How To Clean Mirrors (and Glass) Without Streaks: 4 Easy Methods

by John Griffith
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There is not a feeling in the world more crushing than spending hours cleaning your mirrors and windows to find out they are full of streaks. All that cleaning, all that effort and for what? It’s absolutely soul-crushing. And sometimes it seems that all the rubbing in the world can’t get those pesky streaks out. But don’t get too discouraged. That’s why we’re here to help. Today we will show you some of the easiest methods to clean mirrors without any streaks. And the best part about them is that they work on glass in general.

Sometimes it seems that all the rubbing in the world can’t get those pesky streaks out

woman cleaning the mirror

@Hello Nest

How Do Streaks Appear?

Streaks and prints can appear for plenty of reasons. Your main culprit can be that you are cleaning the glass surfaces with dirty water. Even if the after isn’t brown, it doesn’t take a lot to leave a streak. Another thing that may be causing the streaks is your window or glass cleaner. Some store-bought cleaners can have a waxy residue. It’s also better to stay away from products that contain soap, fragrances, or ones with dye in them. All of these products have a high chance of leaving streaks. Last, but not least your streaks may be caused by the sponges or cloths you are using. One of the best choice you can make is to use a microfiber cloth and to carefully wipe the glass. Try to avoid circular movements.

Streaks and prints can appear for plenty of reasons

clean mirrors without streaks large standing mirror in home

 

What is The Easiest Way To Clean a Mirror?

Now that you know what mistakes to avoid, let’s see what the proper cleaning techniques are when it comes to cleaning glass surfaces.

You need to use a proper cleaning technique

woman looking into the mirror

  1. First, remove any dirt or greasiness from the surface. If the smudges are old and dried out, you can spray the surface with the cleaner of your choice and leave it on for five to ten minutes.
  2. Wash the cleaning product off.
  3. Then take a microfiber cloth and gently wipe off the mirror (or window).
  4. Make sure to wipe the mirror in one direction. This will help you to avoid any visible streaks.
  5. You can polish off the surface with a soft cloth or even gauze.

Ta-da, now you’ll have a streak-free mirror

how to clean a mirror that is hazy person with gloves cleaning

@The Eco Hub

How To Clean Mirrors Without Streaks

It’s disappointing, yet common to find streaks and prints on your mirrors even after cleaning them. And no matter what you use to rub them – cloths, towels, sponges, and even newspapers, it can seem impossible to get them out. That’s why you will need the help of some extra ingredients. And you will be delighted to hear that all of them can be found in your pantry.

It’s disappointing, yet common to find streaks, even after cleaning

mirror in tall grass reflecting the skyjpeg

#White Vinegar

There are very little things white vinegar cannot clean. It is a must-have item in every household. And it’s a champion when it comes to cleaning mirrors and leaving you with beautiful streak-free surfaces. Just mix together equal parts white vinegar and water. Then pour the mixture into a spray bottle. Spray it on the surface and while away with a microfiber cloth. And don’t forget to use the proper technique.

There are very little things white vinegar cannot clean

heinz white vinegar with sponge

#Alcohol

Alcohol isn’t only for drinking. You can also use it to achieve sparkling clean mirrors. You can use pretty much any substance that contains alcohol, but we recommend using vodka. Just take a cotton pad or a cloth and wet it with some alcohol. Then with the cloth wipe in one direction. Wipe the mirror dry. This method will help to remove all traces of grease and even makeup. However, this method may smell a little unpleasant.

You can use pretty much any substance that contains alcohol, but we recommend using vodka

vodka being poured into a glass

#Salt and Tea

While this isn’t a usual combination, it sure does a great job at cleaning the mirrors. Just take a cup of strong tea, we recommend green tea, and add one teaspoon of salt to it. Let the mixture cool and then dip a cloth into it. Use the tea cloth to clean the mirror.

While this isn’t a usual combination, it sure does a great job at cleaning the mirrors

clean mirrors without streaks green tea getting brewed

#Potato Starch

Potatoes are an amazing cleaning solution. For this method you can use both normal potatoes and potato starch. Just cut a potato in half and clean off any greasy stains you see, then just wipe away any residue with a cloth. If you don’t have potatoes on hand, but have potato starch you can mix two cups of water with one tablespoon of starch. Then just spread the solution on the surface and leave it for five to ten minutes. Wipe away with a dry cloth.

Potatoes are an amazing cleaning solution

cleaned and dirty potatoes

These were the best tips and tricks we have when it comes to how to clean mirrors without streaks (as well as glass!). We hope you found this article useful. Now you can enjoy streak-free surfaces all around your home.

No more streaks on your mirrors!

how to clean a mirror woman cleaning a mirror

Sources:

John Griffith

John Griffith is a young, passionate journalist. Writing has been John’s hobby ever since he was a boy. He has worked in some of the UK’s most successful news portals over the course of his professional career but found his forever home at Archzine.