To clean a mouse pad, especially a cloth or fabric one, follow these steps:

1. Fill a sink or bathtub with warm (not hot) water.
2. Add a small amount of mild dish soap or gentle detergent.
3. Submerge the mouse pad and use a sponge or soft-bristle brush to gently scrub its surface to remove dirt, oil, and stains.
4. For tough stains, let it soak in the soapy water for 5-10 minutes before scrubbing again.
5. Rinse thoroughly with clean cold water to remove all soap residue.
6. Pat dry with a towel to remove excess water.
7. Lay the mouse pad flat and let it air dry completely for 24-36 hours (avoid using hair dryers or direct heat).

For plastic or rubber mouse pads, wipe down with a damp cloth and mild soap, rinse, and air dry. For RGB or wired mouse pads, avoid soaking them; instead, use a damp cloth gently. Regular cleaning improves mouse tracking performance and hygiene, and cleaning frequency depends on usage but generally once or twice a year unless spills occur.