How to clean mirrors without glass cleaner
Simon Edward • 6 6月 2025
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Want to clean a mirror without a commercial glass cleaner? Explore your options in our how-to guide.
For every one person who enjoys cleaning, there are thousands who find it a chore. And while some chores have ease on their side – hoovering, say, or dusting down a bookshelf – others are readily put off.
This is often the case with mirrors. Despite their apparently endless capacity to get covered in gunk and grime, many of us find it all too easy to leave the job for later.
Look: we're not judging. But sooner or later, you're going to have to wipe down that mirror. And when you do, you may find yourself reluctant to use off-the-shelf commercial glass cleaners.
Commercial glass cleaners do the job. But there are several compelling reasons to use a more DIY method.
Some people find commercial cleaners irritate their eyes, skin or even breathing. Others baulk at the expense. And no matter how effective they are, an increasing number of people want to avoid chucking another plastic bottle in the landfill.
Luckily, alternatives are at hand. But first, what should you use to wipe your mirrors with?
What should you use to wipe a mirror?
No matter what cleaning solution you use, it's important to wipe your mirror with something that won't leave streaks, stains or marks.
For a long time, people used newspaper – and while it's far from a bad idea, it can leave marks on your mirror.
Your best bet is to invest in a microfibre cloth. This collects dirt, grease and other nasties without leaving marks or lint on your mirror. Even better, it can be washed and reused.
Two ways to clean a mirror without glass cleaner
1. White vinegar
Is there anything white vinegar can't do? People use it to clean pots and pans, kitchen and bathroom surfaces, household appliances, laundry and even their hair.
It's also an eco-friendly alternative to commercial mirror glass cleaners. Simply mix equal parts white vinegar and warm water, then pour it into a spray bottle and shake until mixed.
Spray the vinegar solution onto your mirror and wipe it from top to bottom with your trusty microfibre cloth. Alternatively, you can spray the solution directly onto the cloth.
As anyone who's walked into a chip shop will know, vinegar has quite the aroma – so make sure you ventilate the room with an open door or window.
Once you've wiped off the solution, dry the mirror thoroughly with a microfibre cloth. You could also use newspaper – but if you do, make sure the ink has dried completely.
It's important to remember that mirrors can be cleaned with white vinegar – not apple cider vinegar or any other variety. Also worth noting is that the vinegar solution can damage wood, so be careful when cleaning a mirror with a wooden frame.
2. Isopropyl alcohol and ammonia
Isopropyl alcohol – also known as "isopropanol", "surgical spirit" or (in the US) "rubbing alcohol" – is a colourless and flammable liquid used as an antiseptic and cleaning substance.
Mixed with ammonia and washing-up liquid, isopropyl alcohol can be a valiant soldier in the war against dirty mirrors.
Mix one part ammonia with two parts isopropyl alcohol and add a few drops of washing-up liquid. Stir to combine, then add warm water. The solution will also work if you leave out the isopropyl alcohol or washing up liquid – it just won't be quite as effective.
Pour the mixture into a spray bottle and follow the instructions for method one. The key difference is that this second solution is both flammable and an irritant. For this reason, you should always wear rubber gloves and goggles.
Removing tough stains
Does your mirror have a stubborn stain? There are a few ways to remove it without reaching for commercial glass cleaner.
You can dab the stain with isopropyl alcohol or nail polish remover before wiping it off with a microfibre cloth.
Residues can be scraped off with a razor. Simply dampen the area with one of the liquids already mentioned and start scraping. Take care not to scratch the mirror. Dry the spot when you're done.
