How to Remove Water Spots from a Bathroom Mirror
Soften the white water spots with citric acid, then buff with microfiber. Just be careful around the edges of the mirror.
What you need
Supplies
- 1 tsp citric acid
- 200 ml (3/4 cup) water
Tools
- Spray bottle
- Paper towels
- Soft sponge
- 2 microfiber cloths
How to do it
- 01
Mix a citric acid spray
Dissolve 1 tsp of citric acid in 200 ml (3/4 cup) of water in a spray bottle. Water spots are hardened calcium and magnesium from tap water, and they dissolve well in acid.
- 02
Spray and cover with paper towels
Spray the worst spots, press a paper towel over them and spray again so it sticks. After 10–15 minutes the hardened spots soften.
- 03
Wipe gently with a sponge
Peel off the paper towel and wipe in small circles with a soft sponge. No pressure is needed; the spots should simply dissolve away.
- 04
Rinse and buff dry
Wipe off the citric acid with a damp, wrung-out microfiber cloth, then buff with a dry one in a single top-to-bottom direction for a streak-free finish.
Be careful
- The silver backing of a mirror is sensitive to acid and moisture. Keep the spray away from the edges so it does not seep in behind the glass.
- Steel wool and abrasive cleaners leave fine scratches on glass.
- If you used bleach in the bathroom, ventilate and rinse well before using citric acid.
Malkkeum tips
- One pass with a squeegee after showering stops most water spots from forming.
- Wiping the mirror with a dry cloth with a tiny bit of dish soap reduces fogging.
- Clean the faucet with the same citric acid spray and you are done in one go.
Water spots and soap film are different
Mirror marks come in two kinds. Round white spots are minerals left behind as water dries; they dissolve in citric acid. A cloudy haze is soap scum made from the oils in shampoo and soap. If there is a lot of haze, wipe the mirror with soapy water before using the citric acid spray.
The edges have turned black
Dark marks spreading in from the edges are corrosion of the silver backing, known as desilvering. Once it appears, it cannot be wiped away. Keeping water from collecting at the edges and spraying cleaners only in the center of the mirror is the best prevention.
FAQ
Can I use vinegar instead? Yes. Mix vinegar and water 1:1 and use it the same way. Ventilate well, as the smell lingers.
