Are you an avid computer user? And do you use your mouse a lot to navigate and click on different links, images and other things? If so, you might be having trouble using your mouse because of the surface that you are using. Then again, this is not something new. Many users who frequently use their computers struggle with the same issues because they don’t have the right surface to use their mousepads efficiently.
What Can I Use As A Mousepad?
Things That You Can Use As A Mousepad:
A towel
Most people would know this one. Lay down your towel on top of your table, then roll up one end so that half of the width is rolled up. Place your hand on top of it, and move it around as you would normally do with a regular mousepad. The great thing with this method is that not only does your hand glide easier than most cloth pads but the rolling up means that you do not have to worry about it moving around on your desk.
A book/magazine/newspaper
This one is good for people who like to read and use their laptop at the same time, or if you want a mousepad without any extra clutter or weight. Another advantage of using a book as a mousepad is that it prevents the screen from being scratched when you move it around. The only real downside with this method is that if you click and highlight things often then pages can be torn apart very easily. However, I recommend those who use this method to invest in an external keyboard so that no damage will be done to your paper books!
Your pants/skirt/dress
This method is great for those who like to sit on their couch and surf the internet or play games. Slightly pricier than some of the other methods, but this gives you a very wide surface area (and it looks like it’s part of your daily outfit).
A magazine rack
I’m pretty sure all of you have seen those magazine racks that people often put in their bathrooms; they usually hold about 5-6 magazines. These can be extremely functional as mousepads, even if they aren’t necessarily used every day. The great thing about these: They come with little bars so no one will steal your mouse or keyboard!
Your hand or leg for touchpads
If you don’t use an external mouse or keyboard, then this is probably the best option for you. It’s easily accessible and all you have to do is move it around. Way less trouble than clicking on things with your mouse if you are using a touchpad! Just make sure that there isn’t any lint or dirt on the bottom of your hand or leg that might get trapped underneath the mouse buttons.
A CD/DVD Case
This one is very cheap, I’m pretty sure everyone has an old CD case lying around somewhere in their house. All you have to do is place it so that it covers up where your mouse would normally go, and remember to use only CDs without any sweet little songs inside them because those will just get destroyed.
A placemat
If you have a dining room table and eat dinner on it, then this one is perfect for you. Just place your plate or bowl of whatnot on top of where the mouse would normally go, and remember not to use any placemats that might be too delicate or thin.
Your bedsheets
This method is good if you are sitting up in your bed and surfing the web, as long as it isn’t some crazy expensive silk sheet set because those will be destroyed quite quickly due to frictional heat from sliding around. If this happens, don’t worry! All you have to do is take a shower and stand there naked while talking to your mom about how great her new boyfriend is.
Ways to Make Your Own Mousepad at Home
Cardboard mousepad
If you are on a strict budget and you want to make a custom mousepad with very little effort, you can consider making a cardboard mousepad. Just make sure that you use a thick and sturdy piece of cardboard to make sure that it is durable enough to support the weight of your computer mouse. You can also make a custom size for the cardboard mousepad. You just have to make sure that it is the right size for your computer desk so that it doesn’t take up too much space.
Vinyl mousepad
If you are looking for a mousepad that has a fancy design and can be a great gift for someone, vinyl can be a great option. You just have to make sure that you have a good vinyl cutting machine at home to cut out the design that you want to make. If you don’t have a vinyl cutting machine yet, you can use a vinyl stencil kit instead. This can help you create a pattern on your mousepad with a stencil design. You can either do it by hand or trace a pattern out on paper with a pencil and then transfer the pattern to the vinyl with an iron.
Fabric mousepad
If you want a mousepad that is eco-friendly and will look beautiful in your desk, fabric can be a great option. You just have to make sure that you use fabrics that are thick and will last a long time. If you want a fabric that is soft and silky, you can use satin. It has a beautiful sheen and is easy to clean. Silk is a luxurious fabric that is durable, easy to clean, and thin enough to make it easier to move the mouse around the silky surface of the pad.
Shoe mousepad
We all have those old pairs of shoes at home that we don’t use anymore. Instead of letting them stay in your closet and collect dust, you can use them to make your own custom mousepad. You just have to make sure that you clean the shoe first before cutting it and using it as your mousepad. You can use a disinfectant to clean the shoe and make sure that the shoe is completely dry before using it for your computer. You can also use rubber cement to attach the fabric to the shoe so it doesn’t move around.
Using an old shoe
If you don’t have a shoe to use for your mousepad but still want to make an eco-friendly mousepad, you can use an old shoe instead. You just have to make sure that you clean the shoe thoroughly to remove any dirt inside the shoe. After that, you can use rubber cement to attach the fabric to the shoe.
Glue a felt pad to your current mousepad
If you have an older mousepad but it has a pattern that you don’t like anymore, you can use some glue to attach a felt pad to your old mousepad. This can help you change the look of your mousepad while keeping the same functionality. You can find different types of felt pads in any arts and crafts store. If you are unsure where to find felt pads, you can search the internet for stores that sell them.
Make a rubber surface with rubber cement
If you want to create a rubber surface on your mousepad, you can use rubber cement. All you have to do is paint the surface of the mousepad with rubber cement. Let it dry and then cut it to the size and shape that you want. You can use a rubber cement that is thin so that it will dry faster. If you have a lot of things to do on your computer, you can use thicker rubber cement. You can also mix the rubber cement with a bit of paint if you want a colored rubber surface on your custom mousepad.
Use a few drops of dish detergent and water
If you don’t have enough money to buy expensive materials for your computer accessories, you can create a custom mousepad with just a few drops of dish detergent and water. You can just put a few drops of dish detergent and water in a bowl and dip the fabric pad in it. Let it dry and then use it with your computer. If you want to make your computer desk more interesting, make a custom mousepad with any of these materials. You can choose from a variety of fabrics and designs to make sure that your mousepad is unique. These DIY mousepad ideas are easy to make, cheap, and eco-friendly.
Conclusion
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