For most people, mirrors that fog up after a shower are the norm. Depending upon the conditions in your bathroom, you might have to wipe it once, or you might have to battle with a mirror that takes forever to see.
If you are one of those people who get frustrated with the steamy mirror, then you will be happy to discover that anti-fog bathroom mirrors do exist. They do need cleaning, and there are things that you should keep in mind when you do so.
Read More: How to Keep Bathroom Mirrors From Fogging Up (4 Different Ways)
Treating your bathroom mirror with vinegar
Vinegar has been used to coat bathroom mirrors for quite a while. You can use this method on regular mirrors, as well as anti-fog mirrors. The process is simple to follow:
- Clean bathroom mirror normally
- Dry the mirror
- Apply vinegar mixture on mirror
- Let mirror air-dry
- Repeat every two weeks, or as needed
Clean the mirror with your preferred cleaning solution. Dry the surface with a towel or let it air-dry before continuing.
Start the anti-fogging by making a solution of two tablespoons of vinegar per quart of hot water. Make sure to mix it before use.
Use a clean cloth to apply the mixture. Dip a corner and smear it across the surface, covering the entire mirror.
Let the vinegar solution air-dry (don’t wipe it down, or you will remove it).
The coating can last for a couple of weeks under normal conditions. If the shower is used often (by a large family, for example), you might have to do this weekly.
Using other homemade methods
- Bar of soap
- Shaving cream
Another method that many people use is a layer of film from a bar of soap. Simply rub the soap on your mirror, leaving a layer of soap on the surface. Buff the soap off of the mirror with a towel. Wipe the surface clean.
You can also use shaving cream or foam instead of a bar of soap. Place the product on the mirror with your finger, smearing it to cover the entire surface. Wipe the mirror clean with a towel.
Either method should clean the mirror and help with fogging for a week or two.
Cleaning anti-fog mirrors
Mirrors that use heating elements, or have a special anti-fog coating, should be cleaned per manufacturer instructions. Most anti-fog mirrors can be cleaned with the same specialized cleaners that you would use on a regular bathroom mirror, such as original Windex.
If you are unsure of what the manufacturer suggests, try your cleaner or treatment on a corner of the surface of the mirror (that includes using homemade solutions like vinegar or soap).
Failing to follow the manufacturer’s recommendations can void your bathroom mirror warranty if it becomes damaged from cleaning.
Don’t forget your bathroom vent
Most modern homes have vents installed in the bathrooms. These vents aid in removing moisture and odors quickly.
Turning on the vents before you shower reduces the humidity that builds up in the bathroom, especially when the door is closed. That can eliminate fog on regular mirrors and allow anti-fog mirrors or treatments to work effectively.
Eliminate extreme temperature build ups
Showering with cooler water reduces the temperature changes in your bathroom. You can also shower with the bathroom door open if privacy is not a concern. Even a cracked door allows a lot of steam to dissipate, especially after the shower is turned off.
