There's nothing more frustrating than trying to clean a dirty mirror and more streaks appear. Foggy and streaky mirrors occur when you use the wrong type of cloth, too much liquid, or, most commonly, the wrong cleaner.

Fortunately, an expert has revealed a simple, chemical-free solution that leaves glass sparkling without harsh fumes or residue. According to Vera Peterson, president of Molly Maid, homeowners are also using the wrong technique when cleaning mirrors. Her foolproof step-by-step guide guarantees a streak-free mirror and it won't break the bank or be time-consuming – here's how to do it.

To begin with, you need to prep your mirror by wiping it with a dry cloth to remove dust particles.

She explained to Martha Stewart: "You can then spot clean caked-on residue, water drops, or toothpaste spots with a cotton swab in rubbing alcohol."

Then create your chemical-free solution by combining vinegar with warm water and transferring it into a spray bottle.

Once you’ve sprayed the mixture onto the mirror, the expert recommends using a microfibre cloth, coffee filter, or newspaper to wipe in a wide 'S' motion, starting at the top and going from edge to edge, all the way to the bottom.

Peterson shared: "Try to lead with the same edge of the cloth to capture any dirt or debris without spreading it around. Don't use a circular motion to clean the mirror — this is a common mistake."

You can also use this method to prevent your mirrors from going foggy before showering. Simply add a few drops of dish soap to your solution, and instead of wiping away immediately, let the solution sit for a few seconds.

"After this, your mirror should not fog up for a couple of days. It will be necessary to repeat often if this is a common issue," said Peterson.

How to make the solution 

Ingredients:

• White vinegar
• Water
• Dish soap (optional)

Method:

To create the chemical-free solution, mix one part white vinegar with four parts warm water in a bowl or bucket and then transfer the solution into a spray bottle. If your mirror is very dirty, add a tiny drop of dish soap.