Mirror, mirror, on the wall… Why are you the dirtiest of them all?
Sadly, our mirrors don’t talk, and they don’t clean themselves either. But the magic of a sparkling mirror is easy to achieve!
Wondering how to clean a mirror? Use a trusty microfibre cloth and a good cleaning solution like rubbing alcohol, white vinegar, or glass cleaner.
Don’t let a cloudy mirror dull your shine. In a few simple steps, the glass will go from grimy to gleaming.
Before Cleaning | How to Clean | Hard Water Stains | Cloudy Mirrors | Vintage Mirrors
How Often to Clean Mirrors
Regular cleaning goes a long way towards maintaining a streak-free shine on your mirror! Plus, a clean mirror brightens any room and makes the space feel fresh.
BATHROOM MIRRORS: A quick wipe daily, then deeper clean once a week. This minimises the buildup of grime from water droplets, toothpaste, soap, and other products.
BEDROOM/VANITY MIRRORS: Every 1–2 weeks, depending on how often they’re used.
Don’t let dust collect on decorative mirrors! It makes them look dingy and messes up any reflections. Try to dry-wipe mirrors around the house once a week.
Before Cleaning a Mirror
Cleaning a mirror feels simple, but even small missteps can ruin the result.
Let’s walk through what works and what doesn’t, alongside all the supplies you need (that are already in your home).
What to clean mirrors with
You don’t need much to clean mirrors! Choose one of these cleaning solutions:
- Rubbing (isopropyl) alcohol
- White vinegar and water
- A good-quality glass cleaner
You’ll also need soft, absorbent cloths — either flat microfibre cloths or e-cloths (a specific type of microfibre cloth).
Other cleaning tools include a spray bottle and (optionally) a squeegee.
What NOT to clean mirrors with
Avoid paper towels and newspapers when wiping. A paper towel often sheds lint, while current newspapers aren’t as good for wiping anymore due to the ink and paper quality.
Skip any abrasive cleaners, which scuff the glass and may leave permanent marks. Same with harsh chemicals like bleach, as they can etch or damage the surface.
Preparing to clean your mirrors
Don’t start spraying just yet! Here are a few tips from our Maid2Match cleaning pros to help you get your mirrors shiny and clean.
Use two different cloths, one for cleaning and one for drying. That way, you’re not tracking dirt and moisture back onto the surface.
As a tip, avoid washing your microfibre cloths with fabric softener, which can leave a residue on the fabric that transfers to the glass.
Try to work during the early morning or evening, when it’s not so hot. Otherwise, your cleaner will evaporate more quickly and leave a residue.
Remove surface dust and debris before washing. You don’t want to scuff the glass or push dirt around! A quick wipe with a soft cloth is enough, but you can also use a vacuum with a brush attachment.
Lastly, when wiping, use a zigzag or S-pattern so you don’t smear dirt around!
How to Clean Mirrors Without Streaks
Nobody wants to see a streaky mirror after cleaning it. But with a few household staples and the right wiping technique, you’ll get crystal-clear results every time.
Cleaning mirrors with rubbing alcohol
Yes, you can use rubbing alcohol to clean mirrors! It’s great for both spot-cleaning smudges or fingerprints and deep cleaning.
Mix equal parts rubbing alcohol and water in a spray bottle. Spritz it lightly over the mirror surface, then wipe clean right away — alcohol evaporates quickly.
For stubborn stains, apply undiluted alcohol directly to the affected area, then buff the stain off with a soft cloth.
Cleaning mirrors with vinegar
White vinegar is a fantastic natural mirror cleaner! The acetic acid in vinegar dissolves mineral deposits (from hard water), grease, and other dirt.
For a homemade mirror cleaning spray, mix equal parts white vinegar and warm water in a spray bottle. If you need a stronger cleaner, opt for 2 parts vinegar to 1 part water.
Spray the vinegar solution onto the mirror, then wait a few seconds. Following that, use a microfibre cloth to wipe the glass surface from top to bottom.
NOTE: The vinegar smell will naturally dissipate as the mirror dries! But if you want something milder, apple cider vinegar works just as well.
Cleaning mirrors with glass cleaner
Choose a good-quality glass cleaner like Koala Eco Peppermint Glass Cleaner or Karcher Glass Cleaner Concentrate. Or, one of the best ways to clean a mirror is with Windex!
Follow the product instructions for application and rinsing (if needed). Use a clean cloth when wiping so you get a streak-free finish.
How to Remove Hard Water Stains from a Mirror
For those in hard water areas, bathroom mirrors accumulate a lot of mineral deposits, which get left behind when the water evaporates.
Both vinegar and citric acid are great for dealing with hard water stains! The acid breaks down the minerals, making the stains easier to remove.
In a spray bottle, combine a 2:1 solution of vinegar and water or a 1:20 solution of citric acid powder and warm water. Thoroughly saturate the entire mirror, then let the cleaner sit for up to 10 minutes.
Vinegar doesn’t need rinsing, but you should wipe off the citric acid solution with a damp cloth. Otherwise, it could leave a sticky residue (which you can wash off with hot water and dish soap).
Afterwards, use a dry microfibre cloth or a squeegee to remove excess moisture and prevent water spots.
How to Clean a Cloudy Mirror
Cloudy or hazy mirrors usually get that way due to a lack of maintenance.
Less commonly, desilvering or tarnishing can make a mirror look foggy. That happens when moisture seeps into the backing or silver layer.
Dip a cotton pad into the 2:1 vinegar and water solution, then use it to work the mixture into the mirror’s surface.
Start from the top corner and wipe in a back-and-forth motion. Depending on the level of cloudiness, you may need to do this several times.
Following that, take a clean microfibre cloth and buff the surface to remove the remaining residue and leave a streak-free shine.
Alternatively, you can use a soap-free shaving cream! Spread a thin layer onto the mirror, then wait a few seconds before wiping it off with a clean cloth.
How to Clean a Vintage Mirror
Vintage or old mirrors are usually made of layered silver, lead, or mercury, so they need extra care when cleaning.
Start by using a soft, dry cloth to dust off the mirror and frame. For ornate framing, use a soft brush to get into the nooks and crannies.
Next, prep one of the following mild cleaning solutions in a bowl:
- Equal parts rubbing alcohol and water
- 1 part vinegar to 2 parts distilled water
For very delicate mirrors, stick to just water!
Skip the spray bottle for now so you don’t get any cleaner onto the frame, which could be discoloured or damaged. Instead, dip a microfibre cloth into the cleaning solution and wring it out so it’s just damp.
Carefully wipe the mirror’s surface in a zigzag motion. Buff the surface afterwards with a separate, clean cloth to prevent streaks.
More About Mirror Cleaning: Common Questions
No need for a magic mirror to ask your cleaning questions — we’ve got you covered!
Why do mirrors get dirty so fast?
Mirrors are highly reflective surfaces, so they show dust and grime more easily. One look and you can see fingerprints or dirt right away.
Bathroom mirrors in particular are exposed to water splashes, soap, toothpaste, hairspray, and other products. Those all build up and leave the mirror looking dingy or foggy.
Is dishwashing liquid good for cleaning mirrors?
Yes, dishwashing liquid can clean a mirror — just make sure to use a small amount.
Add 2–3 drops of dishwashing liquid to a bowl of warm water to make your cleaning solution. Too much soap will create a large amount of suds and leave a film that you’ll need to rinse off.
Wash the mirror with a soft cloth dipped in the soapy water, then rinse off any residue with a new cloth and clean water. Dry the mirror afterwards.
Can I clean my mirror with toothpaste?
White, non-gel toothpaste can remove small stains and buff mild scratches! Dot a tiny amount onto a microfibre cloth and gently rub the toothpaste into the affected area. Rinse and dry afterwards.
However, do not use toothpaste as a regular mirror cleaner since it can scuff the surface and leave a residue.
