Glass Cleaner Alternatives That Really Shine. First, as most of us know, Windex does an excellent job of cleaning windows and mirrors. That's because the main ingredient in the product is ammonia. Ammonia is a strong chemical with just enough abrasive properties to remove dirt and grime without scratching the glass.
Even multi-purpose cleaners are too strong for cleaning mirrors. They often leave a toxic residue that makes mirrors hazy. Soapy cleaners also leave behind a residue that contributes to streaks, so avoid those too.
But even mirror-specific products like Windex, while effective at cleaning, can leave your mirror full of streaks because they contain so much soap. While streaks are annoying, they aren't the only issue that can come up when you're cleaning mirrors.
The safest cleaner for a mirror is clean, warm water used with a soft cloth. An approved glass cleaner such as Windex or similar products may be used. However, be very careful not to allow the edges of the mirror to get or remain wet over a period of time.
Why do my mirrors streak when I clean them? Experts suggest that streaks are primarily caused by the wrong tools. If you're using products with soaps and additives (that are less able to evaporate) or you're wiping with a crude edge (such as those on paper towels) then you're less likely to achieve a spotless finish.
Clorox® Disinfecting Wipes are easy to use and work on a variety of hard, nonporous surfaces, including mirrors and glass. The powerful cleaning technology dissolves kitchen grease and fights soap scum.
The Right Technique. It's often recommended to spray the window cleaner directly on your microfiber cloth, newspaper, or t-shirt instead of the glass. The reason is that this will help you avoid drips that can leave streaks if you don't wipe them up quickly.
DON'T: Use a Paper Towel
What they don't realize is that paper towels leave behind small pieces of residue, making the mirror look dusty. Instead, always use a clean, dry flat weave microfiber cloth. The microfiber acts as a magnet for dirt.
Combine one cup water, one cup vinegar and a teaspoon of dish soap in a spray bottle. Shake gently to mix. Apply the solution directly to the mirror and let it sit for a few seconds. Wipe the spray on the mirror away with either a microfiber cloth or newspaper.
Rub your mirror in circular motions. Use a damp microfiber cloth dipped in warm water. Use a dry microfiber cloth to remove excess water and prevent streaks or water marks. For deep cleaning, use washing-up liquid or white vinegar and warm water.
A: Fog-free mirrors come in two basic types. Some have heaters or hot-water reservoirs that warm the glass to prevent condensation, the tiny water droplets that form when warm, moist air hits a cold surface. The other type works because of a clear, polyester film applied over the mirror at the factory.
Isopropyl alcohol (rubbing alcohol) works great for removing hairspray stickiness from mirrors as well as any other build-up or streaks. Because isopropyl alcohol evaporates quickly, simply wet a clean cotton cloth with it and wipe. For sticky residues, you may need to rub to fully remove the mess.
Mirrors are a regular part of a cleaning schedule in the home. According to the experts, decorative mirrors should be throughly cleaned at least monthly to remove pollutants that settle on the surface. Meanwhile, bathroom mirrors will need daily attention to keep them clear from splatters, water and toothpaste.
Mirror Cleaner
I found that scrubbing the mirror with a DRY Magic Eraser does really well for a streak-free shine.
Clorox Glass Wipes in Radiant Clean scent are formulated to deliver a clear, streak free finish.
Mirrors use glass, but they have a silver backing which is sensitive to acid corrosion. If the vinegar seeps through the glass coating, it'll ruin your mirror's shine. To clean mirrors, you could instead use plain old Windex or another store-bought glass cleaner.
In fact, the best mirror cleaning solution is a homemade one: a vinegar and water solution, that is. In addition to being cheaper and more natural, another plus of this DIY glass cleaner recipe is that it doesn't contain soap like many premixed formulas, as excess soap can lead to streaky mirrors.
A simple reason may be because of an accumulation of dirt and lack of maintenance. Another reason could be desilvering - mirrors are made of glass with a silver backing, and over time the mirror may begin to develop black spots. This is called desilvering and it usually happens due to moisture.