Can You Use Bleach On A Mirror? (How to Clean a Mirror Without Leaving Streaks)

Can You Use Bleach On A Mirror? (How to Clean a Mirror Without Leaving Streaks)

Over the years, I have used all kinds of cleaning products on my mirrors, from store-bought cleaners to homemade solutions, all in the search for the best cleaner to give my mirror a streak-free shine. Fortunately, I have been lucky with some products, while some were a disaster.

Those weird experiences have taught me so much about what cleaner to use on a mirror that I can’t go back to using anything but the right stuff!

This guide helps you understand how to clean your mirror using bleach.

Summary – You can use bleach on a mirror. But it is not recommended. When not correctly applied, bleach can damage the silver backing on a mirror. It can also leave streaks on the mirror if not cleaned off properly.  

Can You Clean a Mirror with Bleach?

Mirrors are not affected by bleach because they are made of glass, a non-porous material that will not absorb bleach or any other type of cleaner.  So Yes, you can clean your mirror with bleach.

However, when using bleach, you should exercise caution because it can still cause some damage listed below if not used properly.

  • If bleach is applied in excess and allowed to flow to the back of a mirror, it can damage the silver coating. As a result, when cleaning the mirror, only a small amount of bleach should be used and applied carefully to the mirror’s surface.
  • Using bleach on a mirror can leave streaks on its surface, resulting in a cloudy and hazy mirror. To remove streaks, wipe the mirror with a clean, dry cloth immediately after applying bleach.
  • Be careful not to allow the bleach to get to your skin and eyes. As such, put on protective gear when using bleach on the mirror.

How to Clean a Mirror Using a Bleach

Tools needed to clean mirror with bleach

Perhaps you’ve run out of cleaning supplies, and bleach is all you’ve got. No need to worry – you can still use bleach to clean your mirror. 

Start by gathering these items, 

  • Liquid Bleach
  • Clean Cloths
  • Hand Gloves
  • Eye Protection

Step 1: Wear Protective Gear

Before opening the bleach bottle, take all necessary precautions; 

  • Wear hand gloves and eye protection glasses. 
  • Put on less valuable cloth in case of an accidental splash. 
  • You should wear a dress that completely covers your body, such as a long sleeve and trousers. This is because you don’t want the bleach to come into contact with your skin.

Step 2: Pour Bleach on a Cloth

Bleach mirror clean

Pour just enough bleach onto a clean cloth (you won’t need so much bleach). Preferably, use a clean rag, as bleach will discolor your cleaning cloth.

Step 3: Thoroughly Clean the Mirror

Now, rub the bleach on the mirror’s surface thoroughly. Again, ensure to reach all corners, but avoid getting bleach on the wooden or plastic frame around your mirror.

Step 4: Wipe the Mirror Once More with a Clean, Dry Cloth

Next, take a separate dry cloth and wipe the mirror, this time to remove bleach residue from the surface. Do this until the mirror is completely dry to achieve a streak-free shine.

Quick Tip: You don’t need to rinse the glass with water or use a damp cloth. A dry clean cloth is enough to remove bleach residue.

What Other Materials Can You Use to Clean a Mirror?

Getting a sparkling clean mirror shouldn’t be difficult if you have the following items in your home;

1.     Vinegar and Water

Vinegar and water to clean mirror

Distilled vinegar is a must-have in every home. Aside from being a highly effective product for cleaning cloudy and foggy mirrors, it is also non-hazardous if it comes into contact with the skin or is inhaled.

To clean a mirror with a vinegar solution, simply mix water and white vinegar in a bottle-spray in a 2:1 ratio. Then apply the solution to the mirror and rub it with a microfiber cloth.

2.     Old Newspaper

Newspapers work well for removing unsightly smears and streaks from the mirror surface. Simply crumple the paper, dip it in a cleaning solution and wipe the mirror. Then choose another dry newspaper to complete the cleaning process. 

3.     Rubbing Alcohol

Apply Rubbing Alcohol to a piece of cutting wool and rub it against the mirror to remove toothpaste splatters and lipstick stains.

4.     Lemon Juice

Lemon juice contains a high acid content that is effective at removing grease and oil from the mirror surface. Soak cotton pads in the lemon juice. Then, wipe the mirror’s surface with the soaked pad to remove stains and dirt. Now, take a clean microfiber cloth and wipe the lemon away. 

FAQs On Can You Use Bleach On A Mirror

How Do I Get the Cloudy Film off my Mirror?

Vinegar solution and old newspaper are your best bet for cleaning a cloudy mirror. Simply mix vinegar and water in a spray bottle. Then spray the solution on the mirror and rub it with the newspaper until the shine returns. 

Can I use an All-purpose Cleaner on a Mirror?

The term “all-purpose cleaner” can be misleading. In reality, there are many things that an all-purpose cleaner cannot clean, including the mirror. These cleaners contain oils that cause streaks on the mirror and are difficult to remove. Instead, clean your mirror with a dedicated glass cleaner or any of the homemade solutions discussed in this post.

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