Although it’s difficult to see marks and streaks on various surfaces, the slightest stain on a mirror can be visible and become an annoyance. A clean mirror not only helps you ensure your makeup is flawless and your bangs are even, but it also makes the whole space look better.
Mix one tablespoon of Dawn dish soap in one liter of water. Dip a squeegee in this mixture and wipe down the mirror. Use a newspaper to remove any streaks left behind. Before cleaning, remove difficult spots with rubbing alcohol and always clean right to left and top to bottom.
Having a streak-free mirror may seem like a difficult task, but with Dawn dish soap, it can become relatively easy. Let’s look at how you should clean your mirror, what supplies you need, and what steps can help you get your mirror sparkling clean.
Does Dawn Dish Soap Work on Mirrors?
One of the most effective ways of cleaning mirrors is using Dawn dish soap (on Amazon). It helps to remove stuck-on dirt and gets rid of any hazy build-up.
If you’re looking to avoid cleaning with bleach, the Dawn dish soap and water mixture works exceptionally well, especially on cloudy mirrors. Professional cleaners also use it to clean exterior windows.
What Supplies Will I Need?
Before cleaning your mirrors, make sure you have the following supplies on hand:
- Dawn dish soap
- Bucket of water
- Microfiber cloth (on Amazon)
- Squeegee
- Old newspapers
What to Keep in Mind Before Starting
Before cleaning your mirror, it’s essential to keep the following considerations in mind:
Pretreat Difficult Spots First
Use a cotton ball dipped in rubbing alcohol to dab away toothpaste splatters, mascara smudges, hairspray streaks, lipstick smears, and grubby fingerprints before cleaning your mirror. For limescale deposits on your mirror, use lemon juice.
Use a cotton ball dipped in nail polish remover if you have paint stains on your mirror.
Alternatively, vinegar can eliminate calcium deposits on your mirror, which look like white spots. Vinegar is naturally acidic and excellent for removing various stains.
Use Homemade Cleaners
Instead of buying commercial cleaners, it’s best to make your cleaner at home with the ingredients you probably have on hand.
Mix 2 cups of water with ¼ cup vinegar or 2 cups of water with ½ teaspoon of Dawn dish soap in a spray bottle. Spray the mixture onto a microfiber cloth and wipe your mirror clean.
Choose a Flat-Weave, Thin Microfiber Cloth
In addition to a powerful cleaning solution, your cleaning rag must also be effective. Avoid using thick terry cloth and paper towels as they can leave behind lint and particles on the mirror.
Instead, the best thing to use is a flat-weave, thin microfiber cloth.
Use the Right Motion to Clean
Avoid cleaning your mirror in circular motions. Instead, use a clean cloth to wipe the mirror’s surface from side to side moving from top to bottom.
Shaving cream on your mirror is an awesome cleaning hack, so it doesn’t fog up after your shower. After cleaning your mirror, apply a thin layer of shaving cream.
The glycerin in the cream will form a protective coating over the mirror’s surface. Then, wipe it off with a soft microfiber cloth.
Shaving cream is also fantastic for polishing chrome fixtures, so use it on the faucet and handles.
Be sure to check if your mirror is spotless by moving around and looking at your reflection from different angles. Then, use a clean, dry microfiber cloth to buff any remaining streaks.
How to Clean a Mirror with Dawn Dish Soap
Follow the steps given below to ensure a sparkling clean mirror:
- Use a soft microfiber cloth to remove dust from the mirror. Avoid wiping the mirror with rough cloths as it could damage or scratch it.
- Mix half a liter of warm water and a splash of Dawn dish soap in a bucket.
- Dip the squeegee in this mixture and run it over the mirror.
- Using the rubber blade of the squeegee, remove the Dawn dish soap solution. Make sure to move in even straight lines. Remember to clean the blade with a microfiber cloth after every swipe.
- Lastly, take some clean newspapers and rub them over the glass. This will help to remove any streaks easily.