If you're no longer looking at yourself in the mirror because it's blurry, it's time to clean it! You may already have the equipment needed to restore the mirror's condition. As a quick solution, dip a microfiber washcloth in vinegar and rub it over the mirror. You can also apply shaving cream to the mirror and rub it in. After cleaning the mirror, take the necessary steps to keep the mirror clean and shiny.
Step
Method 1 of 4: Cleaning Mirrors with Alcohol
Step 1. Pour the alcohol into a plate or bowl, then prepare a cotton swab
Take a small bowl or plate and pour the alcohol into it until the liquid reaches a height of about 1.3 centimeters. You will also need cotton, either regular cotton or large cotton balls.
Do not use paper towels to clean the mirror as this can leave fine fibers on the mirror surface
Step 2. Rub rubbing alcohol on the mirror that is blurry or dirt
Dip a cotton swab in alcohol, then rub it on the dirtiest part of the mirror. For example, you could rub a cotton swab on a splash of toothpaste or leftover hairspray until the stain lifts off the mirror.
You need to rub a cotton swab immediately because alcohol dries quickly
Step 3. Clean the mirror with a glass cleaner, shaving cream, or vinegar
After removing dirt and smudges from the mirror, you can tell if the mirror is clean or still blurry. Wipe the surface of the mirror with a glass cleaning product, shaving cream, or vinegar until it is no longer opaque.
Method 2 of 4: Using Vinegar
Step 1. Have a bowl of vinegar and a microfiber washcloth near the mirror
Fill a wide-mouthed glass or bowl with vinegar to a depth of a few centimeters, then place it near a dirty mirror. Prepare 1-2 clean microfiber cloths.
Tip:
Do not use terry cloth as it can leave a lot of tiny lint that can make the mirror look dusty.
Step 2. Dip a washcloth in vinegar and rub it on the mirror surface
You don't have to soak the washcloth until the vinegar drips off, but make sure you can still rub the vinegar onto the mirror's surface. Keep dipping and rubbing the washcloth on the mirror until the mirror is no longer blurry.
Rub the mirror from the top left corner downwards in an “S” motion to prevent the appearance of liquid stains
Step 3. Wipe the mirror again with water and a glass cleaning product to remove the vinegar smell
Although the smell will go away once the vinegar dries, you can dip a clean washcloth in warm water and rub it against the mirror's surface. After that, spray the glass cleaner on another washcloth and rub it on the mirror to remove any liquid stains.
If you want to let the vinegar smell go away on its own, open a window to let fresh air into the room
Method 3 of 4: Using Shaving Cream
Step 1. Remove a small amount of cream on a microfiber washcloth
Use about a coin-sized amount of cream and scoop it out in the center of the washcloth. Do not use shaving gel as it can leave residue and not work as effectively as cream.
Don't use newsprint to clean mirrors, as most newsprint uses soy-based ink, which will stain if it gets wet
Step 2. Rub the nail cream on the mirror surface
Use circular motions to apply cream to the mirror. Keep scrubbing so the cream can coat the mirror and clean it thoroughly.
Make sure the cream doesn't hit the mirror frame. Shaving cream can damage wood or perishable materials such as rattan
Step 3. Remove the remaining cream using a new washcloth
Take a new microfiber washcloth and rub it against the mirror in a circular motion. Keep scrubbing the mirror until the cream residue is removed and the mirror looks clean.
If the mirror still looks blurry, you may need to repeat the cleaning process one more time
Method 4 of 4: Preventing the Mirror from Blur
Step 1. Never use all-purpose cleaning products on mirrors
If the mirror has ever been cleaned using an all-purpose cleaning product, furniture polish, or dirt remover, those products will leave residue that makes the mirror opaque. Only clean mirrors using vinegar, shaving cream, or commercial glass cleaning products.
Some commercial glass cleaning products are already diluted so they may not work as effectively as vinegar
Step 2. Do not spray cleaning products or water directly on the mirror surface
If you spray liquid on a mirror, the liquid may drip down the edges of the mirror and seep to the back of the mirror. If the back of the mirror is damaged, the mirror will appear blurry or dull.
If you want to spray the cleaner directly on the mirror, spread a towel under the mirror before starting the cleaning process. This way, the towel can absorb dripping liquid and prevent damage to the mirror surface
Tip:
You can further control the amount of cleaner used on the mirror if you remove the product on a washcloth before applying it to the mirror.
Step 3. Wipe the mirror with a microfiber cloth or soft cotton
While it may be tempting to use paper towels, using them will only leave fine fibers on the mirror's surface. Instead, choose fabrics like microfiber or soft cotton that won't leave stains or lint.
Get some microfiber washcloths ready so you can use a new one if the cloth you used is dirty
Tips
- If you want to clean your bathroom mirror, using shaving cream will prevent the mirror from fogging for at least a few weeks.
- If the mirror still appears blurry after you have tried the methods above, the back of the mirror may be damaged or may need to be replaced. Look for mirror repair shops in your city to re-coat the back of the mirror with mercury.
