Not all mirrors are created equal. If you have a bathroom mirror that up with each shower, an antique-looking glass with a tarnished silver backing, or a plain old pane of reflective glass, they all require different methods for cleaning. The right way is to use your materials safely and efficiently, not to damage the mirror or cause harm to yourself. Here are instructions on how to clean three different types of mirrors: bathroom mirrors, antiqued-looking glasses, and regular glass panes.
Bathroom Mirror Cleaning
You Will Need
1/4 cup white vinegar + 1/4 cup distilled water OR 1/4 cup rubbing alcohol + 14 distilled water
Instructions
Mix your chosen cleaning solution. You will need to wear protective gloves while cleaning the mirror. Lift the mirror off its hanging hardware, and place it face down on a towel or drop cloth (if you are concerned about protecting the reflective surface, place another thick towel but do not lay the mirror directly on or upholstery; this can cause damage). Spray one side of the glass with your choice of solution and wipe clean with either a soft cotton cloth or paper towels.
Regular Glass Cleaning
You Will Need
1/4 cup distilled water OR 1 tablespoon vinegar + 2 tablespoons filtered water
Instructions:
Mix your chosen cleaning solution. Wearing protective gloves, spray one side of the glass with your choice of solution and wipe clean with either a soft cotton cloth or paper towels.
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Antiqued Glass Cleaning
You Will Need
1/4 cup distilled water OR 1 tablespoon vinegar + 2 tablespoons filtered water + 1 tablespoon olive oil (optional)
Instructions
Mix your chosen cleaning solution. Wearing protective gloves, spray one side of the glass with your choice of solution and wipe clean with either a soft cotton cloth or paper towels. If you are making this type of mirror, you will need to apply an additional coat if the tarnished silver backing becomes evident after cleaning.
To do this, mix one teaspoon salt with enough olive oil to make a paste. Apply this paste directly on the tarnished area using either your finger or a cotton swab and allow it to sit for 5-10 minutes. Wipe off with a soft cloth and wipe down the glass one more time to remove any oil residue. Allow to dry and replace hanging hardware.
Mirror Cleaning with Rubbing Alcohol
It would be best if you cleaned your mirrors at least once a week to get rid of the dust and grime that accumulates on its reflective surface. If you do not clean your mirrors regularly, it can result in foggy-looking reflection making your image look fuzzy. Here are easy steps on how to clean mirrors with rubbing Alcohol:
Materials needed and cleaning instructions
- Rubbing Alcohol (90% isopropyl) – Damp cotton cloth or towel – Container for liquid.
- You can use paper towels if you don’t have any cotton cloth available.
- Before starting, be sure to turn off all fans and air conditioners so that the humidity in the room will not interfere with the cleaning process.
- Pour rubbing lots of how-to-guides recommend using Windex or other commercially available cleaners. Which is fine, but why buy something that you can whip up for pennies at home?
- 1 part water
- Two parts Rubbing Alcohol
- Mix it in a spray bottle and mist. Let dry and enjoy!
Mirror Cleaning with a microfiber cloth
Clean mirrors using just a microfiber cloth and water. Microfiber cloth is excellent for those who may not want the smudges on their mirror-like you get with paper towels or if someone in your household wears glasses and needs to clean their lenses too.
If you wish, add some white vinegar to the water; it has antiseptic properties, which will help prevent mold and mildew from building up on your mirror.
1: Wet the Microfiber Cloth thoroughly under running water. Squeeze out any excess moisture. There’s no need to use soap or chemicals
2: Wipe One section at a time using only the weight of your hand (no scrubbing) without moving the cloth backward across the glass surface.
3: Keep the Microfiber Cloth damp while you are cleaning. This prevents streaking and will not harm your mirror, windows, or any other glass surface in your home.
4: Dry the mirror with a dry microfiber cloth to prevent spotting.
5: To clean around switches/outlets/sconces, use masking tape on the wall to make a “track” for your damp microfiber cloth. Wipe around light switch covers inside and out, doorknobs, faucets, handles, etc., this way, and dust doesn’t get deposited onto other surfaces you don’t want it on!
How can a mirror be made to sparkle?
Mirrors are essential to any home decor, and they tend to lose their shine and luster over time. However, with some easy-to-find household items, you can make your mirror sparkle and look brand new. Here are some simple tips on how to make your mirror shine:
- Gather your supplies: You will need a soft cloth, water, white vinegar, and a spray bottle.
- Create the cleaning solution: Mix equal parts of water and white vinegar in the spray bottle.
- Spray the solution: Spray the cleaning solution on the mirror surface, careful not to spray too much.
- Wipe the mirror: Take a soft cloth and wipe the mirror, starting at the top and working your way down. Be sure to use a gentle circular motion to remove any spots or streaks.
- Dry the mirror: Use a clean cloth to remove any remaining water spots or streaks.
- Use a finishing spray: For added sparkle, you can use a glass finishing spray. Spray it on the mirror and wipe it off with a soft cloth.
In conclusion, making your mirror sparkle is an easy task that can be achieved with a few simple steps. Using common household items and a gentle touch, you can restore the shine and luster of your mirrors and make them look brand new.
Thankfully, rubbing alcohol can be found in your medicine cabinet as a quick fix. Before you start cleaning, dampen a cotton swab with this and dab at these trouble spots. By which was before the mirrors before wiping, you may avoid streaks forming and have a spotless surface.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
How do I clean my mirrors?
To minimize dust around the mirror while you clean it, try opening a window or turning on a standing fan if possible. This will help pull the dust away from the mirror’s surface. Once your mirrors are clean, it’s a good idea to go over them with a glass cleaner to remove any remaining fingerprints. This will ensure that your mirrors remain free from smudges and streaks.
How do I clean my frameless glass shower door?
Frameless Glass Shower Doors can be cleaned with any household cleaner containing ammonia, such as Windex or Formula 409, diluted according to package directions. For other hard surfaces like mirrors and metal, use an all-purpose cleaner like Windex Multi-Surface Cleaner. For stubborn spots or water spots, use a non-abrasive cleaner made especially for glass surfaces, such as Windex Glass Cleaner or Formula 409 Glass Cleaner.
For stubborn spots or water spots, use a non-abrasive cleaner made especially for glass surfaces, such as Windex Glass Cleaner or Formula 409 Glass Cleaner. It is recommended to spray the surface with an ammonia-based cleaner, then wipe dry before you shower or bathe. This will prevent water spots or soap scum from building up on your glass walls, which are both problematic if not impossible to remove after they’ve dried. Also, be sure to squeegee your glass walls each morning after showering.