How to Clean Window and Mirror Glass for a Streak-Free Finish

Window and mirror glass quickly builds up with dust, fingerprints, and smudges if not cleaned properly. But if you give these surfaces a wipe down frequently only to leave behind streaks and fogginess, it can sometimes feel like more trouble than it's worth. But cleaning glass is much easier than it may seem and requires very few supplies. To effectively clean both window and mirror glass so they sparkle, all you need is water, distilled white vinegar, and the right technique (which is easy to perfect).

How Often to Clean Mirrors

Mirrors in bathrooms and bedrooms, which are frequently used, should be regularly wiped down and given a deeper clean weekly or biweekly to maintain a clear reflection. Additionally, mirrors in high-traffic areas, like entryways or living rooms, should also be cleaned weekly, as they may accumulate dust and smudges more quickly, says Alicia Sokolowski, the president and co-CEO of AspenClean.

How Often to Clean Windows

How often you clean the interior and exterior of your windows depends on different factors, like if you have small pets or children. Generally, you should aim to clean your windows biweekly to keep them sparkling. "If you live in an older home prone to dust, have construction going on, or live with multiple kids or pets, be sure to clean more regularly to keep built up streaks and dust at bay," says Kathy Cohoon, the director of franchise operations of Two Maids.

Materials Needed

Using the right tools is key when cleaning your mirrors and windows. Microfiber cloths are a great tool as their fine fibers capture and trap dirt, dust, and grime, says Sokolowski. They are also gentle on glass surfaces and help prevent streaks and lint. Additionally, squeegees are an excellent tool for cleaning glass surfaces, as they are great at removing water without leaving behind streaks.

Make sure you have these materials on hand when cleaning window and mirror glass:

• Water
• Distilled white vinegar
• Spray bottle
• Microfiber cloth
• Squeegee
  

How to Clean Window and Mirror Glass

The same solution can be used when cleaning the glass on both windows and mirrors. Not only will the vinegar remove built up dust and dirt, it will also get rid of any stubborn hard water stains.

1. Mix equal parts water and distilled white vinegar in a spray bottle.
2. Spray the solution onto a microfiber cloth.
3. Clean from top to bottom, moving the cloth in an S pattern.
4. If cleaning with a squeegee, spray the solution on the glass and wipe down in horizontal swipes.
   

How to Prevent Streaks

To avoid noticeable streaks, wipe in horizontal and vertical motions, not circles, says Cohoon. Additionally, it also helps to wipe the glass surface dry as quickly as possible after applying the cleaning solution. "This prevents the solution from drying on the glass, leading to streaks," says Sokolowski.

How to Prevent Fogginess

If your glass looks foggy, inspect the glass after cleaning to make sure there are no residues or streaks left behind. If needed, rewet the area and wipe again with a clean, dry cloth. It's also important to ensure proper ventilation when cleaning, which allows fumes or odors to dissipate. If the glass still looks foggy, consider using distilled water when cleaning, as your tap water may be leaving mineral deposits on the glass, says Sokolowski.