Overview
You may think that you already know how to clean a mirror effectively. But if you simply clean the mirror with a paper towel or newspaper in a circular motion, you're making two big mistakes.
First of all, a commercial cleaning solution mistake. Sure, they work well, but one can easily make a homemade cleaning solution equally efficiently. You will further avoid using unnecessary and dangerous chemical elements in the home and cut down on plastics in landfills.
Now, the paper towel and circular motion is a second critical mistake. So does that make it three critical mistakes? If you want to learn how to clean mirror without streaks, this special post is for you, where you can find some easy tips on cleaning mirrors.
Mirror Cleaning Requirement
Start with the Frame
If you have a mirror with a frame or stand, then clean that first. Perhaps that goes without saying, but if you do not clean the mirror’s frame, your classy mirror may still look dirty.
If you clean the mirror frame after cleaning the mirror, you'll probably you clean the mirror again because it is quite likely that residue and smudges from cleaning the frame have been transferred to the mirror, and who wants to do that again?
Use Proper Mirror Cleaner
While we recommend the more cost-effective and environmentally friendly DIY solution for cleaning a room mirror and bathroom mirror, using ingredients you most likely have on hand, we understand that it is not for everyone. If you want a commercial mirror cleaner, opt for one specially formulated for glass.
If you're up to it, a vinegar-water solution is relatively nontoxic, inexpensive, and eco-friendly when made at home. This will also prevent a mirror from fogging up (after a shower) for a week at a stretch. To add to its defogging ability, spray this mixture onto the mirror directly; wait a minute, then wipe it off.
Remember that although the vinegar-water mixture is among the most powerful cleaning solutions, there are some things you should never clean with this vinegar solution.Certain reflective surfaces, such as failing bath grout and stone countertops, are simply too porous to be cleaned with an abrasive like vinegar, which can damage the finish or seal if applied repeatedly.
How to Wipe Your Mirror
You may have been used to cleaning a wall mirror with a newspaper or paper towel, but these are one-way tickets to environmental damnation. Furthermore, they leave lint, dust, paper debris, and ink residue on the supposedly cleaned mirror.
Instead, use a lint-free cloth or microfiber towel that you can trust. These remove oil and grime without producing a lint trail. The older the mirror, the less likely it is to be inky after cleaning it with a newspaper.
Steam-Cleaning
If you own a steam cleaner with the ease of squeegee attachment, you probably already have one of the best way to clean mirrors. Such steamers do their job without harsh chemicals or extra products. Attach the squeegee to the nozzle and simply guide your steamer up and down the surface, letting the steam do its magic.
How to Clean a Mirror Within 5 Simple Steps
- Step 1: Gather Necessary Equipment: Prior to cleaning your mirror, it would be best if you had all the equipment needed for this job - a microfiber towel, solution of water and vinegar, and a squeegee if it has a bigger size.
- Step 2: First Dust down the mirror, with a dry clean cloth well made with fine soft material, may be microfiber or flannel, to rid it of all the gathered excess.
- Step 3: Use a Mild Cleaner: Dampen your microfiber cloth with a bit of glass cleaner. Do not spray it on the mirror directly, as that may cause streaks. Alternatively, use one of the homemade vinegar solutions for an eco-friendly alternative.
- Step 4: Target Tough Spots: For stubborn spots like toothpaste splatters, lightly dampen a cloth corner with this best mirror cleaner and rub gently.
- Step 5: Regular Maintenance: Keep mirrors looking great by cleaning them weekly to prevent buildup and maintain a clear reflection.
How to Clean a Bathroom Mirror
Don't know how to clean a mirror in the bathroom? Don't worry! In a spray bottle, combine one tablespoon cornstarch, half a cup vinegar, and about half a cup distilled water. Shake well and get cleaning!
- Now dip a clean cloth in rubbing alcohol and start cleaning any hair spray or stubborn debris.
- Use a glass cleaner or cleaning solution to spray and clean the mirror.
- Use a microfiber cloth if you want streak-free shine. If no cloth is available, then use the newspaper.
- Wipe your microfiber cloth or newspaper across the mirror in wide "S" patterns from edge to edge and top to bottom. As much as possible, lead with a consistent cloth edge to capture dirt or other particles and not smear it about. Avoid wiping the mirror in a circular motion to clean your mirror - you're not waxing your car!
How to Clean a Mirror with Vinegar
Want to know how to clean a mirror with vinegar? Follow these easy steps:
- Step-1: Mix the Solution: In a spray bottle, mix equal parts vinegar and water. Shake well. If your tap water is hard, use distilled water. Skip this if using a commercial cleaner.
- Step 2: Spray the Cloth: Spray the vinegar mixture or glass cleaner onto a cloth rather than straight on the mirror. This protects the mirror coating.
- Step 3: Wipe in an S-Pattern: Simply take a clean microfiber cloth and clean the mirror in an S-pattern.Start wiping from top. Avoid going back over mirror areas you've already wiped to prevent lines.
How to Clear Up Hazy or Streaky Mirrors
Regardless of how hard you attempt to clean your mirrors, they remain cloudy. Following are some common causes and their best solutions for how to clean a mirror:
- Avoid Hard Water: If your house has hard water, it may be leaving mineral particles behind that make the mirrors hazy. Only purified water should be used when making mirror DIY cleaners. Another great option is to fix a whole-house water softening system.
- Avoid Damaging Chemicals: Some cleaners could damage the mirrors.
- Ammonia: It tends to damage the mirror tint.
- Bleach and multi-purpose cleaners cause streaks and dullness.
- Soapy cleaners leave residues that pick up and accentuate streaking.
Only use truly glass-safe products with ingredients that include vinegar, hydrogen peroxide, or isopropyl alcohol, or commercial products designed for cleaning glass.
Effective Ways to Clean Hard Water Spots Off Mirrors
Most people in the United States have hard water, which basically means that, upon drying, chalky white stains appear on mirrors and other surfaces where minerals are left behind in the evaporation process.
Stains on a mirror from hard water are very difficult to clean up. Cleaning should be done immediately, for it becomes more difficult to remove these stains with elapsing time. Here are some simple steps on how to clean mirror stains:
- Step-1: Paste Making: Mix equal amounts of baking soda and vinegar together in a clean bowl. Stir well to make a toothpaste-like paste.
- Step 2: Apply the Paste: Gently rub paste over hard water spots with your fingers; let it dry.
- Step 3: Wipe and Dry: To remove this paste, use a moist cloth. If required, use another clean cloth to dry the mirror.
About Hoko – Style
In this ultimate guide on how to clean a mirror, we've explored eco-friendly mirror cleaning ways and effective techniques to keep your mirrors sparkling. For a collection of stylish and functional mirrors, including LED-lit designs with anti-fog capabilities for bathrooms, as well as elegant options for living rooms, hallways, or bedrooms, explore the offerings at Hoko-Style.
For HOKO Style, a truly perfect compilation is one of the best that clearly reflects innovation and functionality. Apart from that, long-lasting materials like copper-free silver glass and durable aluminum frames are used. What sets us apart in addition is our commitment to excellent customer service and secure packaging, by which we thereby avail the customer with stylish as well as practical solutions for mirrors.
Browse our premium quality mirrors collection and enhance the appearance of your spaces with HOKO Style.