We often don’t notice how grimy our mirrors are until we give them a thorough clean. Dust, fingerprints, and water spots accumulate every day and obscure the crystal-clear view. It can be very frustrating to deal with mirror streaks on a daily basis.
Regular cleaning of the glass can be helpful, but if done incorrectly, it can lead to more streaks and imperfections. The good news is that you can clean mirrors in your home without leaving a trace – you can use items you already have on hand. Learn how to get crystal-clear mirrors using expert cleaning tips and advice.
Cleaning Mirrors With Natural Products
There are many glass cleaning products brands available on the market that could help you. However, according to experts, you don’t need to spend money on these costly products that could contain harmful chemicals. As an alternative to store-bought detergents, you can easily use natural cleaning products that are just as effective and safe for you and the environment. If you want to clean your mirror without streaks, you can try these green combinations:
Vinegar and Water
You can easily make a vinegar-water solution at home:
Step 1: For a DIY solution, use one cup of white vinegar and one cup of distilled water in a bottle spray. Mix well.
Step 2: Apply the vinegar mixture directly to the cloth, not to the mirror surface. This way, you will prevent rusting.
Step 3: Use a microfiber cloth and wipe starting from the top of the mirror and moving downwards.
Expert Tip: To prevent a foggy mirror in the bathroom after a shower, apply the vinegar mixture directly to the mirror and let it sit for a minute before wiping.
Lemon Juice, Dish Detergent and Vinegar
Another efficient DIY cleaning solution that you can use to clean your mirror is the combination of lemon juice, vinegar and dish detergent. Take a large pot of warm water and add one or two tablespoons of dish detergent, lemon juice (4 tablespoons), and vinegar (1/2 cup). Mix it well. Dip a clean cloth in the natural solution, then squeeze it before you start cleaning your mirror.
How to Remove Smears From a Mirror
Mirrors are items that get dirty very quickly, and even the tiniest dust particles can be seen on them. The following tips will help you to get spotless mirrors:
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Use rubbing alcohol. It prevents from dragging the residue with the cleaning solution when you’re doing the “Z” swipes. The way of wiping is an essential step for preventing marks on your mirror.
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Before applying the solution, scrub the mirror glass with a dry microfiber towel, which easily eliminates dirt and grease without leaving a lint trail behind.
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Avoid using soap on the mirror -it only leads to more smudges.
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Corn starch helps remove any stubborn stain from the surface of the mirror.
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Spraying the cleaning solution directly on the cloth instead of the glass surface prevents the liquid from accumulating in the corners and causing rust.
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Use only a dry, clean cloth to wipe the mirror. Using a damp cloth makes things worse – it usually leads to streaks.
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If you’re using commercial glass cleaning products, check the expiration date. The expired product can leave the glass blurry.
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Don’t use paper towels because they leave behind lint-like stains, streaks and spots. The right tool for the task is a soft microfibre cloth or a squeegee.
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Avoid touching the mirror surface with your fingers because this leaves visible spots.
What Not to Clean a Mirror With
Baking soda is a widespread household ingredient that many people use in house cleaning.
Additionally, it is an abrasive product and may scratch glass. Instead, use vinegar or choose an appropriate glass cleaning detergent.
Solutions with oils are also not recommended for cleaning mirrors. Most commercial products negatively impact indoor air quality due to the harmful chemicals they contain
Use the vinegar solutions we mentioned above to stay safe. Vinegar is an excellent disinfectant that destroys bacteria and removes oil and stains. It’s one of the most efficient kitchen products in house cleaning. A healthy alternative DIY cleaning solution that works perfectly for cleaning glass is 1 cup of distilled water, 1 cup of rubbing alcohol and one tablespoon of vinegar.
Mix them in a spray bottle and use them as you would a commercial detergent. Rubbing alcohol prevents glass streaks and smudges.
When cleaning your mirrors, also stay away from suds. Most homeowners think that soap solution will clean their mirrors perfectly, but it actually causes suds, which leads to a streaky look when glass dries out.
Can You Clean Mirrors With Newspaper
Many people swear that the newspaper is one of the best and most budget-friendly tools for cleaning glass surfaces. In the past, using newspapers was considered to be a handy and affordable method for glass cleaning. Nowadays, the experts do not recommend using a newspaper because it can leave behind ink marks.
If you use the wrong type, it may leave more streaks on the glass. Otherwise, brushing the mirror with newspaper will return it to its former crystal-clear beauty.
Tip: If you prefer using newspaper, choose the old one – the older it is, the less inky it’s likely to be.
Final Thoughts
Everyone experiences streaky mirrors from time to time, even the most meticulous housekeeper. If you cannot achieve flawless mirror cleaning despite your efforts, it’s time to change your tools and methods. Consider trying these essential tips mentioned in this article. The results will surprise you. With the help of the right products and techniques, you will be able to get the mirrors in your home looking clean and sparkling.
