Isn’t it frustrating that no matter how hard you try, or how often you wipe them, your household mirrors are constantly looking greasy or sticky? Cleaning a mirror properly takes a little bit of know-how. How to clean a mirror?
Luckily, this is our area of expertise and we’ve created an extensive guide on how to clean a mirror effectively. We’ll let you know the best equipment you should (and shouldn’t) be using, as well as some useful tips to keep your mirror cleaner for longer.
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What should you use to clean a mirror?
First of all, to tackle your dirty mirror properly, you need the right equipment!
Unfortunately, a dab of tap water and a soggy, old cloth won’t do the job. We recommend the following items to clean a mirror perfectly:
- Strong kitchen paper towel
- Microfibre cloth
- Mirror or glass cleaning spray
- Equal parts of water and vinegar in a spray bottle
- Toothbrush (for deep cleaning)
Mirrors come in all shapes and sizes and can build up stains in a variety of different ways. Having these essentials in your cupboard will make cleaning a mirror simple and easy no matter how dirty it becomes!
How to clean a mirror: 3 simple steps
- First of all, we need to give the outer frame a dusting. Large mirrors, or those with intricate designs, can quickly build up dust and grime in the hard-to-reach places within the frame. Grab your toothbrush and gently scrub in between the glass and the frame to dislodge the dirt.
- Wipe away with some kitchen paper, trying your best not to spread it over the surface of the mirror. Work your way around the frame until it’s completely clean and dust free!
- Next, locate any particularly tough stains on the mirror such as toothpaste, fingerprints, hairspray streaks or even food! Using your mirror cleaning spray, cover the area well and leave for 30 seconds to allow the spray to soak into the stain. Wipe away with some kitchen towel and repeat on any other stains across the mirror.
- Using the mixture of water and vinegar, begin to spray across the surface of the mirror. The most efficient method is to divide your mirror into sections, rather than completely soak it all in one go. Once you’ve covered an area, leave for 10 seconds, then wipe with kitchen towel. A strong kitchen towel is very effective for absorbing water. You may need to use a few pieces to completely clean your mirror.
How to clean a mirror without leaving streak marks ?
Once you’ve finished cleaning with the kitchen towel and just before your mirror has dried out completely, use the microfibre cloth to polish and buff the glass. The best method to avoid streaks is to wipe in a circular motion, working your way from top to bottom. Doing this quickly will prevent the mirror from forming streaks or smudges.
How to stop a mirror from becoming hazy ?
Mirrors can very quickly become hazy or cloudy for several reasons. Bathroom mirrors are subject to frequent moisture build-up. While mirrors elsewhere around the house can become greasy or oily from sprays, humidity and, of course, dirty fingerprints. Luckily, keeping your mirror clean of hazy marks is very simple.
How to choose a good mirror cleaner ?
Using a mirror and glass cleaner from a reputable brand is the most effective way to eradicate the hazy mirror look. If you’ve been using multi-purpose spray or just warm water then this will only add to the haziness. You should switch to a quality mirror cleaner as soon as you can. If possible, it’s always best to use locally sourced, eco-friendly products, so you know exactly what chemicals they contain.
What not to do when cleaning a mirror ?
As well as guiding you through how to clean your mirror, we’ve also included some tips on what not to do:
- It may seem obvious but try your best to avoid touching the mirror whilst you’re cleaning it. You’re trying to remove the fingerprints, not add more!
- Throw away old cleaning products. Expired sprays and cleaners will only add a greasy, hazy look to your mirror
- Avoid using cleaning products that contain too much soap. When the solution dries, it will leave streaks across your mirror.
- Many guides will suggest using newspapers, but the ink in today’s newspapers can cause stains on your glass. It’s best to stick to a quality kitchen towel and a microfibre cloth to gain the perfect shine to your mirror!
Cleaning mirrors don’t have to be a time-consuming, energy-sapping chore if you follow our simple steps. Ideally, mirrors should be cleaned at least once a week during your household deep clean. It’s a good idea to invest in some high-quality products, as mentioned above. Not only will they clean your mirror more effectively, but you won’t need to use as much product to remove the stains.
Let Wecasa help!
If you want to pass on the mirror cleaning duties to a professional, Wecasa are the perfect partners to solve all your needs!
We offer a range of home cleaning services from one-off cleans to end-of-tenancy cleaning and even housekeeping services.
Our cleaning service prices begin at £15.90 per hour and do not require a minimum order. To book your professional cleaning service, simply enter your address details below and we’ll find an available cleaner in your area!
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