Do you know how to keep your bathroom smelling fresh, remove grout stains, and polish tile, but find yourself hitting a wall of frustration whenever you try to clean your bathroom mirrors? You’re in good company: Surveys suggest that most people don’t particularly enjoy cleaning glass surfaces. Cleaning windows is among Americans’ least-favorite chores. Unfortunately, bathroom mirrors are a magnet for fingerprints, dust, and soap residue. So doing it is a job that most housekeepers find themselves tackling regularly– whether they like it or not.
Getting cleaning help from our Louisville maids often can significantly reduce the amount of time you spend polishing mirrors; however, it’s still worthwhile to familiarize yourself with the best glass cleaning techniques. If you do, you’ll be ready to eliminate any spots or fingerprints you notice during the week. Your bathroom will never look any less than flawless. You’ll also avoid damaging your mirrors through the use of improper cleaning methods, which is a common problem owing to the numerous myths about how to clean glass.
Below, we’ll share some of our favorite tips for giving bathroom mirrors a streak-free finish:
Essential Mirror Cleaning Dos and Don’ts
Do:
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Get rid of dust first.
Dust consists primarily of human skin cells, which contain natural oils. If you don’t remove the dust from your mirror before cleaning it, these oils may mix with your cleaning solution, creating streaks.
To dust your mirrors, use a dry microfiber cloth or duster to wipe down the surface of the glass. Then, take an old toothbrush and gently brush any remaining dust out of the corners of the mirror.
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Spot clean with rubbing alcohol.
Next, you’ll need to get rid of oily fingerprints, toothpaste spots, and other stains. To do this, add a little bit of rubbing alcohol to a cotton pad or swab, then gently blot each stain several times before wiping it away.
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Choose a safe, effective natural cleaning solution.
Though ammonia-based glass cleaners are generally effective, they also contain respiratory irritants and often leave an unpleasant chemical odor behind. To clean mirrors the green way, we recommend purchasing an all-natural glass cleaner or making your own cleaning solution at home using the following recipe:
- 1/2 cup white vinegar
- 1/2 cup distilled water
- 1/4 cup of 70% rubbing alcohol solution
- 1 to 2 drops of your favorite essential oil (for scent)
Combine these ingredients and pour them into a spray bottle. Then, to ensure even application, spray your mirror lightly with the solution while standing at a distance of one to two feet.
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Use a squeegee to prevent streaks.
Before the cleaning mixture has a chance to dry, try this. Grab a squeegee and slide it firmly across the glass, working from top to bottom in an “S” pattern. When you’ve finished, remove drips and excess moisture from the edges of the mirror with a cleaning rag.
If you don’t have a squeegee, take a dry microfiber cloth and wipe it across the mirror. Start at the top left corner and work your way to the right. Work down the mirror in a zig-zag pattern, folding the cloth between each row so you’re always using a dry section of it.
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Polish the glass with a clean, dry microfiber cloth.
As a final step, get a fresh microfiber cloth and buff your mirror to remove any leftover moisture and create a brilliant shine.
Don’t:
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Use paper towels (or any other abrasive material) to clean your mirrors.
While it’s tempting to quickly reach for an absorbent paper towel or tissue when you notice spots on your mirror, we recommend against using these common paper products on glass. Not only do paper towels leave distracting tiny fibers behind, but they’re also mildly abrasive. So there is a chance they could damage your mirror’s finish over time. Similarly, don’t attempt to clean any glass surface with melamine sponges, powder cleansers (e.g., Comet or Ajax), or harsh chemical cleaning solutions. All of these items can quickly destroy the clarity of glass.
2. Spray on too much cleaning solution.
Regardless of whether you’re using a homemade or commercial glass cleaning solution, you should mist the surface of your mirror rather than saturating it. Using too much product increases the risk that drips and streaks will form, potentially making an even bigger mess. Likewise, soaking the mirror with a cleanser can leave sticky residue behind, which will attract dust and grime – causing the mirror to fog up more quickly after cleaning.
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Use short or circular motions to scrub the mirror.
Though scrubbing in a circular pattern is a great way to clean most hard surfaces, it creates smudges on glass by spreading grime and moisture around. To give your mirror a streak-free shine, you’ll need to drag your cloth or squeegee across its surface in one long, firm motion and work in alternating rows.
Tired of Living With a Dingy Bathroom? Super Cleaning Service Louisville Can Help
Despite typically being the smallest room in the home, bathrooms often take longer to clean than any other area. Not only do they contain challenging surfaces, like glass and grout, they also harbor much bacteria and tough grime. Not to mention hard water stains, soap scum, and mold. Daily house cleaning is not an option for everybody. If you’re busy or you don’t feel up to scrubbing these messes yourself, why not entrust the task to our team of licensed, bonded Louisville maids instead? Our affordable cleaning services offer an easy, practical way to keep your bathroom spotless. So you can focus on making it a place for rejuvenation and self-care instead. Contact us today to learn more about how we can help you refresh your home.