Although Windex is commonly used around the home to clean mirrors, there are many at home cleaning solutions that work just as well or even better.
Windex can cause streaking that clouds the visual appearance of the mirror, even after a proper cleaning.
The 7 different cleaning solutions described in this guide are fantastic substitutes for Windex or any commercial mirror cleaning product.
To find what cleaning solution and process will be best for you, continue reading.
How to Clean Mirrors Without Windex (Streak Free)
1: Rubbing Alchohol
Rubbing alcohol is great to use when your mirror has lots of built-up grime that needs cleaning.
Using the perfect mixture of rubbing alcohol with water will create a strong cleaner, much more capable than products such as Windex.
This process is perfect for sticky substances on mirrors such as toothpaste, saliva, fingerprints, grease, etc.
Here’s the step-by-step instructions:
Step 1 – Use a clean cloth or towel to wipe off any loose debris off the mirror.
Step 2 – Pour a 1:2 ratio of rubbing alcohol into a spray bottle: 1 cup of rubbing alcohol, and 1 cup of water.
Step 3 – After placing the spray bottle top on, swirl the mixture around to create a killer cleaning solution.
Step 5 – Spray the solution onto the mirror at the very top, allowing the liquid to run down onto debris below.
Step 6– Use a microfiber cloth to rub the solution onto the mirror in a “Z” pattern, removing all dirt and grime. A microfiber will leave no lint behind making the mirror as clean as possible.
2: Vinegar & Water
Most commercial cleaners have vinegar and water in them, so why not make one at home?
All you will need is vinegar, water, and a spray bottle. Let’s begin.
Here’s the step-by-step instructions:
Step 1 – Use a clean cloth or towel to wipe off any loose debris on the mirror
Step 2 – Pour a 1:2 ratio of vinegar to water in a spray bottle: 1 cup of vinegar, and 1 cup of water.
TIP: Use distilled water if it is available. Distilled water has no minerals and eliminates streaking on mirrors as much as possible.
Step 3 – After placing the spray bottle top on, swirl the mixture around to create a simple cleaning solution.
Step 4 – Spray the solution onto the mirror at the very top, allowing the liquid to run down onto debris below.
Step 5– Use a microfiber cloth to rub the solution onto the mirror, removing all dirt and grime. A microfiber will leave no lint behind making the mirror as clean as possible.
3: Just Water
On a tight budget, and need a cheap cleaner? Use Water!
Most people don’t realize how much cleaning power water has on mirrors, windows, and glass.
Here’s the step-by-step instructions:
Step 1 – Use a dry microfiber towel to wipe off as much debris as possible. You want to ensure you get all loose particles off, especially when only using water.
Step 2 – Dampen one half of a microfiber cloth with water (Using distilled water is always the best choice) while leaving the other half dry. Ensure the towel is not soaked to avoid drips
Step 3 – Wipe the entire mirror down, starting from the top and working from edge to edge down to the bottom. Once clean, use a dry microfiber cloth to dry the mirror in a back-and-forth pattern again from the top down.
Step 4 – Some sticky substances like toothpaste don’t always come off the first past. Repeat steps 2 & 3 to target those areas.
Tip: Consider using hot water if the mirror is very dirty. It will cut through grime very easily.
4: Shaving Cream
Let me guess: You have never used shaving cream to clean your mirror before.
That’s normal! Most people arent aware of the amazing cleaning power shaving cream has on mirrors.
Better yet, shaving cream will keep a bathroom mirror from fogging up when hot water is running in the shower.
Here’s the step-by-step instructions:
Step 1 – Use as little shaving cream as is required to coat your entire mirror.
Step 2 – Using a dry microfiber cloth, buff the shaving cream onto the mirror in small sweeping motions. Work from top to bottom and side to side.
Enjoy your squeaky clean, fog-resistant mirror!
Tip: Use a small amount of shaving cream to begin. You can always add more.
5: Dish detergent
Dish detergent is a surprisingly great cleaner for mirrors that cuts through the grease and grime in no time.
Here’s the step-by-step instructions:
Step 1 – Use a microfiber cloth to dust the mirror of all loose particles
Step 2 – Create a simple solution: 1 drop of detergent to 1 cup of warm water.
Step 3 – Dampen a microfiber cloth with the detergent cleaning solution. Wipe the entire mirror down so that the detergent is sitting on the dirt and grime. Let it sit for 30 seconds.
Step 4 – Using a clean dry microfiber cloth, dry the mirror starting at the top and then working your way down.
6: Dryer Sheets
There are few things more satisfying than re-purposing everyday household items into useful cleaning tools.
Who would’ve thought dryer sheets are useful for cleaning mirrors, but they are!
This solution is great if your mirror has light dust particles that need to be removed, but not so much dirt and grime.
Here’s the step-by-step instructions:
Step 1 – Spray the mirror with water.
Step 2 – Run a used dryer sheet across the entire mirror. The anti-static properties in the dryer sheet will lift all the dust off, leaving a clean and streak-free mirror.
7: Commercial Product Options Besides Windex
Not into making your own cleaner at home? That is understandable!
The following cleaners are excellent Windex replacements that do an excellent job at cleaning both mirror and glass.
