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How To Clean A Mirror (And Leave It Streak-Free!)

A clean-looking mirror is instantly noticeable. However, a dirty, foggy mirror is equally eye-catching, if not more—and not in a good sense. So, if your mirror is so dingy you can’t see yourself through it anymore,  it could use a good cleaning.

If you aren’t sure what to use or you’ve tried to clean your mirror before to no avail, this blog is for you. Here, you’ll find the best way to take care of your mirror without leaving any trace behind. Keep reading, and forget about spots and streaks!

Before you start

Cleaning your mirrors is a relatively easy task. Still, there are some tips you can follow to achieve a clear, pristine reflection every time you wipe the glass.

  1. Give your mirror a dry wipe before starting. That way, you’ll get rid of most of the debris that could cause streaks.
  2. Avoid wiping in circular motions. Doing so will only recirculate debris and linen over the surface.
  3. Don’t use newspapers. Current papers use soy-based ink instead of the petroleum-based one from back then. So, besides leaving lint behind, they no longer give your mirrors a shiny finish.

What you’ll need for the task

Besides the previous recommendations, you’ll need a few items to get the work done as well as possible:

  • A medium-size toothbrush
  • Microfiber cloths
  • Vinegar
  • Rubbing alcohol
  • A spray bottle
  • Cotton
  • A clip

How to clean your mirror

Now that you have everything ready, you can finally start cleaning your mirror. Just follow these  four steps:

Step #1. Clean corners and edges

If you have a framed mirror, you’ll want to start by cleaning the slits between the glass and the frame. To do it, grab your toothbrush and gently swab along the length of the gaps. If you encounter hard-stuck debris, use the clip to unstuck it carefully.

Step #2. Get rid of spots

One of the main issues with dirty mirrors is their several fingerprints, smudges, toothpaste stains, and many other marks. You can get rid of all those imperfections by spot-treating them with a piece of cotton dampened with alcohol. 

Pro tip: As the alcohol evaporates quickly, you need to work fast when erasing spots.

Step #3. Wipe the glass surface

Time for the main act! First, you’re going to need to make a homemade cleaning solution. Mix equal parts warm water and white vinegar in a spray bottle. Once done, shake it until the two liquids are properly combined.

At this point, you have two options: spray the mix directly onto a microfiber cloth or over one mirror’s half (to avoid evaporation). Then you can wipe the surface from top to bottom in zig-zag-shaped motions. This technique will help you prevent streaks.

Step #4. Dry the mirror

To give your mirror a gleaming look, use a clean microfiber cloth and buff the surface immediately after wiping the vinegar solution. Once you finish, you can now admire your beautiful, clear reflection.

Are you short on time? Let Eloise’s Cleaning Services help you!

Is your busy schedule preventing you from cleaning your mirrors? Our thoroughly-vetted and experienced cleaners will clean your mirrors and the entire house, leaving them spotless! 

Book with us now to receive premium quality cleaning at affordable prices!