Mouses…covered by the contract. I fully expect to order 6 more before my contract expires. Once it starts to lock up on you, it’s done. Bad design.