What is a washable mouse?
Every surface matters in a hygiene-sensitive environment. Specifically mice play a role, since they are usually touched frequently by many users and their surfaces typically have cracks and crevices where germs can hide, making a computer mouse an important potential spreader of infections. Washable mice are designed to withstand the cleaning routines required in healthcare, laboratories, manufacturing, and other demanding workplaces, helping organizations maintain high hygiene standards without sacrificing usability.
Built with sealed surfaces and protected internal electronics, washable mice resist the ingress of liquids and contaminants that can compromise conventional devices. Their smooth, durable construction allows for quick and effective cleaning, while selected models can be wiped, sprayed, rinsed, or fully immersed to support even the strictest hygiene protocols.
Why choose washable mice?
Choosing a washable mouse means choosing a safer, cleaner, and more reliable workspace. Unlike conventional mice that can be difficult to disinfect effectively, washable mice are designed to support infection prevention measures and help organizations meet strict hygiene requirements.
Their sealed construction allows for fast and thorough cleaning using soap and water or approved disinfectants. Whether wiped, sprayed, rinsed, or fully immersed, washable mice are built to withstand frequent disinfection without compromising performance. The result is a durable, low-maintenance input device that helps reduce downtime, simplify cleaning routines, and support compliance in demanding environments.
Healthcare facilities follow strict infection prevention protocols that define how often frequently surfaces must be cleaned and disinfected, as well as which cleaning agents can be used. High-touch devices such as computer mice are often exposed to powerful disinfectants, including alcohol, chlorine, and peroxide based solutions. Washable mice are specifically built to withstand repeated exposure to these aggressive cleaning agents, making them ideal for healthcare and other hygiene-critical environments.
Where are washable computer mice used?
From patient care areas and laboratories to production floors and industrial workstations, washable computer mice are trusted in environments where standard peripherals may fall short. Frequent contact, multiple users, and strict cleaning requirements can quickly turn conventional mice into a hygiene risk.
Washable mice are designed to meet these challenges. In healthcare settings, they support infection prevention efforts through regular disinfection. In food and pharmaceutical production, they help maintain compliance with strict hygiene standards. In industrial environments, their sealed construction provides added protection against dust, dirt, and moisture. Wherever cleanliness and reliability matter, washable mice offer a practical and durable solution.
In the hospital environment, we see washable mice on medical equipment used for patient diagnostics, such as prostate biopsy systems, electrodiagnostic devices and minimally invasive diagnostics systems. Practitioners, physicians and nurses use washable mice on computer carts used for bedside patient record keeping, in the ICU, but also on general wards. In nursing stations, where care staff meets and personnel rotation is frequent, washable mice help maintain a save and germ-free work area and reduce the risk of hospital acquired infections.
In dental practices, where computers are used inside treatment rooms and airborne particles generated during patient care can settle on surrounding surfaces, washable mice are routinely disinfected between patients as part of infection prevention protocols. In laboratories, strict cleaning and disinfection routines at every workstation help maintain accuracy and prevent contamination, making washable mice an essential part of the workspace. Where medication is handled or food is processed, hygienic working conditions are equally important, and computer equipment needs to be resistant to routine washing.
What to consider when buying a washable mouse?
Choosing the right washable mouse depends on the requirements of your work environment.
IP Rating
One of the most important factors is the IP rating, which indicates the level of protection against dust and water. Man & Machine washable mice feature an IP68 rating, providing complete protection against dust ingress and allowing the devices to withstand thorough cleaning procedures, including rinsing and immersion.
Chemical resistance
If the mouse will be cleaned regularly with disinfectants, chemical resistance is essential. Not all devices are designed to withstand repeated exposure to cleaning agents, so it is important to select a model that is compatible with the products used in your facility. Our cleaning and disinfecting instructions help you select a model that fits your protocols.
Compatibility
Before buying a mouse, verify that it is compatible with your operating system, hardware setup, and workplace requirements. Man & Machine washable mice are designed to work with major operating systems, including Windows, macOS, and Linux.
Compliance
Many healthcare, laboratory, and industrial environments must comply with specific hygiene, safety, or regulatory standards. Selecting a washable mouse that supports these requirements can help organizations maintain compliance while supporting infection prevention protocols.
Cleaning methods
Not all washable mice are designed to be cleaned in the same way. Depending on the model, devices may be suitable for wiping, spraying, rinsing or even full immersion. Understanding the approved cleaning methods ensures the mouse can be incorporated easily into existing hygiene procedures and cleaning routines.
Form factor and special requirements
The ideal mouse should also match the practical needs of the user and workspace. Man & Machine offers a range of sizes and forms to support different preferences, as well as various cable lengths for flexible installation. For specialized environments, selected models come with magnetic mounting options, helping keep workstations tidy while ensuring the mouse remains easily accessible and simple to clean.
Certifications and quality standards
Man & Machine washable mice are developed for use in professional environments where safety, reliability, and compliance are essential. To support these requirements, our products are tested according to internationally recognized standards and regulations, giving users confidence in their performance, durability, and suitability for demanding applications.
- IP rating (IP68 / IP65 / IP67): IP ratings classify a device’s resistance to dust and water. Depending on the model, Man & Machine mice are available with IP65, IP67, or IP68 protection, enabling them to withstand intensive cleaning procedures and helping maintain high hygiene standards in daily use.
- CE/UKCA: Our products meet the requirements for CE and UKCA marking, demonstrating compliance with applicable safety, health, and environmental regulations for use throughout Europe and Great Britain.
- EN60601: Selected models are designed to meet EN 60601 requirements for electromagnetic compatibility in medical environments. This helps ensure reliable operation alongside sensitive medical equipment and supports safe use in healthcare settings.
- RoHS: Man & Machine products comply with RoHS requirements, restricting the use of certain hazardous substances in electronic equipment and supporting safer, more environmentally responsible manufacturing.
- REACH: Our products adhere to REACH regulations, which govern the use of substances of very high concern (SVHC) in materials and components, promoting transparency and environmental responsibility throughout the supply chain.
Download certificates and other documentation.
Why choose Man & Machine for washable mice?
Since 1982, Man and Machine has been producing specialized hardware, currently focusing on waterproof keyboards and mice, as well as drapes for environments where cleanliness, safety, and reliability are essential. Our washable mice are trusted in healthcare, laboratories, manufacturing, and industrial facilities worldwide, helping organizations support infection prevention strategies and maintain high operational standards.
Designed for demanding professional use, our mice combine sealed electronics, high IP ratings, and compatibility with common cleaning and disinfection procedures. The result is a durable and reliable solution that supports both hygiene compliance and everyday productivity.
In addition to innovative products, Man & Machine provides expert guidance, technical support, and dedicated customer service. With decades of experience serving healthcare and industrial customers, we help organizations select the right hygienic input devices for their specific requirements.
Request advice or a quote for washable mice
Choosing the right washable mouse depends on your hygiene requirements, work environment, and cleaning protocols. Our team is happy to help you identify the most suitable solution for your application, whether you work in healthcare, laboratory, industrial, or manufacturing settings.
Contact us for personalized advice, product recommendations, or a tailored quotation. We also offer product samples and demonstrations, allowing you to evaluate our washable mice and find the best fit for your organization before making a purchasing decision.
