8 Easy Methods to Stop Your Bathroom Mirror From Fogging Up

Nothing feels quite as comforting as a hot shower, but it’s often followed up with a rush to get ready for the day. That steamy shower, though, will fog up the bathroom mirror, rendering it useless as you try to shave, style your hair, or apply skincare and makeup. Luckily, there are several ways you can help stop fog from taking over your mirror with these easy anti-fog treatments.

1. Vinegar

A vinegar solution is one of the best ways to stop steam from fogging up the bathroom mirror.

• Combine 2 tablespoons of vinegar with 1 quart of boiling water. Alternatively, you can use a 1:1 ratio of vinegar and room temperature water if you don’t have time to boil the water.

• Apply the solution with a coffee filter or a clean, lint-free cloth. Wipe it dry with a separate, dry, lint-free cloth.

• This anti-fog treatment will work for about one week.

2. Shaving Cream

Grab that shaving cream from on top of the bathroom sink and put it to good use as an anti-fog treatment.

• Spray a small amount of shaving cream onto your fingers, and wipe it onto the mirror surface.

• For shaving cream that sprays out as foam, you can spray a small amount, depending on the size of your mirror, directly onto the mirror.

• Use a microfiber or other lint-free cloth to buff the shaving cream into the mirror.

• This treatment should last up to three weeks.

3. Body Wash

If you’re in the bathroom, there’s sure to be body wash nearby. Luckily, this surfactant helps keep the steam from sticking to the surface of the mirror. Both liquid and bar soap work as anti-fog treatments for mirrors.

• Rub a bar of soap lightly across the mirror. Don’t push too hard, or it will leave a thick residue.

• Apply a small amount of liquid body wash to your hands or a lint-free cloth, then wipe it over the mirror.

• Take a clean microfiber cloth and wipe away the visible soap from the mirror.

4. Toothpaste

Toothpaste is another handy bathroom item that will keep your mirror clear, even after a hot shower.

• Apply a small amount of toothpaste to the mirror with your fingers or a clean cloth.

• Buff the toothpaste into the mirror with a lint-free cloth.

• Wipe the mirror clean with a new lint-free cloth.

5. Laundry Detergent

If your body wash or toothpaste is running low and you forgot to restock the vinegar when you were last at the grocery store, you can also use laundry detergent as a quick, anti-fog treatment for bathroom mirrors.

• Use a clean microfiber cloth to buff a bit of laundry detergent into the mirror.

• Wipe down the mirror with a separate microfiber cloth.

6. Car Wax

It’s always exciting to see water droplets bead up on a freshly waxed car, so why not apply that same wax to a bathroom mirror? Simply buff the wax into the mirror and wipe clean—the same procedure when applying toothpaste, soap, laundry detergent, or shaving cream—and watch that mirror shine.

7. Glycerine

Glycerine is a product sold at pharmacies and used to treat dry, itchy skin. It can double as an effective treatment for defogging mirrors but expect to spend $4 to $10 for a 4- or 8-ounce bottle of glycerine.

• Dilute glycerine with water. Amounts can vary, but you can add a splash of glycerine to a bucket of water for your anti-fog treatment.

• Use a cloth to apply the diluted glycerine to the mirror.

• Glycerine is non-toxic, so it’s okay if it gets on your hands. It is also a safe bathroom mirror cleaning option to use around children and pets.

8. Specialty Defogging Products

Defogging products on the market are typically made for car windshields but will work for your bathroom mirrors. These will cost $5 to $10 for a bottle.

• Spray the defogging product directly onto the mirror surface.

• Wipe the mirror with a clean, microfiber cloth.