True there are many, very efficient window and mirror cleaning sprays available in your local supermarket. Of these, we're especially fond of Windex, but a cheaper and effective solution (pun intended) is a mix of white vinegar and water.
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 mixture of vinegar and water can provide an effective and non-toxic cleaning solution for windows and mirrors.
Spray a stronger mix of 1:1 water and vinegar (or Windex, or glass cleaner) at your window, so that the solution covers most of the glass. (I found Windex to work better, but if you have pets—or kids—who frequently lick outdoor windows, vinegar may be the best route for you.)
The biggest no-no when it comes to getting your mirrors clean is using paper towels. Paper towels are both single-use and leave teeny tiny bits of residue that can create an even bigger mess. In order to achieve a streak-free shine, use a microfiber cloth.
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.
Windex Original Glass Cleaner
Windex is one of the most popular brands of glass cleaners on the market, and it's for good reason. It's incredibly effective at cleaning all sorts of glass surfaces, especially mirrors that immediately show and amplify smudges, fingerprints, and specks of dirt.
When people over-clean their mirrors, the product can get behind the mirror and destroy the backing over time. "Bathroom mirrors are constantly exposed to moisture which causes damage over time to the silver backing," Dani told Real Homes. That's the reason black spots and darkened edges appear over time.
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.
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.
Using a microfiber cloth will ensure that your glass is clean, dry and lint-free. The small fibers in a microfiber cloth are designed to absorb or cling to anything they come into contact with. This means they will absorb the cleaning liquid you use, and also grab onto any dirt or grime from your glass.
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.
Mirror Cleaner
I found that scrubbing the mirror with a DRY Magic Eraser does really well for a streak-free shine.
Your glass cleaner could be behind those pesky mirror streaks! Many commercial glass cleaners have cleaning agents like ammonia and detergent, which can end up streaking your mirror. So this means you cannot clean mirrors with Windex anymore? Not necessarily, but if you want to avoid streaks, less is better.
Spray hydrogen peroxide onto mirrors or glass surfaces and wipe with a microfiber cloth or crumpled newspaper for a streak-free, mildew-free shine. Hydrogen peroxide is great at whitening and brightening stained tiles and dirty grout.
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.
In a spray bottle, make a solution of warm water and a few drops of mild dish soap. Spray the solution onto the microfiber cloth. Make sure it's just damp. Using an S pattern, wipe down the mirror.
When a mirror is positioned in a way that reflects artificial light sources, such as lamps or ceiling lights, it can create excessive brightness in the room. This can make it challenging to relax and fall asleep, especially if you prefer a dark and soothing environment for rest.
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.
The first step on our journey towards a streak-free bathroom involves an old friend we've mentioned before (and probably will again): white vinegar. True there are many, very efficient window and mirror cleaning sprays available in your local supermarket.