How to clean a mirror

Key steps

• Clean your mirrors regularly.

• Use water for a quick clean.

• Use a mix of washing-up liquid or white vinegar and water for a deeper clean.

• Always use a circular motion.

• Use a squeegee to remove all traces of cleaner.

• For remaining marks use a microfiber cloth to buff them away.

Toothpaste, handprints, dust, dirt – lots of stains and grime can build up on your mirrors. Get a clear reflection with these tips on cleaning mirrors. We’ve put together a step-by-step method for how to clean a mirror, as well as tips for the best way to clean mirrors to achieve a streak-free finish.

When cleaning your mirror, use a good quality washing-up liquid such as Sunlight and always wipe in a circular motion to avoid causing streaks.

How to clean mirror glass: what do you need?       

When you’re learning how to clean mirror stains, you’ll need the right tools:

• A microfiber cloth

• A sponge

• A squeegee

• Glass cleaner – you can choose from one of the following:

  • Washing-up liquid and warm water

  • White vinegar and water

  • A commercial glass cleaner

How to make a mirror shine: easy steps for cleaning mirrors

Now you know what you need to clean your mirror, use the steps below to see how to clean bathroom mirror surfaces and other mirror glass.

1. Always test any cleaning solution on a small inconspicuous area first.

2. If you're using commercial cleaners, always follow the instructions on the label.

3. For a quick clean, use warm water.

   • 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.

4. Create a solution of washing-up liquid and warm water.

   • Alternatively, mix equal parts white vinegar and water.

   • Dip a sponge into your chosen solution. You could also put your mix in a spray bottle for better coverage.

   • Use a circular motion to wipe the mirror with the sponge.

   • Rinse the sponge regularly to remove excess moisture.

5. Using a commercial glass cleaner is also an option for a deeper clean.

   • Always follow the manufacturer’s instructions.

   • Spray the mirror glass with the glass cleaner.

   • Wipe down with a sponge.

6. Slide a squeegee from top to bottom, then side to side to remove all traces of cleaner.

7. For any remaining marks, use a clean microfiber cloth to buff them away.

Armed with these tips, you can now go about tackling how to clean a mirror that is hazy, as well as what products to use and how to use them. You’ll have a streak-free, clean mirror in no time!

Do you want to learn which household cleaning tasks cause the most stress?  Then read our Heated Household data analysis.