We all know that mirrors can get dirty in a matter of minutes. This is especially the case with bathroom mirrors, as they’re subjected to steam from showering, fingerprint smudges, hair products, and toothpaste.
Although cleaning a streaky mirror may appear straightforward with glass cleaning products, there are natural and chemical-free methods that can help save you money. And the best part is – they’re probably all in your household!
Below we’ll go through the necessary steps on the best way to clean mirrors using all-natural products. But first, ensure you have these supplies on hand before you begin:
- Alcohol
- Cotton swabs
- Water
- Microfibre cloth
- Toothpaste
- Spray bottle
Here are 10 Things to Clean and Disinfect in Your Home
Cleaning Mirrors with Alcohol
Alcohol is a highly efficient and budget-friendly option if you don’t want to use any other household ingredients. If your mirror is susceptible to toothpaste, fingerprints and other types of residue, a quick dab of alcohol will do the trick.
Proceed to dab small amounts of alcohol onto a cotton pad and rub each spot individually on the mirror’s surface. Doing so will prevent grease from smearing across your mirror, causing streaks to appear.
Alcohol is effective because it evaporates quickly, which means it won’t leave any residue behind. However, just be sure to clean quickly or you will have to reapply the alcohol and repeat the process.
Cleaning Mirrors with Vinegar
An often overlooked cleaning agent is vinegar, as it has a variety of uses that go beyond cooking. Vinegar can be used to disinfect your kitchen counters, sink and other grease prone areas – a quick and easy solution during your house cleaning routine or end of lease clean.
First, fill up your spray bottle with half water and half vinegar, then shake until it’s mixed well. Proceed to spray onto a microfibre cloth and wipe your mirror in in a zig-zag motion. The zig-zag direction prevents streaks and is also the recommended technique for cleaning glass surfaces.
Always remember to apply your vinegar solution onto your cloth first, as spraying it directly onto the mirror will cause water to drip down and accumulate in the corners. If you are worried about the smell of vinegar, try to use a fresh cloth every few swipes.
How to Clean Mirrors Using a Microfiber Cloth
Removing tough streaks doesn’t have to be complicated, but the next time you’re at the supermarket, be sure to buy a microfibre cloth. Contrary to popular belief, paper towels are largely ineffective in wiping away streaks and typically leave behind dust and lint.
On the other hand, microfibre cloths are reusable and can wipe away any residue with ease, thanks to their super-soft and thick fabric. They’re also highly absorbent and can be used to dry mirrors as well as wipe them down.
Begin by using your microfibre cloth to wipe down the mirror to remove any loose dirt and dust accumulated over time. It’s crucial not to use a damp cloth, as this will cause water spots and streaks.
If you’re struggling to remove dust from tiny and tight spaces, try using a toothbrush to get into all of the grooves. The bristles are small and thin, allowing you to really get in and wipe away any accumulation.
Toothpaste as a Mirror Cleaner
If you need a quick and convenient solution to clean your stained mirrors, try using toothpaste. Whether it’s fingerprint smudges or a little bit of residue from hair products and other substances, it will work great!
Just put some toothpaste onto your microfibre cloth, then wipe evenly across your mirror’s surface. Once complete, let it rest for 15 to 30 minutes before wiping it down. Once dried, the toothpaste will work to break up anything left behind.
Things to Avoid When Cleaning Your Mirrors
Just as there are certain things you can do to clean your mirrors, there’s also a few techniques and products to avoid. Below we’ll go through these pitfalls when cleaning your mirror:
- Newspaper as it can leave behind ink and paper
- Acid or alkaline cleaners which can damage your mirror’s surface and edges
- Paper towels as residue can get stuck in the grooves
- Cleaning solution sprayed directly on the mirror as this can quickly puddle on your mirror’s edge
- Ammonia based cleaners as they can eat away at your mirror’s surface
- Wiping in a circular motion that causes dust to return to the same spot
While you Clean the Mirrors, let Calibre Cleaning Handle the Rest of Your Home’s Mess
While cleaning mirrors can be a relatively quick process, the rest of your home may be a different story. For example, your kitchen’s surfaces can become covered with layers of food debris over time, proving time-consuming and challenging to clean.
Calibre Cleaning is a premier cleaning service that operates in multiple cities across Australia. Our experts deliver the best possible results for your home, ensuring that it’s left spotless and sparkling. We will clean all of your surfaces from top to bottom, so you rest easy knowing everything has been attended to. We provide professional services for house cleaning in Adelaide, Brisbane, Canberra, Gold Coast, Hobart, Melbourne, Perth, and Sydney. We also offer End of lease or bond cleaning in Adelaide, Brisbane, Canberra, Gold Coast, Hobart, Melbourne, Perth, and Sydney.
If you’re up to your neck in household chores, give us a call today on 1300 991 368 or email us at [email protected] to book in your cleaning session. Whatever service you have in mind, let our cleaning staff know, and we’ll be more than happy to help! Planning on doing all the cleaning yourself? Here are Top 5 Life Hacks to Help You Keep on Top of Housework and a good read on Why A Decluttered Home Makes You Happier.