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How to clean a mirror for a perfect streak-free finish

From homemade cleaners to proper wiping methods, we've got you covered.
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Everyone has their own cleaning routine, but there’s one item in your home that almost everyone forgets to clean regularly: mirrors.

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WATCH: Juliet Love shows you how to make your own eco cleaning products

If you fall into this category, then fear not, we have gathered everything you need to know about how to clean mirrors in every room of your home, including the bathroom mirror.

How to clean a mirror: tips

Before cleaning your mirror, you’ll need the tools and tips to achieve a streak-free finish.

What are the best cleaning products for cleaning mirrors?

The best way to clean a mirror is using a cleaner you’ve made yourself. Most multi-purpose cleaners are too harsh to clean a mirror with, and ones with soapy residue will leave streaks behind.

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In fact, a simple solution using vinegar can remove water spots, leaving your mirrors looking brand new.

bathroom mirror
(Credit: Milada Vigerova on Unsplash)

How to make your own DIY mirror cleaner

This DIY glass cleaner works perfectly on mirrors. All you need is:

  • 1 cup of warm water
  • 1/4 cup white vinegar
  • 1/4 cup isopropyl cleaning alcohol (also known as rubbing alcohol)
  • 1/2 tablespoon of cornflour (don’t overdo this, or you will have powder left on your windows).
  • spray bottle

Get the full DIY glass cleaner recipe.

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Additionally, mixing an equal parts water and vinegar into a spray bottle will also work. 

NOTE: if your home has hardwater, this will affect the outcome of your home made mirror cleaner, making your mirrors look hazy. If possible always use distilled or filtered water in home-made cleaning solutions.

If you don’t have time to make your own mirror cleaner, try a glass cleaner specifically formulated for mirrors. Look for streak- and ammonia-free ones, as ammonia-based cleaners can leave residue or damage certain mirrors.

how to clean bathroom mirror
(Credit: Dave Wheeler/@aremediasyndication.com.au)
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What should you wipe a mirror with?

If you’re a fan of paper towels, you’ll want to ditch them. It’s important to use a soft, lint-free or microfiber cloth to avoid leaving streaks or lint on the mirror’s surface. 

Instructions

Step 1. Dust

Before deep cleaning your mirror with glass cleaner, make sure there isn’t excess dust in the way. Grab a duster or dry microfiber cloth and remove any dust that has built up.  Once the dust has been removed, you can get started.

Step 2. Prepare your cleaning solution and spray

For a commercial glass cleaner, follow the instructions on the bottle. If you prefer a home made solution, mix up your recipe.

Using a spray bottle, lightly mist the cleaning solution onto the mirror’s surface. Alternatively, it’s thought applying the solution directly to your cloth and then wiping your mirror leaves fewer streaks.

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Step 3. Wipe

If you’re used to cleaning your mirror in a circular motion, you need to rethink your technique.

A circular cleaning method isn’t effective when cleaning a mirror because it re-deposits dust and debris from your cloth back onto the mirror’s surface, resulting in streaks.

You must wipe in an S-pattern from top to bottom.

And you’re done! You’ll have sparkling, streak-free mirrors in no time. 

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