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Stain-free Reflection: Home remedies for mirror cleaning

Cleaning can sometimes be a chore if you want your home to be sparkling. If you have mirrors in your home, you will know the importance of keeping it clean to create a statement piece, reflect light around the room and most obviously to allow you to see your reflection. If you’re finding your standard mirror or glass cleaner isn’t removing a stubborn stain on your mirror, then you can try to use an alternative method to clean. Here are some easy mirror cleaning hacks to get your reflection crystal clear in no time. 

Before trying any of these methods, we recommend checking your product for specific cleaning information to ensure these methods are suitable to use.

Make a DIY vinegar cleaning solution

If you have vinegar available in the home, you can create your own cleaning solution. Vinegar is mildly acidic which means it can break down stains without being excessively abrasive. To make your own cleaner, try this: 

  1. Mix 1 part vinegar and 1 part water together.
  2. Mix well. 
  3. Spray or apply the mixture to a soft, clean cloth. 
  4. Wipe this mixture over the mirror, targeting the stain where applicable. 
  5. Avoid going backwards on areas or wiping too hard. 
  6. Use another clean cloth and water to wipe off remaining residue off the surface.

Create a fruity cleaning solution with lemons

Lemons can be more than just a zesty fruit; they can be a great cleaning tool. It has natural acidic properties which are effective in cleaning. When it comes to removing mirror stains, try this: 

  1. Mix some lemon juice and water together.
  2. Spray the mixture onto the mirror, targeting stains. 
  3. Allow the mixture to sit for a few minutes. 
  4. Use a clean cloth to wipe off the mixture, and the stain with it. 
  5. Use another clean cloth and water to wipe any remaining residue off the surface.

Get a streak free finish with shaving foam 

Shaving foam may seem like an odd choice for cleaning. Don’t worry – you don’t need to shave the mirror. Shaving foam has mild abrasives which help to break down stains on the mirror without scratching the surface. The solution is quite smooth which aids in leaving a streak-free finish. To use it as a cleaner, use these steps: 

  1. Apply a small amount of shaving foam to the mirror stain.
  2. Use a soft cloth to gently rub the shaving foam on the stain in a circular motion. 
  3. Wipe away the foam and stain with the cloth. 
  4. Use another clean cloth and water to wipe any remaining residue off the surface.

Cleanse with tea tree oil

Whilst commonly used as a natural cleanser, tea tree oil can also be used to clean mirrors. It is well-known for its antibacterial properties which can work wonders are removing any bacteria or germs from surfaces. You can use tea tree oil to clean mirror stains with the following steps: 

  1. Fill a spray bottle with water.
  2. Mix 5-10 drops of tea tree oil with the water. 
  3. Shake well to mix the solution. 
  4. Spray the solution onto the mirror and target any stains. 
  5. Use a soft, clean cloth to wipe the stain away and clean the mirror. 
  6. Use another clean cloth and water to wipe any remaining residue off the surface.

Use rubbing alcohol (surgical spirit) as an antibacterial cleaning solution

If you have any rubbing alcohol (surgical spirit) in the home, this can also help to effectively remove stubborn mirror stains. Here’s how: 

  1. Dampen a soft, clean cloth with rubbing alcohol.
  2. Use the cloth to gently rub the affected area to remove the stain. 
  3. Use a clean cloth with water to wipe over the surface to finish the cleaning.

Wipe clean with dishwashing liquid and warm water

The cleaning solution you use for your dishes can also make a good mirror cleaning. As dishwashing liquid is designed to clean ceramics and glass, it can remove stains without being too abrasive. Use it to clean your mirror with these steps: 

  1. Add a 2-3 drops of mild dishwashing liquid to warm water.
  2. Dampen a soft, clean cloth with the solution. 
  3. Wipe the mirror, paying attention to any stubborn stains. 
  4. Use a different clean cloth with water to wipe over the surface to finish the cleaning.

Finish the cleaning with a dry coffee filter

Once you’ve cleaned the mirror with one of the methods, you can perfect the finish with a dry coffee filter. As the filters are lint free, they do not leave any debris behind meaning you are left with a streak-free finish. 

Now your mirror is sparkling clean!

With these home remedies, you can be sure your mirror is sparkling with a streak-free finish.