The All-Natural Ingredient That'll Leave Your Mirrors Sparkling Clean

It's a satisfying feeling to clean your home and get it in tip-top shape, especially in high-traffic areas like the bathroom. However, it can be a letdown when you shower and then step out to a fully fogged-up mirror that you can't see through. As an impulse, you may try to wipe it down with a towel and cause random streaks. Yet there is an easy way to prevent your mirrors from fogging up every time you shower by using glycerin to get them sparkling clean.

If you think you haven't heard of glycerin before, chances are that you have already used it. Glycerin is a sugar alcohol that attracts and absorbs water, as per WebMD. It is a humectant that is non-toxic and biodegradable (via Alliance Chemical). Colorless and odorless, it is commonly used in various products, including cosmetics, food, and pharmaceuticals. The natural substance is not harmful, does not irritate the skin or eyes, and is gentle on surfaces.

Glycerin can be used to keep mirrors clean. When mixed with water, it creates a chemically-free cleaning solution. When used for cleaning, glycerin dries quickly and does not leave behind residue. This makes it effective yet also safe to use on delicate surfaces, as it won't scratch mirrors or glass. 

Simply add a few drops of glycerin to water in a spray bottle. Then spray the solution on the mirror and wipe it clean with a microfiber cloth, a great trick to cleaning a mirror well. The glycerin will help to remove dirt and grime without leaving any streaks.

Additionally, glycerin can be used to clean other surfaces in the home. Mix baking soda with glycerin to get tiles sparkling or add a teaspoon of glycerin to 1/4 cup of dish soap and 3/4 cups of baking soda to clean stainless steel. You can use the same spray solution on stainless steel to remove fingerprints and smudges or on tiles to get rid of soap scum. It also helps remove stains from laundry, including tough grease stains.  Glycerin can be found in pharmacies and supermarkets, and, of course, is also available online.

Glycerin can also help keep your mirror fog-free. A mirror fogs up when water vapor in the air condenses on the mirror's surface. The hot water from the shower vaporizes and increases the humidity of the air. The air with high humidity comes in contact with the cold mirror, causing the water vapor to condense into tiny water droplets on the mirror's surface, making the mirror appear foggy. 

To prevent a mirror from fogging up after taking a shower, you can open a window or use a fan to reduce the humidity of the air. However, using glycerin is an easy solution. Glycerin can be used to create a protective layer to shield the mirror that will help to repel dirt and water. This will keep it from fogging up after a shower.

For best results, when you apply glycerin to the mirror, buff it with a microfiber cloth until it is evenly distributed. You'll want to ensure that all parts of the mirror are sufficiently covered. The thin film on the mirror created by the glycerin will not only prevent it from fogging up but also keep it clean.