Over time, mirrors can accumulate dust and smudges that can reduce their shine and clarity. With the right supplies and a few simple steps, cleaning a bathroom mirror quickly and effectively is easier than you might think.
Step One: Gather Your Supplies
- Glass cleaner
- Newspaper
- Paper towels
- Microfiber cloth
- Old toothbrush
- Baking soda
- White vinegar
- Distilled water
If there are hard water spots on your mirror, prepare some glass cleaner or rubbing alcohol. For extra shine, grab some olive oil or window cleaner.
Step Two: Create a Homemade Glass Cleaner
It’s important to use the right cleaning solutions when cleaning mirrors. In your spray bottle, mix equal parts water and white vinegar. This mixture will help break down dirt and dust particles stuck to the mirror glass. Shake up the mixture, then set it aside for now.
Step Three: Wipe the Dirty Mirror
Start by wiping down the entire mirror surface with a paper towel or microfiber cloth in circular motions until all traces of dirt and dust are gone. Use glass cleaner or rubbing alcohol with a microfiber cloth to scrub off any hard water spots gently.
Remember to use a circular motion when wiping, so there won’t be any streaks left when you’re done.
Step Four: Use a Cleaning Solution
Now that your mirror is prepped and ready for deep cleaning, it’s time to apply the glass cleaner. For this step, you can use a commercial glass cleaner or the homemade mix in your spray bottle.
Spray a generous amount of glass cleaner onto a clean microfiber cloth or paper towel. Then wipe it down in circular motions with paper towels or a microfiber cloth until all excess solution has been removed from the glass surface completely.
Be sure not to let too much solution sit on the surface for too long, as this can lead to streaks.
Step Five: Buff it Out for Extra Shine (optional)
To add an extra shine to your mirror, use a clean microfiber cloth and olive oil or commercial cleaner once all dirt and dust have been removed.
Simply buff out any excess product on the surface in circular motions until everything looks perfect.
Mirror Cleaning Tips
How to Clean a Bathroom Mirror
Cleaning a bathroom mirror doesn’t have to be a chore. You can make it an enjoyable experience with the right materials and know-how.
- Start by gathering the necessary supplies — depending on your preference, that could be commercial glass cleaner, vinegar and newspaper, or even mild dish soap and warm water.
- Spray the glass cleaner on the cloth — never apply it directly to the mirror — then wipe away any streaks or dust on the surface.
- To give it an extra shine, use clean water, dampen the cleaning cloth, and wipe away all excess solution.
How to Clean a Foggy Mirror
There are several methods you can use to clean a foggy mirror depending on how much time you have and what supplies are available.
The only items you need for this cleaning process are warm water, white vinegar, paper towels, and a microfiber cloth.
- Begin by cleaning the surface of the mirror with paper towels and warm water.
- Spray a mixture of equal parts white vinegar and water onto the cleaning cloth.
- Wipe the mirror in circular motions with the cleaning cloth.
- If you’re still not seeing any improvement, try using some glass polish. Follow the product instructions for use.
How to Clean Mirror Stains
Two basic steps should be followed for cleaning mirror stains: first, remove the stain; second, restore the shine.
Depending on what type of stain you have on your mirror, you may need to use different materials and tools for each step.
Here are some supplies that will come in handy:
- White vinegar
- Baking soda
- Lemon juice
- Cotton pad
- Soft cleaning cloths
- Soft sponge
Water Spots
For water spots on mirrors (or other glass surfaces), use white vinegar or lemon juice as a spot cleaner by applying directly onto the area with a cotton pad or cloth.
This should help loosen up the residue and make it easier to wipe away with a soft sponge or cloth. You can also sprinkle baking soda onto wet areas to help further break up any built-up dirt or soap scum.
Be sure to wipe the solution immediately so that it won’t seep into the glass and silver coating of your mirror.
Grease Spots
For grease spots (like fingerprints), white vinegar is again an effective spot cleaner because of its acidic properties; just apply directly onto the area and rub gently with a soft cloth until it begins to dissolve away the stain.
If necessary, add baking soda for extra scrubbing power — just make sure not to scrub too hard so you won’t damage the surface of your mirror.
Cloudy Mirrors
To restore clarity and shine back into cloudy mirrors caused by steam buildup over time, mix one part white vinegar with two parts warm water in a spray bottle. Spray generously into a clean, soft cloth before wiping your mirror in a circular motion.
Buff away any remaining residue with another soft cloth (microfiber works best) until all cloudiness is gone.
Mirror Cleaning FAQs
What is the best way to clean mirrors without streaking?
The best cleaning method to avoid streaking is to use good quality glass cleaner, a paper towel or cloth, and a few extra tools.
First, spray the glass cleaner into your cleaning cloth, working in sections and using gentle circular movements. Then take a paper towel or a soft cloth and wipe down the surface.
To add an extra shine, consider using crumpled newspaper to buff up any left-over streaks you may miss.
What should you not clean mirrors with?
- Steer clear of harsh chemical cleaners like bleach or acid-based products.
- Abrasive materials such as steel wool and scouring pads should also be avoided — they can leave scratches behind that may interfere with your reflection.
- Natural alternatives are great for regular maintenance but don’t use them for deep cleaning tasks. White vinegar and olive oil are excellent for preventing streaks and smudges but not so great for lifting stubborn residue.
See Your Reflection Clearly Again
Now that you know how to clean your bathroom mirrors, there’s no excuse for letting them get dirty. Whether you do it yourself or hire professional cleaners, regular cleaning will save you time and effort in the long run.
Still trying to figure out where to start? Check out our guide on how to clean your bathroom for some tips.
