Clean a Mirror with Vinegar

Can You Clean a Mirror with Vinegar?

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Distilled white vinegar has long been known to clean many areas of the home. Its powerful acidic nature makes it a great disinfectant and cleaner of tough stains like watermarks. Vinegar also makes a great mirror cleaner, leaving an impressive streak-free finish.

Yes, you can clean mirrors with vinegar. Simply dilute 1 part distilled white vinegar with 2 parts water, spray it onto a clean cloth, then wipe your mirror. Vinegar evaporates quickly, leaving a streak-free finish. Be careful not to allow any vinegar to drip onto the mirror’s frame or other surroundings as it can be damaging.

You can feel good about cleaning with vinegar because it is non-toxic and highly effective at removing residue and watermarks that may have found their way onto your mirrors.

Will Cleaning a Mirror with Vinegar Keep it from Fogging Up?

Cleaning a mirror with vinegar will not keep it from fogging up with shower steam however the streak-free finish that vinegar leaves when you clean with it means that the steam will not expose any unsightly streaks or watermarks.

Does Cleaning a Mirror with Vinegar Leave Streaks?

Cleaning a mirror with vinegar will not leave streaks. On the contrary, cleaning your mirrors with vinegar will result in a streak-free shine. The key is to apply it with a clean cloth and wipe it onto the mirror in a consistent direction (horizontally or vertically).

How to Clean a Mirror Using Vinegar?

1. Mix 1 Part White Vinegar with 2 Parts Water.

In a spray bottle, mix 1 part distilled white vinegar with 2 parts water. If you live in an area with hard water, it is best to use distilled water.

2. Spray the Solution Onto a Clean, Dry Cloth.

Spray the solution directly onto a clean, dry cloth so it is dampened and not completely saturated. Avoid spraying the vinegar solution directly onto the mirror as it can land on surfaces you may not want vinegar on and the scent dispersing in the air can be an irritant.

3. Thoroughly Wipe Your Mirror.

Wipe your mirror well, paying extra attention to the corners and edges. Try to wipe the vinegar solution onto your mirror in one direction (horizontal or vertical swipes). Vinegar will evaporate quickly, leaving a streak-free shine.

Spray vinegar to clean cloth to clean mirror

Is Cleaning a Mirror with Vinegar Dangerous?

Vinegar is a safe, non-toxic household item to clean with. Because of its acidic pH, it makes light work of any cleaning task. Cleaning a mirror with vinegar is not any more dangerous than cleaning other surfaces with it.

The glass of your mirror cannot be damaged by vinegar however you should be careful not to allow the vinegar to drip into any crevices if it is framed or onto any paint or other surroundings as it can corrode certain materials.

Vinegar is a non-toxic substance however its strong scent can be a nasal irritant to some people. When cleaning with vinegar, it is always best to dilute it with water and spray or pour it in a controlled manner so that the vapors do not disperse widely into the air.

What are some Alternative Ways to Clean a Mirror?

If you do not wish to clean your mirror with vinegar, you can use conventional chemical spray mirror cleaners, plain water, rubbing alcohol, microfiber cloths, 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

Vinegar is a safe multipurpose cleaner in many households. It does an impressive job of cleaning mirrors with a streak-free finish. Some people may find it scent aversive while others appreciate it for its natural, non-toxic nature while cleaning very effectively.

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