Many people install mirrors in their bathrooms, kitchens, and other places around the house. In addition to being decorative, they offer a more comprehensive view of an area by reflecting light from other parts of the room. However, the glass on mirrors often becomes smudged or clouded with dust and dirt particles that can be irritating to look through. The best way to clean a mirror is to use a non-abrasive household cleaner and a lint-free cloth to prevent scratches.
Cleaning bathroom mirrors
Spray an all-purpose household cleaner onto a soft cloth rather than directly onto the mirror surface as this will minimize streaking or smearing. Finish by wiping the mirror in a downward motion from top to bottom.
Cleaning kitchen mirrors
The exact process for bathroom mirrors can be used, with adding a few drops of dishwashing liquid onto the cloth if needed. Be sure to rinse and dry the mirror well afterward, as any residue left behind could attract dirt and dust particles.
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How to clean mirrors?
- Use a glass cleaner and paper towels or newspaper instead of a household cleaner and cloth. Apply the glass cleaner to the towel or newspaper and wipe down the mirror surface in smooth strokes. This is an excellent method to use when cleaning small mirrors or mirrors with delicate surfaces.
- Mix one part white vinegar with two parts water in a spray bottle. Spray the mirror surface and wipe it down with a lint-free cloth.
- If there is heavy build-up on a mirror, such as wax from candles, spray it with a little bit of oven cleaner and allow it to sit for a few minutes before wiping it off with a damp cloth. Be sure to rinse the mirror well afterward and dry thoroughly.
- For mirrors that hard water deposits have etched, mix one-part ammonia with four parts water in a spray bottle.
- For mirrors with a bronze or copper finish, use a gentle cleaner made for metal surfaces.
- If there is a film or haze on a mirror, mix one-part rubbing alcohol with four parts water in a spray bottle. Spray the mirror and wipe clean with a soft cloth. Rinse well and dry thoroughly.
- Mix one part TSP (trisodium phosphate) with four parts water in a spray bottle for mirrors with a black finish. Spray the mirror and wipe clean with a soft cloth. Rinse well and dry thoroughly. TSP is available at most hardware stores.
- Mix vinegar with four parts water in a spray bottle to clean a mirrored backsplash. Spray the mirror and wipe it down with a soft cloth. Rinse well and dry thoroughly.
- Mix one part ammonia with four parts water in a spray bottle to clean a mirrored wall. Spray the mirror and wipe it down with a soft cloth. Rinse well and dry thoroughly.
- If there is a lot of dirt or dust on a mirror, try using a vacuum cleaner attachment with the hose removed. Be careful not to suck up the mirror surface!
- It may be necessary to use a household cleaner specifically for severely dirty or greasy mirrors for severely dirty or greasy mirrors. Follow the directions on the cleaner label. Make sure to rinse well and dry the mirror entirely afterward.
- For portable or handheld mirrors, mix two tablespoons of baking soda with one tablespoon of water in a small container. Apply the mixture to a soft cloth and wipe down the mirror surface in gentle strokes until it is clean.
- Mix 4 parts warm water with 1 part vinegar for a streak-free shine that will not leave stains on glass surfaces.
- To keep bathroom mirrors from fogging up when taking showers, keep the door open when possible, or have your shower at night when there’s no steam in the room.
- To prevent fogging in a bathroom mirror, use a shaving cream called Noxzema to coat the mirror after showering to keep it from steaming up.
- Do not clean a mirror with anything that has chemicals or ammonia. This will leave a residue on their surface and could damage the mirror.
- Clean mirrors with newspaper instead of glass cleaner to avoid streaking.
- Clean mirrors by spraying them with 1 part vinegar to 4 parts water and wipe away streaks free.
- Clean bathroom mirrors before taking a shower so they won’t steam up while inside.
- Wipe down dirty outside windows while raining for easier cleaning once the rain stops 9) To get rid of window condensation, turn off all the lights in the room, wait until the mirror is completely dry and turn on again. The mirror will now be less foggy.
- Mix 1 gallon of warm water with 1/4 cup of white vinegar to clean windows (outside and inside) streak-free.
- Use a squeegee after washing windows outside to avoid streaks.
- For dirty or streaky windows, mix 1 part ammonia with three parts water and apply to cloth, then wipe the window. Only use ammonia outdoors.
- Wipe down mirrors before going to bed at night, so you don’t have to deal with them in the morning.
FAQs
- How can I clean mirrors?
The best way to clean mirrors is with a squeegee and some Windex. (If you don’t know what the “best way” is, then this would be your second-best way.) Just spray the mirror with Windex and wipe it off with the squeegee.
- How should I clean my bathroom mirror?
There are other ways to get a smear-free finish on your bathroom mirror other than just Windex & squeegee. Try vinegar & newspaper or hair shampoo & water, for example.
- Is there an easy method of cleaning frosted glass? What about faux frosted glass?
Yes, but there are many ways to do it. Some people use vinegar & newspaper, and others use Pledge lemon furniture spray. Some will use vinegar & water or hydrogen peroxide & baking soda.
