How To Clean Car Mirrors?

Last Updated on October 6, 2023 by Matthew Lloyd

The best way to clean your car mirrors is by using a soft lint-free cloth and a glass cleaner specifically designed for automotive use. It’s important to clean them regularly to ensure your car mirrors are sparkling clean and in good working condition. The right cleaning supplies and methods will help to keep your mirrors looking new for years to come.

The Importance Of Keeping Car Mirrors Clean

• Clean car mirrors provide clear visibility while driving and are essential for safe driving
• Properly maintained mirrors will last longer than those that are neglected
• Regular cleaning can help to prevent scratches and damage to the mirror surface over time
• Keeping your car mirrors clean is part of a regular vehicle maintenance routine
• Clean car mirrors add to the overall look and feel of your vehicle.

Cleaning Car Mirrors

You Will Need

• A Soft, Lint-Free Cloth
• An Automotive Glass Cleaner
• A Microfiber Cloth (Optional)

Instructions

Step 1. Start by gently wiping with a clean cloth to remove dust or dirt.

Step 2. Spray the automotive glass cleaner on a soft, lint-free cloth, not on the mirror surface, and wipe the mirror in gentle circles to remove dirt and debris.

Step 3. Make sure to get into the corners and crevices, as these can accumulate dirt over time. Run your finger along the mirror’s edges if any grime is present, and use a damp cloth to clean it.

Step 4. Once you have removed all of the dirt, to avoid streaks, use a microfiber cloth to buff up the surface of the mirror and make it shine.

Step 5. Dry your mirrors completely with a microfiber cloth to finish the job.

Step 6. Repeat this process on all your car mirrors until they are all clean and smudge-free.

Removing Ice From Car Mirrors

You Will Need

• A Plastic Scraper Or Ice Brush
• De-Icer Spray
• Hair Dryer
• Towels Or Rags

Instructions

Step 1. Use your plastic scraper to scrape away any ice from the mirror’s surface gently, and then use a de-icer spray to help melt the remaining ice.

Step 2. If the ice is stubborn and won’t come off with a scraper, use a hair dryer to melt it away on a low setting slowly.

Step 3. Once the ice has been removed, dry using towels or rags to prevent water spots from forming on the mirror.

Step 4. You can apply a protective coating such as RainX or Wax to the mirror’s surface to help prevent future frost and ice buildup.

Household Hacks

Using A Dryer Sheet: Rub the mirror’s surface with a dryer sheet to make them sparkle.

Vinegar And Newspaper: mix equal amounts of vinegar and water, then dip a clean piece of newspaper in the liquid and use it to wipe down the mirrors. The vinegar will help cut through dirt, dust, and grime.

Baking Soda: create a thick paste using baking soda and water, then use a soft cloth to rub the mixture onto the mirrors. Rinse with warm water and dry thoroughly.

Rubbing Alcohol:<span data-preserver-spaces=”true”> mix rubbing alcohol with water in equal parts, then use a clean cloth or paper towel to wipe the mirror’s surface. This is effective for cleaning smaller smudges and fingerprints.

Microfiber Cloth: use a damp microfiber cloth to wipe down the mirrors; this effectively removes dust and dirt.

Lemon Juice: mix equal parts of Lemon Juice and Water, then use a clean cloth to wipe down the mirrors. The lemon juice will help cut through dirt, dust, and grime. Rinse with warm water and dry thoroughly.

Cleaning your car mirrors regularly will help them stay sparkling, safe, and free from dirt, grime, and smudges. Follow these tips to keep your mirrors looking like new!

Other Fixes

• Scratches and scuffs can be buffed out using a microfiber cloth and some automotive polish or rubbing compound, depending on how deep the scratches are. Be sure to follow the directions on the product label and use a gentle touch to avoid damaging your mirrors.
• Try a window or glass cleaner, along with some elbow grease, for stubborn stains and spots. Make sure to test it in an inconspicuous spot before going all out on the mirror.
• To prevent clouding, use a clean microfiber cloth to dry the mirrors and keep them free of dust and dirt.
• If your mirror has cracks or chips, you should replace it and have a professional install it to ensure the best performance.

FAQs

How To Clean Car Mirrors With Vinegar?

To clean the exterior of your car mirrors, you can use a mixture of white vinegar and water.

Step 1. Mix equal white vinegar with warm water in a cup or spray bottle.

Step 2. Spray on the mirror and wipe using a lint-free cloth or a microfiber cloth to prevent streaking.

Step 3. Once the mirrors have been wiped clean, you can use a dry cloth to buff and polish them for a streak-free shine.

Note: Mirrors with anti-fogging or hydrophobic coatings should not be cleaned with vinegar as it can damage the coating. Be sure to check your mirror before cleaning.

How Often Should You Clean Car Mirrors?

• It’s important to clean car mirrors regularly to maintain visibility.
• Depending on the climate and the environment, you may need to clean your car mirrors more frequently.
• In regions with high humidity, you should wipe down your mirrors at least once a week or after every rain.
• In drier climates, it is still recommended to clean your car mirrors at least once a month.
• It is also recommended to wipe off any accumulated dirt and dust from the mirror every few weeks or so. This will help keep the mirrors clear of debris and make them easier to clean when needed.

Will Using Newspaper Effectively Clean The Mirror?

This is an age-old question.

When cleaning car mirrors, a newspaper can be used effectively; however, it’s important to use a gentle touch and clean the mirror with circular motions. This will help ensure that you don’t scratch or damage the mirror surface in any way.

It’s also important to ensure that you use a clean portion of the newspaper, as old and used newspapers contain dirt and other particles that can potentially scratch the mirror surface.

Is It Bad To Use Alcohol On Mirrors?

No, alcohol is generally safe to use on mirrors as long as it’s not too heavily concentrated. Isopropyl alcohol (also known as rubbing alcohol) or ethyl alcohol with a concentration of 70% should be used in moderation and then wiped off quickly.

Is Windex Good For Cleaning Car Mirrors?

Windex is a very popular product for cleaning glass, and it may seem like the logical choice for car mirrors. You can use ammonia-free Windex on car mirrors, but it’s important to note that some Windex formulas contain ammonia. If you use a formula containing ammonia, thoroughly rinse the mirror with clean water afterward.

Conclusion

Properly cleaning car mirrors is important to keeping your vehicle in good shape. When cleaning car mirrors, the most important thing is to be gentle and cautious. You should never use abrasive materials or harsh chemicals as this could cause damage or scratching of the surface. Several methods for effectively cleaning car mirrors include using soap and water or specialized mirror cleaners. With just a little effort, you can keep your car mirrors sparkling clean and always be aware of what’s behind you.