For a mirror without streaks, use a clean soft cloth, a small amount of compatible cleaner and a second dry cloth to finish. Apply liquid to the cloth rather than spraying the mirror. Too much cleaner, a dirty cloth or moisture left at the edges can spoil an otherwise good clean.
Start with two clean cloths
Use soft, lint-free cloths that have no grit or abrasive residue. A microfibre cloth is a useful choice. Keep one for cleaning and another dry for finishing; a cloth already used on a greasy basin can simply transfer residue to the glass.
Remove loose surface dust gently before damp cleaning. If a cloth feels gritty, change it. Scrubbing harder is not the solution to a particle caught between the cloth and glass.
Choose a cleaner suited to the mirror
Follow the mirror’s care instructions and any requirements for its coatings, frame and edges. A product labelled “glass cleaner” is not automatically suitable for every mirrored finish. Use only a small amount, applied to the cloth, so liquid cannot run into the perimeter, controls or fittings.
Homemade vinegar mixes are not a universal recommendation. Acidity, repeated edge exposure and decorative finishes can change what is suitable. Avoid abrasives, sharp scrapers and mixing cleaning chemicals.
Wipe lightly, then finish dry
- Work across a manageable section with the lightly dampened cloth.
- Use gentle overlapping passes so you do not miss patches; there is no need to press hard.
- Turn the cloth to a clean area as it picks up residue.
- Finish with the separate dry cloth, including the lower edge where moisture collects.
- Check the reflection from a different angle and spot-clean any remaining mark with a fresh cloth area.
A circular motion is not a guarantee of success, and straight passes do not inherently cause streaks. Clean cloths, suitable product and controlled moisture matter more. Do not keep adding cleaner over a film that needs removing with a fresh cloth.
If streaks or haze remain
Look for the cause before repeating the entire process. A greasy smear may be cloth contamination; fine streaks may be excess cleaner; cloudy patches can have a different cause. Our hazy-mirror guide helps distinguish residue from a condition cleaning will not reverse.
Marks beneath the reflective surface, deteriorating edges or scratches cannot be polished away with household cleaner. Do not scrape or soak the mirror to chase a mark that does not change with gentle cleaning.
Three mirror styles with clear everyday reflections
Cleaning helps you enjoy the mirror you already have. If you are replacing an ageing or unsuitable design, choose the size and lighting for the routine as well as the look of the room.
60 cm round bevelled mirror — £69. An unlit design for a room with existing face lighting. Take particular care to dry its perimeter and bevel after cleaning.
50 × 70 cm oval double-light mirror — £148. Front and rear light with anti-fog for the bathroom. Clean the exterior gently without spraying the controls or edges.
80 × 60 cm gold-framed illuminated mirror — £159. A warmer frame accent; use care appropriate to both the mirror surface and decorative finish.
Prices and stock checked on 27 October 2026. Listed prices are before any checkout promotion.
Keep cleaning separate from condensation control
Streaks are not the same problem as steam on a cold mirror. Ventilation and a suitable demister help with condensation; they do not remove toothpaste, fingerprints or cleaning residue. Read how to reduce mirror fogging and how to defog a bathroom mirror for that problem.
Wipe splashes promptly and clean when needed rather than on an inflexible schedule. A light, careful clean gives you a more enjoyable reflection with less product and less effort.