Can You Clean a Mirror with Just Water?

Perhaps the most accessible cleaning solution available is plain water right from your tap. Depending on where you live and how your city treats its water, cleaning with just water can leave hard watermarks and streaks on surfaces. This is true if you clean your mirrors with water which will reveal the watermarks and streaks when the steam from a hot shower hits its surface.

Yes, you can clean a mirror with just water however it will leave streaks or watermarks on your mirror. To prevent this from happening, you should immediately wipe your mirror down with a clean, dry cloth after cleaning it with water to prevent excess water from drying on its surface.

Cleaning with water is certainly appealing because it is accessible and non-toxic. Read on to learn how best to clean your mirrors with water and what some other natural mirror cleaning alternatives may be.

Will Cleaning a Mirror with Just Water Keep It from Fogging Up?

Cleaning a mirror with water will not prevent it from fogging up. If you clean a mirror with water you will likely see pronounced watermarks on your mirror when the steam from a hot shower hits it. To prevent the streaks and watermarks from showing up, you should wipe your mirror with a clean, dry cloth after cleaning it to remove any residual marks.

Does Cleaning a Mirror with Just Water Leave Streaks?

Cleaning a mirror with plain water will leave streaks and watermarks behind. To prevent this from happening, you should immediately follow up by wiping your mirror with a clean, dry cloth to remove any excess water and to ensure a streak-free shine.

How to Clean a Mirror Using Just Water?

1. Lightly Dampen a Cloth with Water.

To clean a mirror, you only need to partially dampen a clean cloth enough to wipe the surface of the mirror. The cloth should not be saturated or dripping wet so that water does not land on other surfaces or between the crevices of a mirror and its frame (if framed).

2. Gently Wipe Your Mirror with the Damp Cloth.

Gently but thoroughly wipe your mirror, paying extra attention to the corners and edges.

3. Wipe the Mirror Again with a Clean, Dry Cloth.

You will finish cleaning your mirror by wiping it down again with a clean, dry cloth to remove any excess water. This step ensures a streak-free finish.

Is Cleaning a Mirror with Just Water Dangerous?

Cleaning a mirror with plain water is not dangerous. It should not pose a hazard to you or your surroundings. The only thing to be mindful of when cleaning a mirror with water is to make sure you use a damp cloth and not one that is dripping or oversaturated with water. Too much water can damage the surroundings if it drips or it can seep into the crevices between a mirror and its frame (if it is framed).

What are some Alternative Ways to Clean a Mirror?

If you do not wish to clean your mirror with water, you can use conventional chemical spray mirror cleaners, microfiber cloths, rubbing alcohol, vinegar, lemon juice, or even used newspapers. The method by which you clean your mirror comes down to personal preference and what you have available to use in your household.

Final Thoughts

Using water to clean your mirror is certainly the most accessible option and is possible with just a couple of clean cloths. You only need to be careful to not allow excess water to drip on the mirror’s surroundings or in any crevices around the mirror to avoid water damage.

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Jamie

Jamie is the Founder of My Home Dwelling. He is a homeowner and enjoys sharing his homeowner tips with others. He has real estate experience working as a new home construction Realtor. Jamie has worked on numerous residential construction sites helping with interior and exterior renovations. He loves refinishing furniture, DIY home projects, and sharing his knowledge online.