Aside from portability, a touchpad is undoubtedly one of the most critical elements in differentiating laptops from desktop computers. You should take advantage of your touchpad and keep it in the most delicate condition possible.

Whether you have a Windows laptop or a Mac with a Magic Trackpad, you must be aware that your pad needs appropriate cleaning daily! The further you get your laptop away from home, the dirtier it becomes! 

However, if you don’t know How to Clean Laptop Touchpad, you’ve come to the right place. This article has all the correct methods and the cleaners you need for cleaning the touchpad. Let’s get started!

Table Of Contents

Tools Needed

You may now use any dry towel to wipe your touchpad as usual. On the other hand, a moist cloth will accomplish the job better. You may also clean the touchpad with water. A 50-70 percent isopropyl alcohol mixture will be ideal if you wish to sanitize the touchpad.

If you don’t have any of them, you may use any glass or windshield washer cleaning product for the same purpose. To clean the touchpad, use paper towels. In this scenario, though, a cotton cloth might be preferable. Furthermore, cotton swabs should only be used if there is a minimal quantity of greasy filth in the touchpad.

Summarizing the tools, you required for touchpad cleaning:

  • Isopropyl alcohol mixture (50%)
  • Swabs made of cotton
  • A clean, dry cloth
  • Glass or window cleaning
  • a wet cloth (cotton cloth or paper towel)
  • Water

Note: Note that if you do not have the other cleaning supplies, such as isopropyl alcohol or glass cleaner, a moist towel will suffice.

Method to Clean the Laptop Touchpad
Method to Clean the Laptop Touchpad

Method to Clean the Laptop Touchpad

Several methods are available to clean the laptop’s touchpad. But we have the simplest and the finest of them covered in this section. Follow these instructions to clean your laptop touchpad:

Step 1: Disconnect from Electrical Outlets

First and foremost, if your machine is not already turned off, it should be. Also, please disconnect the laptop if it is already charging. Even better, if feasible, remove the battery.

Step 2: Moist the Cloth

Take a moist cloth or wet the cloth with a small amount of water. If there is extra water, wring the cloth to eliminate it.

Step 3: Begin the Cleaning

Now that you’ve wiped away the extra water, you can begin cleaning the pad with a moist towel. Be cautious when cleaning it. Don’t press too hard, or the touchpad may be broken. Furthermore, if there is too much water in the towel, your touchpad or keyboard may be harmed. As a result, constantly strive to eliminate excess water.

Step 4: Use Isopropyl Solution

If the touchpad remains filthy, wet the fabric with the isopropyl or wiping alcohol solution. Alternatively, you may use a glass cleaner cleaning product. Then, gently wipe your laptop’s trackpad again. The leftover dirt should be gone at this point, and the touchpad should be cleaned as well.

Note: Many laptop makers advise against using any cleaning product to wipe the touchpad. Apple is one of the companies that advise against cleaning product use. Instead, they advise using a lint-free wipe and water.

Step 5: Use Cotton Swab

You may also use the cotton swab to clean any hard dirt from around the trackpad during this period.

Step 6: Dry the Touchpad with Towel

At this point, grab a dry towel and softly clean the touchpad. As a result, the touchpad soon gets dry. In this case, you may use a paper cloth to wipe the touchpad dry.

Step 7: Check the Touchpad

Allow the touchpad area to dry thoroughly. Check to see whether the area is dry. You may turn on the laptop after ensuring that the pad is dry. Now, check to see if your laptop’s touchpad is operational.

Expert-Level Tip: Precision in Cleaning

For the most accurate touchpad cleaning, use a precision tip cotton swab to access tiny crevices and edges.

Method 2: Compressed Air

Expertise Required: Low

To remove debris stuck around the touchpad edges:

  1. Power Off and Unplug: You know the drill – turn off your laptop and unplug it.
  2. Hold the Laptop Upside Down: Flip your laptop upside down to allow debris to fall away from the touchpad.
  3. Use Compressed Air: With the laptop upside down, use a can of compressed air to blow air around the touchpad’s edges. This should dislodge and remove loose particles.
  4. Repeat as Needed: If necessary, repeat the process until the touchpad is free from debris.

Expert-Level Tip: Precision Nozzle Attachment

Consider using a precision nozzle attachment with your compressed air can for better control over airflow.

Method 3: Deep Cleaning with Disassembly

Expertise Required: High

For a thorough touchpad cleaning:

  1. Power Off and Unplug: Yet again, turn off your laptop and unplug it.
  2. Refer to Your Laptop Manual: Consult your laptop’s manual or online guides to learn how to safely disassemble it to access the touchpad.
  3. Carefully Disassemble: Carefully disassemble your laptop to access the touchpad. This may involve removing the bottom cover or keyboard.
  4. Clean the Touchpad: Once exposed, clean the touchpad using methods 1 or 2 mentioned earlier.
  5. Reassemble: Carefully reassemble your laptop, ensuring all components are securely in place.

Expert-Level Tip: Professional Assistance

If you’re uncomfortable disassembling your laptop, seek help from a professional technician or laptop repair service.

Conclusion on How to Clean Laptop Touchpad

It is not difficult to clean a laptop’s trackpad. However, if you’re not cautious, you may wind up harming the touchpad. That is why you must understand what cleaning solutions you should be using to clean your laptop’s touchpad. We hope that you know How to Clean Laptop Touchpad after reading the article.