By Kerry Hale

Bathroom Mirror Steam Tips 

  • Wednesday 19 March 2025
  • 4 minute read

Ever stepped out of a hot shower and your bathroom mirror has completely steamed over? A cloudy mirror is a common occurrence in many households, and it can be frustrating to deal with. This guide explores how to tackle this issue, with tips on how to reduce bathroom steam and prevent your mirror from becoming foggy. 

Why does my bathroom mirror steam up?

While you’re having a bath or shower, you may notice your bathroom mirror steaming up. This is due to a build-up of hot moisture in the room. When this moisture comes into contact with cold surfaces, such as mirrors, it creates a thin layer of fog, causing them to look steamy. This is a common issue, and there are several ways to prevent it from happening.

How to reduce bathroom mirror steam

Want to reduce the steam in your bathroom and on your mirror? Try these three simple tips: 

Open the windows

Opening the windows in your bathroom is one of the easiest ways to lower steam levels. You should leave a window open while showering and keep it open for a little while afterwards. This way, the steam will escape out of the window rather than settling on the mirror. If your bathroom doesn’t have any windows, try keeping the door open to let moisture out. 

Turn on the extractor fan

If you have a bathroom extractor fan, switch this on to improve air circulation while showering. Leave it on for around 30 minutes after showering to remove excess moisture. Extractor fans work by taking moist air out of your bathroom and transporting it outside, making it less likely to settle on cold surfaces like mirrors. 

Use a dehumidifier

A dehumidifier is a device that extracts moisture from the air and collects it as water. Consider investing in one of these if you’re experiencing high levels of condensation in your bathroom, and use it during and after showering. 

Explore our handy guide for more tips on how to reduce bathroom condensation.

How to prevent your mirror from steaming up

Tired of dealing with a steamy mirror every time you shower? Try these tips to prevent your mirror from steaming up. 

Shaving foam

While shaving foam might not be the first item you’d think to use when tackling a cloudy mirror, it can be very effective. Squeeze a thin layer onto your finger and wipe it over the mirror, or apply it directly to the surface. Be careful not to use too much foam, as doing so will leave streaks. 

Then, take a clean, dry cloth and wipe the foam away until you can see your reflection. The results should be effective for several weeks. When you start to notice the mirror steaming up again, repeat these steps. 

Dish soap

Dish soap is a common household product that you can use to stop your mirror from steaming up. Apply a small amount of soap to a wet cloth, wipe it across the mirror’s surface, and clean it away with a dry cloth. This should keep steam to a minimum in the short term. 

Vinegar

Using vinegar is an easy, budget-friendly way to help you get your steamy mirror under control quickly, and the results should last for several days. Make a mixture of one part vinegar and one part water and wipe it over the mirror with a clean cloth. The vinegar scent may linger for a little while after application – try adding a squeeze of lemon into the mixture for a more pleasant smell.  

Demist mirror

An easy way to handle bathroom steam is to invest in an anti-fog mirror. Anti-steam mirrors use special technology that helps them resist fog and protect against moisture, ensuring a clear surface – even when you have a hot shower! This means you won’t have to wait for the steam to clear or manually demist it every time you shower. 

How do you clean a cloudy mirror?

Wondering how to clean a mirror that is hazy? Grab a dry microfibre cloth and dip it in a bowl of white vinegar. Wipe the cloth across the mirror from top to bottom until the steam disappears (you may need to dip the cloth in the vinegar several times). Then, dip a clean cloth in warm water and wipe the mirror down, finishing off with some glass spray.

With these simple tips, you can prevent any mirror in the bathroom from steaming up. Explore our range of showers to find the latest designs for your space, including Mira Activate with ColdBoost™, which allows you to enjoy cold water immersion from the comfort of your bathroom. 

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