The Focus Way · Cleaning guide
How to clean a mirror without streaks
By the Focus Cleaning team · Published
The short answer
Spray a little glass cleaner onto a microfibre cloth, not straight onto the mirror. Wipe the glass so it's only lightly damp, then straight away buff it with a second, fine, dry microfibre cloth made for glass. It won't leave lint, and drying it before it air-dries is what stops streaks.
Before you start
What you'll need
- A glass cleaner
- Two clean microfibre cloths: one for wiping, one fine glass cloth for drying
Safety first
- Spray onto the cloth so cleaner doesn't drip into mirror edges, frames or onto timber and painted surfaces.
- Don't mix glass cleaner with other products.
- Never mix bleach with vinegar, ammonia or other cleaning products. Some combinations release toxic gas.
- Keep the room ventilated: open a window and run the exhaust fan while you work.
- Wear gloves, read the label on any product, and follow its directions.
- Store products in their original labelled containers, out of reach of children and pets.
Check the surface
- Read the product label: many glass cleaners aren't for wood or varnished surfaces, so keep them off frames.
- Spot test on an antique, tinted or coated mirror first.
Step by step
- 1
Spray the cloth, not the glass
Lightly spray the glass cleaner onto your first microfibre cloth.
- 2
Wipe so the glass is only lightly damp
Wipe the mirror top to bottom in overlapping strokes. Aim for a light film, not a wet surface.
- 3
Buff dry straight away
Before it dries on its own, buff the glass with a second, fine, dry microfibre glass cloth until it's clear.
- 4
Check from the side
Look at the mirror from an angle in good light and buff any remaining marks.
What the Focus team recommends
Most streaks come from too much product and letting it air-dry. Use less cleaner, keep a dedicated dry cloth just for glass, and wash your cloths without fabric softener so they stay lint-free.
Questions
Why does my mirror streak even after cleaning?
Usually too much product, a dirty cloth, or letting it dry on its own. Use a little cleaner on the cloth and buff dry straight away.
Why spray the cloth instead of the mirror?
It uses less product and keeps cleaner from running into the edges of the mirror and onto frames or walls.
Does this work on windows and shower glass?
Yes for everyday glass. For white hard water marks on shower glass, see our shower glass guide.
Sources and further reading
- Windex Glass Cleaner · Chemist Warehouse (product page and label directions)
Appliance and product manuals always take priority over general advice.
Last reviewed:
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Focus Cleaning looks after homes on Sydney's Northern Beaches and North Shore. Regular house cleaning · Deep & spring cleaning