When people take a shower in the bathroom, the steam generated by the hot water will condense on the cooler surface of the mirror, causing it to quickly fog up, making it impossible to see anything clearly, let alone to use the mirror for grooming. So, is there a method to prevent bathroom mirrors from fogging up?
The deputy editor-in-chief of The Spruce website, Kate McKenna, wrote that she has tried using a hairdryer to blow off the condensation droplets on the mirror, or wiping the mirror with a cloth, and even considered purchasing a new exhaust fan. However, all of these methods take time, and what she really wanted was a way to prevent the mirror from fogging up in the first place.
After conducting some research, she was surprised to find that toothpaste in the bathroom can easily solve the problem of fogging up the mirror. Simply apply a small amount of toothpaste to the mirror, then wipe the surface clean with water and a clean cloth.
To test it out, McKenna only applied toothpaste to one side of the mirror and left the other side untreated. After her shower, she was amazed to find that the side with toothpaste hardly fogged up, while the untreated side was completely fogged, making it impossible to see anything.
McKenna mentioned that if you use glass cleaner to clean the mirror, you will need to reapply the toothpaste, and the defogging effect of toothpaste can last for one or two weeks.
If you only want to use toothpaste for brushing your teeth, there are other methods you can use to prevent mirror fogging, such as using dish soap, shaving cream, or anti-fog sprays as suggested by McKenna.
Leading bathroom product retailer “Bathroom City” in the UK also offers some tips:
– Soap: Gently wipe the mirror with soap (any brand will do), then use a towel or microfiber cloth to wipe off the soap. If the soap is difficult to remove, dampen the cloth and continue to wipe until the surface is clean.
– Glycerin: Dilute glycerin with water, then use a soft towel to dry the mirror. Glycerin is non-toxic and safe for children and pets. It may not be as long-lasting as anti-fog spray but can still prevent fogging during showers.
– Vinegar: Mix vinegar and water in a 1:1 ratio to quickly remove fog from the mirror. Apply the solution to the mirror with a clean cloth and then wipe with another dry cloth to ensure no streaks. This cost-effective method can last for about a week.
– Heated anti-fog mirror: This type of mirror can prevent fogging by gently heating the surface to prevent condensation, ensuring a clear view. It also comes with additional features such as infrared sensors, LED lights, and integrated shaver sockets.
“Bathroom City” advises choosing the best solution based on the severity of mirror fogging. For those who enjoy long and relaxing showers or baths with hot water, a permanent solution like a heated anti-fog mirror may be the ideal choice.