Spring is here! As the weather warms up and you start opening your windows to let fresh air inside, it’s the perfect time to give your home a deep clean. One area that can really brighten up your home is your mirrors and glass surfaces. Clean, streak-free glass makes rooms appear cleaner, lighter and more spacious. Follow these tips to get your mirrors, windows and other glass sparkling for spring.
Supplies You’ll Need
Before tackling your glass cleaning, make sure you have the right supplies on hand. Here’s what you’ll need:
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Glass cleaner – Choose a store-bought glass cleaner or make your own with equal parts white vinegar and water. Avoid using harsh chemicals like ammonia that can leave streaks.
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Microfiber cloths – Microfiber cloths are KEY for streak-free shining. The ultra-fine fibers grab and lift dirt without leaving lint.
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Squeegee – A window squeegee helps you efficiently clean large glass surfaces like windows and sliding doors.
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Old newspaper – Ball up sheets of newspaper to clean mirrors and glass without leaving lint.
Prep Glass Surfaces
Before spraying and wiping, prep your glass by doing a quick dry wipe down. This removes any dust or particles that could cause scratches.
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Use a dry microfiber cloth to wipe down the entire surface.
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Pay special attention to the corners and edges of the glass – this is where dust loves to hide out.
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For mirrors, lightly go over the surface with balled up newspaper to pick up any lint or fibers.
Spray and Wipe
Now you’re ready to clean! Working top to bottom:
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Lightly spray your glass cleaner directly onto the microfiber cloth, not the glass. This prevents drips.
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Wipe over the surface using light, overlapping circular motions.
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Avoid scrubbing hard – let the cleaner lift the dirt. Scrubbing can cause scratches.
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Buff dry with a clean microfiber cloth. Check for streaks and re-wipe if needed.
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Tip: On mirrors, breath lightly onto the surface and buff dry – this prevents new fogging.
For windows, utilize a squeegee on the interior glass for a quick, streak-free clean.
Deep Clean Glass Showers
Over time, glass shower doors and walls can become etched and cloudy from mineral deposits in water. Deep clean these surfaces seasonally:
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Mix: Create a paste with 2 parts baking soda to 1 part water. Avoid using vinegar as this can damage shower grout.
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Apply the paste and let sit for 5-10 minutes. This gives the baking soda time to break down buildup.
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Scrub with a sponge or microfiber cloth. Avoid using abrasive scouring pads.
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Rinse thoroughly and squeegee dry. Repeat if needed for tough stains.
Prevent Water Spots and Streaks
Once your glass is gleaming, keep it that way using these tips:
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After showering, always squeegee the glass and leave shower doors open to dry fully.
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Hang a small towel near the shower door – wipe down wet surfaces after each use.
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Use a bathroom fan or open a window while showering to prevent humidity buildup.
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Immediately wipe water from windows, mirrors, glass tables, etc. Don’t let it dry and spot.
With the right techniques and regular upkeep, the mirrors, windows and glass in your home will keep their just-cleaned shine all season long!
