Glass mirrors are a bit tricky to clean. There are proper ways and cleaning materials to make them sparkly and streak-free again.
And these are what this quick guide will cover today. So keep reading to learn more about cleaning and maintaining your house mirrors well!
What is the best way to clean a mirror?
The best way to clean a mirror is to use a vinegar and dish soap spray solution, apply it onto the mirror, wait for 10 seconds, and wipe it down with a clean microfiber cloth.
To make this mirror-cleaning mix, combine 1 cup of warm water, 1 cup of vinegar, and 1 teaspoon of dish soap in a spray container. And then, shake these ingredients gently.
What household items can I use to clean mirrors?
These household items can be used to clean mirrors:
- Warm water
- Dish soap
- Vinegar
- Baking soda
- Toothpaste
Warm water clears mirror fog, stains, and streaks
Rather than cold water, use warm water to clean your mirrors at home. Warm water is much better at removing finger marks, stains, or vapor from the mirror.
Also, when you’re creating a DIY cleaning solution, use warm water. However, you can finish the remaining cleaning solution even if it has become cold already to not waste it.
Dish soap is a safe mirror cleaner
Dish soap is one of the gentlest cleaning ingredients. Despite this, it can take out the toughest stains and grime on various surfaces, including glass mirrors, when mixed with water.
As part of a cleaning mix, it will get rid of bacteria on the surface.
Vinegar melts away hard mirror stains and grime
Vinegar contains acetic acid, which eliminates hard dirt and stains on mirrors and other surfaces. It can even remove sticker residue (remove sticker residue)!
Since vinegar is too strong used on its own, it has to be diluted with water or mixed with dish soap and warm water for more cleaning power.
Baking soda gets rid of mirror water stains
Baking soda paste is excellent at making water spots or marks on the mirror disappear. As such, it can be another mirror cleaning solution you can use at home.
To clean the mirror using baking soda paste, mix 3 parts of baking soda with 1 part water, apply it to the water-stained part of the mirror, let it sit for 30 minutes, wipe away the residue, and swipe a damp cloth on the mirror to rinse it completely.
Toothpaste cleans foggy mirrors
Toothpaste is a brilliant, safe cleaner for foggy mirrors and keeps them clear.
This can be credited to toothpaste being a surfactant. A surfactant is any substance that lowers the liquid’s surface tension, so it keeps water droplets from clinging to the mirror’s surface.
Plus, it acts as a gentle abrasive that removes finger marks, food stains, and other particles.
To clear a foggy mirror with toothpaste, take a small amount of non-gel toothpaste, smear it on the mirror’s foggy area, leave it for 30 minutes, and rinse or blot it with a damp cloth.
Rubbing alcohol is good for pre-cleaning mirrors
When removing dust, dirt, and stains from a mirror, a bit of rubbing alcohol can be used as the first cleaning step. However, don’t use too much of this solution since too much of it can damage the coating of sensitive mirrors.
Can I use a store-bought glass cleaner on mirrors?
You can certainly use a commercial glass cleaner to wipe the streaks and marks off your mirror. Since these cleaners are specially formulated for mirrors, they shouldn’t harm them.
But always read and follow the instructions on the label before using the glass cleaner, just to be on the safe side.
What will you need to clean the mirror?
Below are the things you’ll need to clean your mirrors at home:
- A microfiber cloth, towel, or newspaper
- A sponge
- A squeegee
- A natural or commercial mirror cleaner
What are the kinds of mirror cleaners I can use?
Examples of effective natural and commercial glass cleaners are the following:
Natural Mirror Cleaners
- Dish soap + warm water
- White vinegar + warm water
- Dish soap + vinegar + warm water
Commercial Glass Xleaners
- Windex Original Glass Cleaner
- Hope’s Perfect
- Stoner Invisible Glass Glass Cleaner
What are the steps in cleaning a mirror properly?
Here are the simple steps to clean your mirror properly:
- Inspect the mirror for small particles.
- Clean the surface with rubbing alcohol.
- Create a mirror cleaning solution like warm water, vinegar, and dish soap.
- Apply the cleaner to a cloth.
- Wipe the mirror carefully with the cloth.
- Let the solution sit for a bit.
- Rinse the mirror with a damp cloth.
- Let the mirror dry in the air.
- Stand back and check the mirror for missed marks.
1) Inspect the mirror for small particles
Before you start wiping the mirror clean, check the mirror for soap, shaving cream, hair, or other residue.
2) Clean the surface with rubbing alcohol
Clean the glass surface of small particles with a cloth dipped in rubbing alcohol. Take note that this step is important, as the cleaning will be harder if this is not done.
3) Create a mirror cleaning solution
Get or mix your preferred mirror cleaning solution. We recommend using warm water, vinegar, and dish soap in cleaning the mirror for a spotless and shiny result!
4) Apply the cleaner to a cloth
Spray an ample amount of mirror cleaner on a cloth, sponge, or newspaper. Newspapers are also a good material to use on mirrors due to their soft, non-abrasive texture.
5) Wipe the mirror carefully
Wipe the mirror carefully in an S pattern using a newspaper or cloth. Go from the highest to the lowest point to ensure the entire mirror is cleaned.
Some people say that the mirror must be wiped in a round pattern. It is alright to do this too, although it usually covers less distance and uses up more time.
6) Let the solution sit for a bit
Whether you’re using baking soda, vinegar, or dish soap, allow a few seconds to minutes to let them work through the stains and grime of the mirror.
7) Rinse the mirror with a damp cloth
Wet a new cloth or sponge with water and rinse the entire mirror to remove all traces of the cleaning agent.
Or if you have a squeegee, you can wipe it on the mirror from top to bottom, then side to side.
8) Let it dry in the air
Let the mirror dry itself in the air. Opening the fan and windows will hasten the drying process.
9) Stand back and check the mirror for missed marks
Give the mirror one final inspection to ensure no fingerprints, fog, or stains remain on it.
What should you not clean a mirror with?
Don’t use too much disinfectant or soapy cleaning solutions on the mirror.
Having said that, if you’re using a cleaner consisting of dish soap and warm water and/or vinegar, use only a small amount of soap. Adding 1 teaspoon of dish soap should work.
Too much disinfectant can damage the coating of first-surface or delicate mirrors. And, soapy cleaning solutions leave bubbles and streaks on the mirror, making it harder to clean later.
How often should I clean or maintain the mirror?
In general, bedroom or living room mirrors should be dusted weekly with a lint-less cloth or duster and deep-cleaned once a month.
On the other hand, bathroom mirrors that receive daily water splashes, soap suds, and hairspray mists must be cleaned daily.
