It sounds gross but mirrors accumulate goop, especially
those over bathroom sinks. That’s where we stare at ourselves while we brush
our teeth and floss. Sometimes saliva flings out of our mouths while we’re
watching and it’s late at night, we’re tired, and we don’t notice. With this
occurring day after day it’s a good idea to clean the mirror at least once a
week.
The problem is that often after cleaning we stand back and
see countless streaks all around. How do we stop this? After all, if we’re
going to take the time to try and keep the mirror clean (and it really doesn’t
take that long) we might as well do it right.
Here are some easy tips on the best way to clean the mirror so
we don’t find ourselves having to fine tune our work when we could be doing
something else:
First
of all, cleaning products are not necessary as they may make the job
worse.
Have
two lint free cloths, micro fiber cloths, or daily newspaper available.
Also, ready a mixture of one quart warm water and one cup of distilled
vinegar. You can do this with water only but if you want make the mixture.
Wet a
lint free cloth and first wipe heavy stains like tooth paste and soap loosening
them up. Be careful not to get any solutions seeping behind the mirror
because this could corrode and permanently damage it. Spraying your
cleaner directly on the cloth or newspaper is a good option as it will
conserve water, which you could use for another cleaning job.
Wet
the newspaper and start cleaning the mirror from top to bottom using
circular motions. Again, be careful that excess liquid doesn’t get behind
the mirror.
When
you finish wiping one part go over it with dry newspaper or the other lint
free dry cloth as if to polish it. If the newspaper or cloth becomes too
damp replace it with another. The point of this step is to buff the mirror
until it’s dry and clear of any residue.
A few extras:
If
you still get streaks, which you shouldn’t, a last suggestion it to clean
the mirror with rubbing alcohol, as it won’t leave streaks.
Ammonia
is sometimes suggested at a substitute for vinegar but not recommended.
Paper
towels can be used for the initial clean but not for the buffing. They
leave behind too many fibers for your mirror to be considered streak and lint
free.
