Clean your trackball

You can clean your trackball in a few easy steps.

To clean the outer surfaces

  1. Dampen a lint-free cloth with mild soap and water.
  2. Wipe the surfaces clean.

To clean the ball (for devices with IntelliEye optical technology only)

  1. If you have a USB device, unplug the device. If you have a PS/2 device, turn off your computer.
  2. Place one hand underneath the trackball and the other hand over the ball.
  3. Gently push one finger through hole underneath the trackball just enough to release the ball, grasping the ball firmly with your other hand.
  4. Dampen a lint-free cloth with mild soap and water.
  5. Gently wipe the ball with the cloth until it is clean.
  6. Follow the instructions below to clean the ball cup and IntelliEye optical sensor.

To clean the ball cup and IntelliEye optical sensor (for devices with IntelliEye optical technology only)

  1. If you have a USB device, unplug the device. If you have a PS/2 device, turn off your computer.
  2. Place one hand underneath the trackball and the other hand over the ball.
  3. Gently push one finger through hole underneath the trackball just enough to release the ball, grasping the ball firmly with your other hand.
  4. Dampen a cotton swab with mild soap and water. Gently wipe the ball cup and IntelliEye optical sensor clean, being careful not to scratch the surface of the sensor.

Note

The IntelliEye optical sensor works best on surfaces with texture, for example, white paper, laminated desktops, wood, and synthetic wood. Glass or shiny surfaces, for example, mirrors or glossy white paper, may prevent the IntelliEye optical sensor from working correctly. In these instances, try a mouse pad, piece of paper, or other textured surface.

To clean the ball (for devices without IntelliEye optical technology only)

  1. If you have a USB device, unplug the device. If you have a PS/2 device, turn off your computer.
Turn the trackball retaining ring
  1. Turn the trackball retaining ring counterclockwise until it stops, about one-eighth turn.
Let the ball and ring drop into your hand
  1. Turn over your trackball and let the ball and ring drop into your hand.
Clean the ball
  1. Use a lint-free cloth and rubbing alcohol to clean the ball.
  1. Carefully clean the two black rollers inside the socket with a cotton swab and rubbing alcohol. Be careful to remove any dust or lint from inside the trackball.
  1. Return the ball to its socket and replace the trackball retaining ring.

To clean the wheel (for devices with a wheel)

  1. If you have a USB device, unplug the device. If you have a PS/2 device, turn off your computer.
  2. Use adhesive tape to remove any dust or lint from around the wheel.
  3. Dampen a lint-free cloth or cotton swab with rubbing alcohol. Wipe the wheel surface clean, moving across the wheel from side-to-side.

Tips