How to Clean a Mirror Spotless? [4 Easy Steps Guide]

Mirrors add to the beauty and intricacy of our homes and can often be costly, which is why I’m going to let you know how to clean a mirror spotless!

Did you know mirrors can make your room look brighter? (1) Your mirror can only enhance your room if it’s clean, however!

Blurry reflections and product stains can make your favorite mirror look ruddy. Follow the steps below to avoid streaks and a blurry reflection. 

  • Purchase a microfiber cloth to clean the mirror. You can create a bigger mess with a paper towel. 
  • Create a homemade glass cleaner solution and put it in a spray bottle. 
  • Remove the dust.
  • Spray the mirror with your homemade cleaning solution.
  • Clean in zigzag motions with your microfiber cloth.

I’ll show you how to do all of this and more below!

READ MORE: How to Clean a Bathroom Mirror?

How To Clean A Mirror Spotless in 4 Easy Steps?

There are many ways to renew the surface of your mirror. You may become frustrated with heavy dust or streaks on your mirror. Improper cleaning also leads to a blurry reflection.

Dust particles and other contaminants accumulate quickly in many homes and dull the reflective surface. 

This is especially true for the best led mirrors for bathrooms or mirrors in your bedroom that are subject to makeup, aerosol products, cologne, and more.

Step 1: Remove The Dust

Before you move on to using expensive cleaning products to make your mirror shine, try dusting it off.

Use a clean dust cloth, preferably a soft, lint-free cloth or a microfiber cloth. We use clean microfiber cloth because it grabs onto the dust or debris on your mirror.

When you use a cleaning product, the cloth holds and removes the dirt, making it easier to clean the mirror. 

women removing dust but how to clean a mirror spotless

I found this helpful because I never have time for chores, and I dislike hazy mirrors. So, when I get around to cleaning, I take the most effective routes.

Step 2: Make The DIY Glass Cleaning Solution

Not every bathroom cleaning solution works well on mirrors, especially when you’re trying to avoid abrasive products. 

Here’s how to build your own effective cleaning tool kit for cleaning mirrors. 

Gathering the ingredients

You will need a few household items. I usually 

Some ingredients here will help you get streak-free mirrors more efficiently. Gather the following items before you begin cleaning. 

  • White vinegar/Apple cider vinegar
  • Warm water/distilled water
  • Rubbing Alcohol
  • Cornstarch
  • Essential Oil
  • Dish detergent
  • Lemon Juice
  • Ammonia (remember never to mix ammonia with bleach products, as it can become deadly)

I’ve listed all of these common ingredients for a do-it-yourselfer so you can take a look at what’s already in the pantry. You shouldn’t mix all of these in one bottle, however. Let’s look at some helpful combinations. 

Step 3: Mixing The Solution

Solution #1: The simplest solution calls for just two ingredients. Add one cup of water to one cup of vinegar.

Place both items in a spray bottle and shake them thoroughly. Congratulations, you made your own household cleaner!

Solution #2: The next solution is stronger than the one above, and you can use it to ensure you have a spotless mirror on your hands.

Add 1/4th of a cup of white vinegar or apple cider to 1/4th of a cup of rubbing alcohol. You can choose to add essential oils such as lavender or lemon, as well. The last step is to add one tbsp of cornstarch.

We often use vinegar because of its cleaning properties. Its mildly acidic nature makes it the perfect natural cleaning agent for almost every stain you may encounter. (2)

I even use vinegar to get coffee stains and odors out of my clothes!

Solution #3: Add dish detergent, lemon juice, and vinegar together for the perfect spray!

You need 1-2 teaspoons of detergent, 4 tbsps of lemon juice, and 1/2 a cup of vinegar for this cleaning solution. You can also replace the vinegar with ammonia, but avoid inhaling the solution.

Follow the directions on the ammonia bottle for proper diluting before adding it to your spray bottle. The 1/2 cup portion may include water and ammonia to make a safe solution. 

Ammonia gives off a pungent odor and can make your eyes tear up. It can also harm your skin and respiratory system. Vinegar is the safer choice and great for those striving for a non-toxic household. 

One little warning; while vinegar makes for an excellent cleaner, it is essential to dilute it with water, so it doesn’t ruin the mirror’s backing. 

Step 4: The Cleaning Process

Now that you know what kind of cloth to use and how to make natural cleaners, let’s get down to the actual cleaning.

Did you know you can prevent streaky mirrors simply by changing the motion of the cloth or rag on the mirror? The first tip is to move the rag in zig-zag motions instead of circular motions. (3)

The zig-zag motion reduces the buildup of static electricity. Give yourself time to adjust to this new habit. 

Before cleaning the entire mirror, focus on the tough spots. Add your choice of cleaner to the cloth and gently apply it to the spot.

Don’t let the cleaner drip onto the mirror because this will lead to streaking. Squeeze out excess liquids.

In addition to the mirror itself, don’t forget to clean the edges! You can use cotton pads or a toothbrush to get stubborn dirt out of narrow, hard-to-reach corners.

Here’s a great video to help you get a streak-free mirror:

FAQs

What Does It Mean When Your Mirror Is Foggy?

This is usually a result of hot water in the bathroom. The steam from your shower condenses on the mirror, which is a cold surface.

Can Steam Damage The Mirror?

Yes, steam can cause damage to mirrors. The humidity and moisture lead to corrosion and desilvering, which cause black spots to appear on the mirror. 

How Do You Stop A Mirror From Desilvering?

early modern mirror, history of mirrors

Keep the mirror away from direct or indirect moisture. Dry it after showers and see if you can add a frame to protect the backing and the silver layer underneath it.

Conclusion

I hope to have shared helpful information on how to clean a mirror spotless! Perhaps you do not get good results with your current cloth or cleaning solution. Microfiber cloths make a big difference when striving for the best shine and removing dust. You can also make a cleaning solution using items from your pantry. Give these steps a try to improve the beauty of your home. 

Happy cleaning!

women removing dust but how to clean a mirror spotless

So, did you find the steps helpful? Let us know in the comments section!

References:

  • 1. Noss HL. Is White Vinegar a Good Stain Remover? | SustainabilityNook [Internet]. sustainabilitynook.com. 2022. Available from: https://sustainabilitynook.com/white-vinegar-stain-remover/
  • 2. published MS. How to clean a mirror without streaks – expert tips for a spotless, streak-free finish [Internet]. homesandgardens.com. 2022 [cited 2022 Nov 8]. Available from: https://www.homesandgardens.com/advice/how-to-clean-a-mirror-without-streaks
  • 3. Amazing Mirror Facts We Bet You Haven T Heard Before | Kidadl [Internet]. kidadl.com. [cited 2022 Nov 8]. Available from: https://kidadl.com/facts/amazing-mirror-facts-we-bet-you-haven-t-heard-before