Cleaning Mirrors

A streak-free mirror comes down to the right cloth, the right solution, and the right wiping motion.

A streak-free mirror comes down to the right cloth, the right solution, and the right wiping motion.

Step-by-Step Cleaning Method

1. Dust first: Gently wipe away surface dust, hair, or dried toothpaste splashes with a dry cloth or duster to prevent scratching the glass.
2. Pre-treat spots: Dab stubborn spots like hairspray or toothpaste buildup with a little rubbing alcohol on a cloth before doing a full wipe.
3. Mix the solution: Combine equal parts white vinegar and warm or distilled water in a spray bottle.
4. Apply to the cloth: Spray the cleaning solution directly onto a lint-free microfiber cloth (instead of the mirror) to stop liquid from seeping behind the edges and ruining the silver backing.
5. Wipe in an S-pattern: Wipe the mirror from top to bottom in a tight S-pattern or zigzag motion, avoiding circular motions that re-deposit dirt and cause streaks.
6. Buff dry: Immediately use a dry, clean microfiber cloth to buff the surface until it shines.