How to Clean a Cloudy Mirror (3 Simple and Easy Techniques!)

How do you clean a cloudy mirror?  This is a good question and the good news is you don’t need a fancy cleaner. 

You can simply use vinegar and water!  

Below are the three techniques that work really well and the step by step instructions so you can get the best results.

Mirrors are a fantastic decorating tool because they bring light and depth wherever you place them.

They also add a certain elegance and beauty to the room.

But, built-up residue will create cloudy mirrors, which will prevent your mirrors from enhancing your space.

Here are three simple techniques to use when you need something a little stronger than your usual cleaner to make your mirror look like new.

1. Vinegar and Water

How to clean cloudy mirrors with vinegar and water

Most mirror cleaners have a small amount of vinegar in them.

When you are cleaning a cloudy mirror, using a vinegar and water mixture will give you a more powerful solution to work with.

This is also a natural option, so it allows you to and the job done and avoid using a cleaner with chemicals.

Here’s how to do it:

Step 1 – Using a funnel, pour one cup of distilled vinegar into a clean and empty spray bottle.

Step 2 – Using a funnel, pour one cup of water into the spray bottle (you can use tap water or distilled water).  Both will do a good job.

Step 3 – Screw on the spray nozzle and gently shake the bottle to mix the solution.

Step 4 – Spray a small amount on your mirror and using a microfiber cloth (instead of a paper towel) thoroughly rub down every inch of your mirror.

A microfiber cloth will not leave lint on your mirror and do the best job when cleaning a mirror. 

If you’re not sure what kind of microfiber cloth to get (there are tons of options!), check out this article that goes over the pros and cons of each kind of cloth: Best Microfiber Cleaning Cloths For Mirrors (6 Different Options).

Step 5 – Repeat Step 4 if necessary.

Click here to see a video that demonstrates this technique.

2. Shaving Cream

How to clean a cloudy mirror with shaving cream

Are you surprised that shaving cream is the next suggestion?

This technique not only does a great job cleaning cloudy mirrors but will also keep your bathroom mirror from fogging up when you take a shower!

Who knew?

This one technique fixes two problems!

Here’s how to do it:

Step 1 – Rub a little bit of shaving cream all over your mirror.

Step 2 – Using a microfiber cloth, buff the shaving cream off of the mirror until the mirror is completely clean.

That’s it!!  This technique is super easy and fast and it will give you a beautiful mirror again.

Check out this hilarious video that demonstrates this technique!

3. Rubbing Alcohol and Water

How to clean cloudy mirrors with rubbing alcohol and water

For the third technique, you’ll need to grab the rubbing alcohol from your medicine cabinet.

By mixing rubbing alcohol and water, you create a mixture that is stronger than the typical mirror cleaner.

This is definitely needed in order to get that residue off of your cloudy mirror!

Here’s how to do it:

Step 1 – Using a funnel, pour one cup of rubbing alcohol into a clean and empty spray bottle.

Step 2 – Using a funnel, pour two cups of water into the spray bottle.

Step 3 – After you screw on the spray nozzle, gently shake the bottle to mix the solution.

Step 4 – Spray a small amount on your mirror.  Using a cloth, completely wipe down your mirror. 

To avoid lint from paper towels, use a microfiber cloth to wipe down the mirror.

Step 5 – Repeat step 4 if your mirror is still a little cloudy after going over it once.

Check out this video that shows you each step of this technique.

Give these techniques a try!

How to clean a cloudy mirror.

Can you clean a mirror with shaving cream?  This technique will keep your mirror from getting foggy.