How to clean bathroom mirrors without streaks

That is a gentle starting point for an ordinary glass mirror. Follow separate care instructions for a specialist coating or decorative finish.

Start with the cloth, not another bottle

Set aside two soft cloths that have not just cleaned the sink or picked up grit. You need warm water, not a homemade mixture of several cleaners. Put toiletries somewhere dry so you can reach the lower edge without leaning over them.

The National Glass Association's mirror-care guidance recommends a soft cloth and warm water, followed by immediate drying. Keep moisture away from exposed edges and joins.

Clean one section through to dry

1. Wet the first cloth and wring it out thoroughly. It should not drip when pressed against the glass.
2. Wipe a manageable section with light pressure. Refold the cloth when its working face looks dirty.
3. Follow with the dry cloth before moving to the next section.
4. Finish along the lower edge and corners. Check from the side in good light for missed smears.

Put any permitted cleaner on the cloth, not directly on the mirror. Doylestown Glass advises against abrasive products and acid, alkaline or ammonia-based cleaners. More liquid is not the answer to a stubborn patch.

If a haze remains

Choose one small patch rather than cleaning the whole mirror again. Repeat the warm-water pass with a fresh cloth, then dry it. Compare that patch with the surrounding glass. If it improves, continue using clean cloth faces. If it does not, stop layering products and identify what is on the surface before choosing another treatment.

Black marks that appear beneath the glass, particularly around an edge, are a different problem from a removable smear. St Michel's mirror-care sheet explains how the backing can deteriorate. Scrubbing the front will not restore a damaged backing.

Can I use vinegar or a window-cleaning recipe?

Not as a default. A mirror has a reflective backing to protect as well as a glass face. Keep vinegar, abrasive pads and unapproved sprays out of this routine. For window panes, use our separate window-cleaning guide.

For the rest of the room, follow our bathroom-cleaning order. Want the regular housework taken off your list? Explore NearMe recurring cleaning.