Don’t you just hate it when you’re done cleaning your mirror only to see streaks resurface moments later? It’s even more frustrating when you were using an all-purpose cleaner that should’ve done a better job. Luckily, all you need is some vinegar to get rid of streaks once and for all.
To get your mirror clean and streak-free, mix 1 part vinegar with 1 part distilled water in a spray bottle. Hold the bottle about 6 inches from the surface of the mirror and mist it lightly. Give it a few minutes to dry, then go over the surface again with your cloth until all streaks disappear.
Vinegar is a cheaper and more effective alternative to Windex and other popular glass cleaners. It’ll also save you a trip to the store because chances are you already have it in your kitchen. Let’s take a closer look at how to clean your mirrors with vinegar.
How to Clean a Mirror With Vinegar
Here’s what you’ll need:
- 1 part vinegar (on Amazon)
- 1 part water
- Spray bottle (on Amazon)
- Lint-free cloth (on Amazon)
- Toothbrush or cotton buds
Step 1: Mix Vinegar and Water in a Spray Bottle
The first step is to create the solution. Mix half a cup of distilled water with half a cup of vinegar. You can use a larger amount, but it needs to be in a 1:1 ratio.
Shake it well for the vinegar and water to mix properly.
Step 2: Grab a Microfiber Towel
You will need a microfiber cloth for this process, but if you don’t have one, a regular old towel will do in a pinch. Microfiber is simply less likely to cause streaking and smearing.
Step 3: Spray and Wipe Down the Mirror
Now it’s time to break out the glass cleaner. Take your lint-free cloth or paper towel and soak it in the solution. Make sure it’s not too wet; you don’t want water dripping down the mirror.
Wipe the entire surface of the mirror, going with the grain.
An even better method is to use a spray bottle. Hold it about 6 inches (15 cm) from the surface of the mirror and mist it lightly.
Use a lint-free cloth to wipe down the mirror. You may need to do this a few times to get all the grime off.
Step 4: Allow Your Surface to Dry
After you’ve wiped down the mirror, give it a few minutes to dry. If there are any streaks, go over the surface again with your cloth until it’s completely clear.
There you have it! A clean mirror that will reflect a true image.
Cleaning a Mirror That’s Extra Dirty
Some mirrors are a bit too dirty for the above method. But that’s fine because all you need is a little bit of rubbing alcohol (on Amazon). You’ll still use vinegar and water, but this time you are going to add some rubbing alcohol to the mix.
The ratio will be 1:1:1, so for every cup of water, add one cup of vinegar and one cup of rubbing alcohol. You can also add 1 part of your favorite liquid laundry detergent. Proceed as follows:
- Mix everything and put it into a clean spray bottle. Once again, spray the solution onto your cloth and wipe the mirror in a side-to-side motion. Maintain a consistent pattern, so that you don’t miss any spots.
- Use a cotton bud or toothbrush to clean the areas around the edges of the mirror. These areas are usually the dirtiest because they’re hard to reach.
- After you’ve wiped away all the grime, give the mirror a few minutes to air dry or use a clean cloth to dry it off.
Tips for Cleaning Your Mirror
Here are a few tips to get the most out of your cleaning:
- Don’t forget to clean all the spots that you notice. Some spots are harder to see than others. You can use a cotton bud or toothbrush to reach these areas.
- Try using a different microfiber cloth if you’re not getting the desired results. Some cloths are better than others.
- Wash your hands before you start cleaning. This will help to reduce the number of smudges you leave behind. Remember to wash them again when you’re done.
- If you’re cleaning a large mirror, start from the top and work your way down. This will prevent smears and streaks.
- Even though paper towels are lint-free, they’re not as absorbent as microfiber cloths. This means they can leave behind streaks and smears. Use less water if you’re going to use paper towels.
- If you’re cleaning a mirror with a frame, be careful not to get the frame wet. Water can damage the material.
Vinegar: The Not So Secret Ingredient
Cleaning your mirror doesn’t have to be too exhausting, difficult, or time-consuming. You only need to use the right cleaner.
With the tips we’ve provided, you should be done in no time. Seeing your reflection in a clean, streak-free mirror is so satisfying.
Now go out there and give it a try!