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One of the most basic elements of computer maintenance and housekeeping that is frequently overlooked by newbie computer users is mouse cleaning. This periodic chore has been obviated on new Macs since July 2000, when Apple began shipping optical mice with its desktop machines, but there are still lots of older Mac mice and third-party mice out there with conventional, mechanical ball rollers that do require regular cleaning. If your mouse's action as you roll it across your mouse pad begins to feel "rough," with cursor control becoming erratic or "sticky," in most cases there is nothing wrong with your mouse except that its roller wheels are gummed up with dirt and dust picked up from the mouse pad and transferred to them by the roller ball. All that it takes to restore smooth and positive mouse performance is some simple cleaning. 
The first step is to remove the mouse ball to gain access to the rollers. Manuals usually recommend unplugging the mouse (which requires sleep or shut down of the Mac if you have an ADB machine). In practice, I rarely bother. Inverting the mouse will reveal a retaining ring that holds the ball inside the mouse. On most mice, this is removed by turning the ring counterclockwise for a quarter-turn or so, and lifting it out. You extract the roller ball by turning the mouse upright and letting it drop into your hand. 
Set the ball aside for now. Upon inverting the mouse again, you will now see two plastic rollers oriented at 90 degrees to each other, plus, in most instances, a spring-loaded idler roller. If the mouse has not been cleaned recently, there will also be a buildup of compacted gunk and dirt around the center of each roller, as well as probably dust collected around the roller axles. 
Removal of the unwanted material is straightforward. You can use a fingernail or a wooden toothpick to chip the buildup off the rollers (don't use a metal tool, which could scratch the rollers' plastic surface), or a cotton swab dipped in alcohol to dissolve the material. I have always just used the former method successfully. Small tweezers can be helpful in removing the dust buildup from the roller axles. Manually rotate the rollers to make sure you have gotten all the dirt off, and then blow any loose debris out of the ball housing.
You should also wash the roller ball. I just use dish detergents and warm water. Don't use stronger chemicals, as they may damage the soft surface of the ball. Dry the ball with a lint-free towel, and you are ready to reassemble the mouse. 
Just drop the ball into its housing and refit the retaining ring by inserting it and turning it in the reverse direction to lock it. Job done. 
Well, almost. You should also take a look at your mouse pad, and if it's getting grubby give it a wash as well. Once again dish detergent and warm water will usually suffice. It's a good idea to clean the mouse at least once a month or so as a matter of routine maintenance. You can also complicate the procedure by using one of many available mouse cleaning kits. Here are a few examples: Mouse Kit
Mouseclene - Mouse Cleaning Wipes Compact kit containing everything you need to clean your inkjet printers heads, rollers and case $5.44 For more information, visit:
The Original MouseBath Cleaning Kit Includes:
Price $6.95 For more information, visit:
Falcon - Deluxe Designed for the care and maintenance of computer mice and track balls. Removes dirt and finger oils from the interior and the ball. Extends the life of your mouse or track ball...Keeps the exterior looking new and keeps your mouse working like new! 
Package Contains:
Use Dust-Off® MINI Duster to remove dust and lint from inaccessible areas, Foam-Tipped Swab/Scrapers with Cleaning Solution to loosen and remove built-up dirt and grime in the interior, and Pre-Moistened Anti-Static Wipes to clean and restore the ball and exterior surface. Complete instructions with kit. Price: $3.75 For more information, visit:
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