The Clever Way To Remove Fog From Mirrors (& Prevent It In The First Place)

Few household annoyances feel as universal as stepping out of a hot shower and staring at a completely fogged-up mirror. Whether you're trying to shave, do skincare, apply makeup, or simply check your hair or outfit before work, waiting for the steam to clear can feel frustrating. And shockingly, foggy mirrors can even be dangerous. Bathroom mirrors fog up when warm, humid air hits a cooler glass surface, creating condensation that clings to the mirror and leaves it cloudy.

Many people assume the only way to deal with foggy mirrors is to crack a window, run an exhaust fan longer, or wipe the mirror down with a towel (which often leaves streaks). But there's a surprisingly clever, low-effort way to remove mirror fog and prevent it from forming in the first place with something you may already own. A bar of Irish Spring soap can create an invisible barrier on your mirror that stops condensation from clinging to the surface.

This method only takes a few minutes and costs only a few dollars. All you'll need is a clean, soft cloth (think microfiber or a towel) and a dry bar of Irish Spring soap. That's it. It's one of those solutions that feel almost too easy, until you see how well it works. If you have a free afternoon, you can also try the clever toothpaste hack that prevents bathroom mirrors from fogging up and see which method works best for you. 

To try this hack, start with a completely dry, clean mirror. Take a dry bar of soap and gently rub it across the entire mirror surface, using light, even strokes. You don't need to press super hard — a thin, barely-there layer is all you're aiming for. Once the surface is lightly coated, grab a dry, soft cloth and buff the mirror until it looks clear and streak-free. That's it. The mirror should look exactly the same as before, except the next time you shower, it won't fog up. 

This hack works because soap contains surfactants, and when it's applied to glass, it creates a thin barrier that prevents water vapor from forming condensation droplets. Instead of clinging to the mirror and causing fog, the moisture spreads evenly and evaporates faster, keeping the surface clear. While Irish Spring is a great choice because it's firm, easy to apply, and leaves minimal residue, other solid bar soaps can work in a pinch. Just avoid heavily moisturizing or creamy soap bars, which may streak too much. And once you're done, test out one of the many other unexpected uses for bar soap in your home.