Best Way to Clean Mirrors
Did you know that mirrors have been around since the 1800s?
No wonder they’re one of the most used items in our homes!
If you have difficulty keeping your mirrors clean, it can be a source of frustration. Who doesn’t want sparkling mirrors?
And, if you don’t know how to clean them properly, it can seem like you’re having a never-ending battle with streaks and smudges that seem impossible to
remove.
So, if you want to achieve streak-free mirrors, follow these simple steps.
Here’s What You Need
Before you attack the streaks and stains all over your mirror, you need to equip yourself with the proper tools. Likely, most of these items are already at your disposal and won’t require you to run to the store.
- Rubbing alcohol. This simple but tough solution is good for spot cleaning any calcium or limescale stains that typically build up on mirrors.
- Cotton balls or pads. These are the ideal item to use to remove stains because they are soft and gentle on surfaces while allowing you to put some elbow grease into tough stains.
- Glass cleaner.
- Store-bought. There are a lot of options for glass cleaners in stores today. There are some good non-toxic and natural cleaners on the market if you are concerned about harsh chemicals in your home.
- Homemade. For a homemade mixture, make a white vinegar and water solution: mix ¼ cup of white vinegar with 2 cups of water. Consider using distilled water for this step to avoid adding minerals to the surface of your mirror.
- Microfiber cloths. Use either a standard microfiber cloth or, one that is specially designed for mirrors. Do not use paper towels because they could scratch your mirrors.
- Mild dish detergent or mild liquid soap. Good to use when cleaning the frame of the mirror.
What should you not clean a mirror with?
Avoid using soapy cleaners
To avoid streaks on the glass, avoid using soapy cleaning solutions that produce bubbles on the mirror.
Avoid using ammonia-based cleaners.
Ammonia is a very strong chemical and can cause your mirror to become cloudy.
Best way to clean mirrors without streaks
It’s important to follow a process so that you don’t undo your hard work and create streaks or scuffs on your mirror’s surface.
Here is the step-by-step guide.
- Use alcohol on the stains and spots of your mirror with a cotton ball or pad to dislodge the stain. Before proceeding to clean up the surface, spot-clean any noticeable buildup. Add some rubbing alcohol onto a cotton ball or pad and rub it on the stains to remove them. This is important as it prevents you from spreading the stain across the surface of the mirror while cleaning it. Check the mirror from different angles rather than just looking head-on, to ensure that you have removed all stains.
- Spritz glass cleaner all over the surface of your mirror. Make it a light spritz, so that a mist covers it and no heavy drops are running down. After spraying, immediately start working on the mirror with your microfiber cloth. If you wait too long, the cleaner will start to make its way down your mirror and streak it.
- Use a diagonal wiping motion. Use a diagonal wiping motion, like a zig-zag pattern to evenly wipe the surface. Aside from removing the moisture from the glass cleaner, the microfiber cloth will also pick up lint, dust, dirt, and any other residue. Don’t use a circular motion as this will create streaks all over the surface of your mirror!
- Clean the frame. Remember to clean the frame of the mirror as well. Dust, dirt and lint can also build up on the frame, making your mirror look dirty even though you just cleaned it. Use a fresh microfiber cloth, dampened with water to wipe it clean. If there is buildup or grime, use a little bit of dish detergent on the damp cloth to tackle this. Keep in mind that you’re applying the water and dish detergent directly to the microfiber cloth, instead of the frame. Don’t forget to dust the mirror frames as well. This will help keep your mirrors looking clean and polished.
Clean Mirror Maintenance Best Practices
Use these tips to keep your mirrors looking their best.
- Don’t use abrasive cleaners or scrubs. As annoying as mirror stains can be, it is important to be mindful of not using abrasive cleaners or scrubbing sponges on them. Sometimes we instinctively want to use what we have that is right beside us to remove a tiny stain. Grab your rubbing alcohol, cotton pads, or, cotton balls, and go to work. Abrasive cleaners and rough materials will only damage your mirror, creating micro-scuffs that become noticeable over time.
- Check your microfiber cloths for foreign materials. Your microfiber cloths can also have some hidden materials in their fibers, especially if you used the cloth to clean another surface before cleaning your mirror, or if the cloth itself needs to be washed. This puts the mirror surface in danger of damage. The best option is to use fresh, clean cloths each time.
- Clean your mirrors regularly. A regular cleaning schedule will help you to stay on top of this task. Dirty mirrors will affect the look of an otherwise clean home. Keeping them clean is not time-consuming. And given that clean mirrors will add to the clean look of your home, it’s time well spent.
Recap
Overall, keeping your mirrors clean is not difficult, especially with the right tools and technique. By using rubbing alcohol on the stains, spritzing glass cleaner on the mirror and using a microfiber cloth, you can achieve streak-free mirrors in no time. In addition, make sure to clean your mirror frames and dust them regularly to keep them looking clean and polished.
Now that you know how to clean mirrors the right way, it’s time to put that knowledge into practice!
Grab your cleaning supplies and get started.
Once you’ve completed this simple task, you’ll be able to admire your streak-free mirrors with a sense of accomplishment.