5 Tips for Getting Your Mirrors Squeaky Clean

Clean Your Mirrors Regularly

This may seem like a no-brainer, but it still should be mentioned. The easiest way to keep your mirrors clean and streak-free is to prevent buildup from accumulating. The more often you clean your mirrors, the less time and effort this requires.

Invest In Good Mirror Cleaning Materials

Regular rags or paper towels won’t do because they can leave streaks and lint on the mirror surface, or even cause scratches when used too often. You need a cotton rag and a microfiber cloth to prevent lint and streaks. If your mirrors are very dirty, you also might need a sponge or a squeegee.

Choose a Glass & Mirror Cleaner That Works for You

If your mirrors aren’t too dirty, warm water will be enough to keep them clean. For deep cleaning, you’ll need a glass cleaner. A mixture of white vinegar and water (1 part vinegar for 4 parts water) is a safe, effective and affordable cleaning agent. Use distilled water instead of tap water if you can because the minerals present in tap water can leave streaks and cause buildup.

If you prefer pre-made glass cleaners, there are plenty of options in the market. Most household glass cleaners are formulated with some kind of alcohol (for example, ethanol or isopropyl alcohol) that dissolves dirt and grime, and a surfactant for better cleaning. Some cleaners also contain antistatic agents that help keep mirrors clean for longer. When choosing a commercial glass cleaner, make sure that it doesn’t contain ammonia.

If you’re a fan of eco-friendly household cleaners, you can try probiotic glass cleaners. They are formulated with biodegradable surfactants and probiotics – living microorganisms that consume organic matter. Probiotics break down grease and other organic buildup, while green surfactants cope with toothpaste and hairspray residue, limescale, etc. In addition, probiotic bacteria remain on the surface for some time, keeping it clean.

Pre-Treat Tough Stains

Tough stains and thick buildup need pre-treatment. You can spray your glass cleaner on stains and leave it for some time, or you can use rubbing alcohol. If you choose the latter, wet a soft cotton rag with alcohol and then rub tough stains, removing them one at a time. Keep in mind that rubbing alcohol evaporates quickly, so you should try to remove stains as quickly as possible. You can also try using pure vinegar instead of alcohol.

Clean Your Mirrors Meticulously

First, spray the cleaner directly onto the mirror or dip a sponge in the cleaning solution and wipe it onto the mirror. Then, take a clean, wet sponge or cotton rag and clean the mirror in zigzag motions to avoid smears. Never wipe in a circular motion because it leads to more streaks. Don’t forget to rinse the sponge or rag to remove excess liquid. If the mirror is large, use a squeegee. Slide it from top to bottom, then swipe from side to side. Work quickly to avoid streaks.

While cleaning, pay special attention to the corners and edges. You can use a cotton swab or a soft toothbrush to remove any tough dirt there. If there are any streaks, lint or cleaner residue, use a clean and dry microfiber cloth to remove them and polish the mirror, making it look streak-free and gleaming. To make sure that the mirror is really clean, look at it from multiple angles.