Can You Tumble Dry A Mouse Pad? (check this first)

All of the experts agree that you should never tumble dry a mouse pad, not even the machine washable mouse pads.

This is because excessive heat is likely to damage your mouse pad and all tumble dryers are different. Which means what is supposed to be low heat on one tumble dryer could very well be high enough to damage your mouse pad.

In many cases the mouse pad itself might be OK in the tumble dryer, but it’s the backing that could become damaged if exposed to high heat.

What The Tumble Dryer Symbols Mean On A Mouse Pad

Most things nowadays have a wash care label which will consist of a list of symbols that indicate whether the item can be machine washed, dried, ironed, etc.

Below we have listed all of the symbols relating to tumble dryers for your information.

• Square With White Circle And A Black X On Top – This symbol indicates that the item should not be tumble dried. This is the most common symbol found on mouse pads.
• Square With White Circle – This is the symbol which is used to indicate the item can be tumble dried. It is possible that this could be on your mouse pad depending on the materials used to make it.
• Square With Black Circle – This symbol is used to indicate that the item can be tumble dried using no heat. Even this could pose a risk to mouse pads.
• Square With White Circle, One Black Dot In Circle – This symbol indicates that the item can be tumble dried on the low heat setting. You can sometimes find this on mouse pads. But we still wouldn’t advise tumble drying your mouse pad.
• Square With White Circle, Two Black Dots In Circle – This symbol is used to indicate that the item can be dried in a tumble dryer using the medium heat setting. It is unlikely that you’ll find this on a mouse pad.
• Square With White Circle, Three Black Dots In Circle – This symbol indicates that the item can be dried in the tumble dryer on the high heat setting. It is highly unlikely that you’ll find this symbol on a mouse pad.

How To Dry A Mouse Pad Without A Tumble Dryer

As it is recommended that you do not tumble dry many mouse pads, you will need to find an alternative way to get them dry.

Below we have listed the most popular ways to dry mouse pads without using a tumble dryer. These include;

Air Drying Your Mouse Pad On The Washing Line

If the weather permits, you can hang your mouse pad from a washing line, rotary line or retractable clothesline in a shady position.

It is important to keep the mouse pad out of direct sunlight as the heat from the sun can cause as much damage as a tumble dryer.

SEE ALSO: Our Recommended Retractable Washing Lines

Air Drying Your Mouse Pad On An Airer

Using an airer to dry your mouse pad allows you the option to dry it outdoors or indoors. If you use the airer indoors it can be placed in front of a radiator (using medium heat).

The airer should also be placed in a well ventilated room and it is best to lay the mouse pad across the rack until dry.

Speed Up The Drying Time Of Your Mouse Pad Using An Electric Fan

If you place an electric fan in front of the mouse pad as it is drying, you can simulate a gentle breeze. 

As long as you have an open window to allow a steady air flow, this can reduce the drying time considerably.

SEE ALSO: The Top Bladeless Fans Available In The UK

Decrease Drying Time Of The Mouse Pad Using A Dehumidifier

Dehumidifiers remove excess moisture from the air which means placing a dehumidifier in the same room as the drying mouse pad can reduce drying times significantly.

SEE ALSO: Dehumidifiers For Drying Mouse Pads & Clothes

How Long Does It Take To Dry A Mouse Pad?

The time needed to dry a mouse pad depends on a number of factors which include;

• The material it’s made from
• How wet it is
• The moisture content in the air
• The temperature

However you can reckon on anywhere between 30 minutes to 3-4 hours to completely dry your mouse pad. 

What Happens If You Tumble Dry A Mouse Pad?

If you decide to tumble dry your mouse pad you can expect the following;

The Mouse Pad Could Lose Its Softness

The idea of a mouse pad is to make it easier to glide the mouse over the surface. If the mouse pad loses its softness, the mouse won’t glide as easily.

The Mouse Pad Could Become Deformed

Exposing the mouse pad to high temperatures could cause it to deform, become lumpy and bumpy. This would make it pretty much useless as a mouse pad.

The Mouse pad’s Backing Could Become Damaged

The backing on many mouse pads is made from rubber or a rubber substitute. If rubber is subjected to high heats it can become brittle and even separate from the mouse pad in places.

That would make it difficult to use and also cause a mess on your desk.

The Mouse Pad Could Get Torn

The rough action caused in the tumble dryer could rip the mouse pad. Once it becomes ripped, it is no longer able to allow the mouse to glide over the surface.

Frequently Asked Questions