Can you fix a rough patch on your mousepad, and how do you prevent it?

Yes, it can be prevented — mostly by cleaning it more often than you think. Wash your mousepad every two to four weeks with mild soap and warm water, pat dry with a towel, then air dry flat. If you already have a rough patch, you can’t really reverse coating wear; your best bet is to replace it with an uncoated cloth pad, which lasts far longer.