How to Clean Mirrors

Co-authored by Filip Boksa

Last Updated: August 4, 2021 References

Mirrors can very easily and noticeably build up gunk, dust, or grime. Mirrors in bathrooms, especially, tend to be guilty of accumulating an unsightly layer of toothpaste, hairspray, or other bathroom products. This can be even worse if you have hard water that causes calcium or lime to build up. But by isolating difficult deposits, pre-treating trouble spots, and using the right tools for the job, your mirror will be clean in a flash.

Part 1

Part 1 of 2:

Pre-treating Stains and Making Cleaner

1
Assess the condition of your mirror. Depending on the location and use of your mirror, it may have accumulated special kinds of grime that need specific cleaning agents to remove. Limescale or calcium deposits are likely culprits, and should be pre-treated before you tackle lesser stains. You can:
- Identify calcium deposits by white, slightly rough textured spots. These can be removed by white vinegar on a damp cloth.^{[1]
  X
  Research source}
- Spot limescale, which is difficult to remove, by its milky white deposit on the surface of your mirror. Remove these stains with lemon juice, pickling vinegar, or lime juice.^{[2]
  X
  Research source}
2
Gather your mirror cleaning materials. If you intend on using regular rags or paper towels, the rough material could cause scratches on your mirror over time, or may leave lint behind. A microfiber cloth is a great way to prevent lint. In addition, you should also make sure you have:
- A bucket
- Cotton cleaning rag (2)
- Water
- Rubbing alcohol
- White vinegar
EXPERT TIP

Filip Boksa
House Cleaning Professional
Filip Boksa is the CEO and Founder of King of Maids, a U.S. based home cleaning service that helps clients with cleaning and organization.

Filip Boksa
House Cleaning Professional

The easiest way to clean a mirror is with vinegar. Fill a spray bottle with white vinegar and apply it to the glass. Wipe off the vinegar with a lint-free rag. Avoid spraying vinegar onto a wooden frame if there is one.

Advertisement
3
Mix your mirror cleaner. You can also make use of pre-made window cleaner, which are generally available at most stores, but white vinegar is an affordable and safe cleaning agent that will easily cut through build-up on your mirror. To make a white vinegar window cleaner simply:
- Dilute one part white vinegar per every four parts hot water in your bucket.^{[3]
  X
  Research source} So for every four cups of water you use, you'll need one cup of white vinegar.
- You might also consider using a spray bottle, found in the home goods section of most stores, so that you can mist your mirrors with your cleaning solution.
- If you know you have hard water, using distilled water in place of tap water will prevent minerals from leaving deposits on your mirror.
4
Pre-treat thick build up and trouble spots with rubbing alcohol.^{[4]
X
Research source} Wet your clean cotton rag with rubbing alcohol and then isolate and remove trouble spots one at a time. Due to the fact that rubbing alcohol evaporates quickly, you should try to perform this task as swiftly as possible.

Part 2

Part 2 of 2:

Cleaning a Mirror

1
Wet the surface of your mirror. Using the second of your two clean cotton rags, dampen it in the bucket containing your cleaning solution and wring out additional moisture.^{[5]
X
Research source} If you drown your mirror in cleaner, your microfiber cloth might not be sufficient to dry it.
2
Quarter your microfiber cloth for optimal use.^{[6]
X
Research source} Take your microfiber cloth and fold it in half vertically and horizontally. This way, when you notice one side of your microfiber cloth is getting dirty, you can use the opposite side. When that side becomes dirty, you can open it and use one of the clean inside parts of your cloth, and so on.
- You can use any soft, lint free cloth. Some people use bar towels for mirrors and glass.
3
Clean your mirror top to bottom. Pay close attention to cracks, crevices, or contours in your mirror; these are places dirt and grime build up and escape notice. By cleaning from top to bottom, you will also prevent the appearance of drip marks.
- Angled cuts, deep corners, or other embellishments can be effectively cleaned with a cotton swab or toothbrush.^{[7]
  X
  Research source}
- Never wipe in a circular motion. Side to side and up and down leads to less streaks.
4
Change your viewing angle to verify cleanliness and spot clean.^{[8]
X
Research source} A change in perspective might reveal a glob or streak that you missed while wiping down your mirror. Observe your mirror from multiple angles, and if you see any spots:
- Apply a small amount of cleaner to your cotton rag.
- Wring out remaining moisture thoroughly.
- Spot clean the offending spot with your rag.
- Dry and buff with a clean portion of your microfiber cloth.

Community Q&A

Question

How can I remove paint from a mirror?

Community Answer

If it is a latex-based paint, gently scrape the paint off with a razor blade. If it is spray paint, use acetone on a rag to dissolve the paint.
Question

Can I get my mirror streak free without using rubbing alcohol?

Community Answer

Try using whatever glass cleaner you usually use and crumpled up newspaper.
Question

Does it have to be white vinegar for the mixture?

Community Answer

Not necessarily. There are special products you can spray that are specifically made to be used on mirrors or glass.

Warnings

Pouring very hot water into a plastic spray bottle may cause it to melt.

⧼thumbs_response⧽
Helpful 12 Not Helpful 0
If your hands are frequently in contact with cleaning agents they can dry out quickly and become sore. Use gloves.

⧼thumbs_response⧽
Helpful 10 Not Helpful 5