Nothing feels as relaxing as taking a long, hot shower or bath after a stressful day. One thing you may notice after hopping out of the tub is that the bathroom mirror has fogged up. Today we’ll discuss why the steam from your shower makes the mirror hazy and how to prevent it so you can admire your beautiful reflection again.
Why does a steamy shower make the bathroom mirror fog up?
After taking a hot shower, the air in the bathroom becomes warm. This warm air contains water vapor. When this warm air comes in contact with the cold mirror, the vapour condenses and forms tiny droplets of water on the mirror. This water droplet is what we see as haze.
Besides the fact that the steam prevents you from seeing your reflection, excess humidity in the bathroom can cause a few problems such as mold and mildew growth and it can ruin your mirror over time.
Ventilate the bathroom
Bathroom ventilation fans exhaust steamy air out of the bathroom, ultimately reducing the risk of harmful mold and mildew buildup. If you have a fan in your bathroom you should use it every time you take a shower or bath.
Opening windows lets the warm, moist air escape your bathroom. You should ensure that it is well-ventilated at all times. While the installation of an extractor fan is important, leaving the bathroom door open when not in use and opening windows will also help to reduce moisture levels.
If you live alone and don’t have a window in your bathroom you can leave the bathroom door open a little bit while you bathe so the steam can escape.
Home remedies to stop your bathroom mirror from fogging up
There are many home remedies that claim to stop your mirrors from getting foggy. I tried several of them and unfortunately they didn’t work.
Shaving cream
This urban legend says that if you take a small amount of shaving cream and rub it all over your mirror it will prevent it from steaming up. I tried this method several times and with different types of shaving cream. Unfortunately the mirror was just as hazy as if I hadn’t put anything on it.
Soap
Another method that supposedly stops steam on your mirrors is using a bar of soap. You rub it on the glass and buff it off just like the shaving cream. This method didn’t work for me either.
So what does work?
Anti Fog Spray
You can purchase this anti fog spray from Amazon and it works wonders. This isn’t a sponsored post. I paid for the spray myself. I do get a few cents in commission if you order it from Amazon, FYI. Stoner Invisible Glass Anti-Fog interior windshield treatment is actually designed for auto windows but it works like a dream for your bathroom mirror. Here’s how to use it:
Time needed: 5 minutes
How to apply Anti-Fog treatment to bathroom mirrors
Clean the mirror
Clean the mirror so it is free of dust, fingerprints or any other residue. Use a glass cleaner like Windex for best results.
Apply the treatment
Spray a moderate amount onto a lint-free cloth. Wipe the mirror back and forth until evenly applied.
Allow to dry
If you touch and smear the mirror before it dries, simply reapply.
Enjoy your steam-free mirror
The results can last up to a month. Avoid contact with painted metal, plastic or clear coated surfaces. Use only in temperatures above 40 degrees Fahrenheit.
Heated bathroom mirror
If applying anti-fog spray to your mirror once a month isn’t your thing then you might want to try a heated mirror. These mirrors are on the pricey side but you will not have any steam blocking your view.
Mirror-finish infrared heating panels are a great option for the bathroom. They look great, sit almost flat against the wall and emit powerful warmth soon after being switched on. They do not fog up when exposed to steam, so they are perfect for bathrooms.
Use a hairdryer
If a heated mirror is too rich for your blood a fast way to defog a bathroom mirror is to blast it with warm air from a hair dryer. Simply turn on the dryer and point it at the mirror. The heat will cause the condensation to evaporate quickly.
FAQ
What can damage a mirror?
The layer of silver that makes a mirror reflective is vulnerable to oxidation, which turns the mirror black. Water and certain cleaners can cause oxidation. Limit the amount of moisture used. Don’t let water run along edges or sit in corners or at the bottom of a frame.
What should you not clean a mirror with?
Don’t use a a paper towel. Paper towels leave behind small pieces of residue, making the mirror look dusty. Instead, always use a clean, dry flat weave microfiber cloth. The microfiber acts as a magnet for dirt. Dust and dirt get caught in the tiny fibers and won’t get redistributed back onto the mirror.
Can you use shaving cream to prevent a mirror from fogging?
This is an old wives tale that I just couldn’t get to work. I tried different brands of shaving cream but none of them were effective in preventing steam on the glass.
Is rubbing alcohol good for mirrors?
Rubbing alcohol is one of the best cleaning products for mirrors. It doesn’t affect the surface of the mirror, it doesn’t interact with it or cause streaks or scratches. Put some rubbing alcohol on a clean cotton pad. Now, gently wipe the mirror from top to bottom to clean.
With cleaning trends and DIYs becoming more popular online every day, I feel like I am in my element. Hi, my name is Adrienne Carrie Hubbard and I have been finding creative hacks and tricks for cleaning for over 15 years now.
I enjoy looking for tips on how to clean the overall home, with a special interest in the bathroom. It’s the most difficult room to clean, after all! Yet the most important.
I run a Facebook group called Cottagecore DIY and Decor with over 18,000 members called Cottagecore DIY and Decor. We were even nominated for a Facebook Community Award in 2021!
