How To Clean Mirrors Properly To Leave Zero Streaks
Mirror streaks are off-putting. After a deep house cleaning, the last thing you want to see is streaky mirrors and windows. Before you take out that old newspaper to remedy the situation, you should know that this hack no longer works. Today’s newspapers use a different ink type that leaves streaks behind. Also, please don’t reach out for that paper towel as it leaves lint and is wasteful having to use them for every house cleaning schedule. The trick is to use the right cleaning products, techniques, and solutions.
Here’s how to clean mirrors without streaking.
What You’ll Need
- A flatweave microfiber cloth- this cleaning tool facilitates quick drying, does not pick up debris, and is lint-free.
- Cotton pad
- Store-bought glass cleaner (preferably dye-free, scent-free)
- Spray bottle
- Rubbing alcohol
- Dish soap
- Lemon juice
- Funnel
- Water
- Ammonia
- Toothbrush
- Cornstarch
- Vinegar
How To Spot-Clean Mirrors
For this, you’ll need water, rubbing alcohol, a spray bottle, a cotton pad, a microfiber cloth, and a toothbrush. Start by dabbing the cotton pad in rubbing alcohol and rub the stains in circular motions.
Use a toothbrush to clean the edges and areas with build-up, such as toothpaste splatters. Sprinkle the rubbing alcohol and rub gently. Next, add water to a spray bottle and spritz on these spots. Use a microfiber cloth to wipe in a zig-zag motion.
How To Clean Mirrors Using a Cleaner
Take your glass cleaner and spritz it on the mirror. Take a cleaning cloth and fold it into four parts to get four clean sides to wipe down. Start at the top, swiping in a zig-zag pattern from one corner to the other. Check for scuff marks at a 45-degree angle and spot clean.
How To Clean Mirrors Using Vinegar
Pour equal parts vinegar and water into a spray bottle and shake. Spritz this cleaning solution and take care only to dampen the mirror rather than soak it. Using a zig-zag swiping pattern, wipe the mirrors using a clean microfiber cloth.
How To Clean Mirrors Using a Powerful DIY Cleaning Solution
Usually, the vinegar solution is enough to clean bathroom mirrors without leaving streaks. However, if you have heavily soiled mirrors and glass, you’ll need this powerful DIY cleaning solution.
You’ll need:
- a quarter cup of vinegar and rubbing alcohol
- 1 tbsp. cornstarch
- a cleaning cloth
- and a spray bottle
Pour the liquids into the spray bottle. Using a funnel, add the cornstarch into the mix before shaking. Sprinkle the cleaner onto the soiled areas, then wipe down in Z motions.
Avoid Mirror Streaks With a Vinegar and Lemon Juice Cleaning Solution
Pour 1tsp dish soap, half a cup of white vinegar, and four tbsps. of lemon juice into a spray bottle. Shake well and spray on the mirrors before wiping down in the motions mentioned above.
How To Clean Mirrors Using Ammonia
Pour 1tsp of dish soap, four cups of water, a quarter cup of ammonia, and 30mls of rubbing alcohol into a spray bottle. Shake well and spray on the mirrors. Use a clean cloth and swipe in zig-zag motions.
Mirror Cleaning Tips for Maintaining a Streak-Free Mirror
Can’t stand a streaky mirror? Here are helpful tips to ensure your mirrors and glass remain streak-free.
- Avoid scented and dye cleaners. It’s not uncommon to go for a lemon or lavender-scented cleaner. Unfortunately, these scents don’t evaporate, leaving them as residues that create mirror streaks. We recommend DIY cleaners like vinegar and lemon juice as they get the job done.
- Swipe and dab rather than scrub. Scrubbing can damage your glass and mirrors. Therefore, always swipe or dab it using a cotton pad. Be gentle when using a toothbrush to get to the hard-to-reach spots.
- Microfiber cloths are non-negotiable. As mentioned earlier, all other popular cleaning tools leave streaks. Therefore, only use a clean microfiber cloth when mirror cleaning.
- Circular motions are only ideal for spot cleans. Always use the side-to-side and zig-zag motions to clean a larger area.
- Always start by spot-cleaning oily marks before swiping.
- Consider using distilled water instead of tap water for that final rinse to maintain a streak-free mirror.
Let Maid Impressions Cleaning Help You Achieve a Streak-Free Home
Maintaining streak-free mirrors is not impossible. With a few household ingredients, you can get rid of splatters within minutes. Most times, vinegar and water will do the trick. A heavy-duty solution like ammonia will only be needed for stubborn stains.
You’ll need extra help to deal with other home areas, including skylight windows, fixtures, and glass surfaces. Maid Impressions is a reliable cleaning company offering Clearwater, Dunedin, and Palm Harbor house cleaning services. Our cleaning system and house cleaning checklist are thorough, ensuring all the rooms and surfaces are spot-free!
What’s more, we only use green cleaning products for both residential and commercial services. Feel free to request a free quote by clicking here.
