Why does my mirror always streak?

Too much product, paper towels, or cleaning in warm conditions. Use less spray, a microfiber cloth, and clean when it is cool.

How often should you clean bathroom mirrors?

Weekly wipe-down to remove toothpaste splatter and water spots. Deep clean monthly.

Yes, but vinegar and water works equally well and costs less. Avoid ammonia-based cleaners on mirrors with decorative coatings.

Apply a thin layer of dish soap or shaving cream to the mirror and buff off. This creates a fog-resistant film.

Bathroom

Your mirror is one of the most-used surfaces in your home. Here's how to get it spotless and keep it that way.

1
Dust the mirror first
Wipe the mirror with a dry microfiber cloth to remove dust and loose particles. This prevents streaking when you apply liquid.
2
Spray cleaning solution
Mix equal parts white vinegar and distilled water in a spray bottle. Spray the mirror lightly -- do not oversaturate.
3
Wipe in a Z pattern
Starting at the top, wipe in a zigzag pattern from top to bottom. This prevents drip lines and ensures full coverage.
4
Buff to a streak-free finish
Flip the cloth to a dry side and buff the mirror with circular motions until completely clear and streak-free.

TIPClean mirrors on a cloudy day or when the room is cool -- heat causes the solution to evaporate too fast, leaving streaks.
TIPNewspaper works surprisingly well for buffing mirrors to a streak-free finish after wiping with vinegar solution.
TIPUse distilled water to avoid mineral spots that tap water leaves behind.

XSpraying too much cleaner, which runs down the mirror and seeps behind the frame, causing black edge damage.
XUsing paper towels, which leave lint fibers on the glass surface.
XCleaning in direct sunlight, which causes the solution to dry too fast and leave streaks.

Equal parts white vinegar and distilled water in a spray bottle. Add a few drops of dish soap for extra cutting power on grime.