Less spray, one direction, no streaks.
Spray Less, Wipe Once
How to clean a bathroom mirror without streaks, and what to check in the cabinet behind it.
A streaky mirror is one of the most common bathroom complaints there is. Most people respond by reaching for a stronger spray or a different brand.
Try using less instead. And while you're at it, the medicine cabinet behind the mirror is worth a look too, since it's an easy place for things to go unnoticed for years.
Empty the cabinet and check dates
Take everything out of the medicine cabinet and check expiration dates. Set anything expired aside to dispose of properly, not in the regular trash or down the drain.
Why? Old medication doesn't work as well as it should, and some shouldn't be kept around, especially in a home with kids.
Never flush old medication or pour it down the drain unless the label specifically says to. Check with a local pharmacy about a take-back program.
Wipe the shelves
Wipe the empty shelves with a damp cloth before you put anything back.
Why? Dust and spilled powder collect on shelves that are rarely emptied out.
Spray the mirror lightly
Spray glass cleaner lightly, just a mist, rather than soaking the surface.
Why? Streaks usually come from too much liquid pooling and drying unevenly, not from too little cleaner.
Wipe in one direction
Wipe from top to bottom in one direction with a lint-free cloth or paper towel, then buff any leftover streaks with a dry section of the cloth.
Why? Going back and forth in different directions is what usually re-smears a streak instead of removing it.
Return items with room to see them
Put items back with the ones you use most at eye level, and check dates again as you go.
Why? A cabinet you can see into is one you'll actually use, instead of one where things go to be forgotten again.
If you only have a minute
Just wipe the mirror with a lightly damp cloth. That's enough for now.
The lighter hand wins
A clear mirror and a cabinet you can actually see into both come from doing less at once: less spray, fewer things crammed onto one shelf.
A light hand and one direction. That's the whole trick.