A viral cleaning hack has been doing the rounds on TikTok – with people claiming that rubbing a bar of soap on your bathroom mirror can keep it from fogging up when you shower
Social media is awash with life hacks and cleaning tips, from tricks to keep your clothes smelling fresh for longer to cooking hacks that promise the perfect roast potato.
However, just because a hack works doesn’t mean it’s advisable to follow it. A bathroom expert has sounded the alarm over a popular TikTok trick that could lead to a mouldy bathroom disaster.
The 25p trick, which involves smearing a bar of soap or some shaving foam on your bathroom mirror to prevent condensation during a shower, may work, but Evan Jones from Bathroom Supastore warns against trying it at home due to potential mould issues.
He explained: “The hack does work and your bathroom mirror will be steam free so that you can get ready without having to keep cleaning steam off the mirror. That being said, the best way to keep your mirror steam free is to minimise condensation in the bathroom.
“One of the problems I have with this hack is that although it keeps the mirror steam free, it doesn’t get rid of the condensation and the water that would have been on the mirror will settle elsewhere. This water can cause dampness that allows mould to form. You are far safer using an extractor fan than rubbing soap on your mirrors.”
Soap aficionados are raving about a nifty mirror hack that involves covering the glass with a cheap bar of soap to stop it from fogging up – ideal for maintaining a clear reflection after a steamy shower. Evan, sharing his wisdom, told us this savvy tip actually works because the layer of soap prevents water droplets from clinging to the glass, making them slide off instead, keeping your mirror clear for days.
He said: “The idea behind the hack is something people have been doing for years, not just with bathroom mirrors but windows as well. These solutions are only temporary and typically last for less than a week.”
Evan elaborated on the traditional hack, revealing it’s been a go-to for many over the years, even for windows, but it does have its drawbacks – it’s short-lived, usually disappearing in under a week. The craft requires constant upkeep, as he pointed out: “The effort of covering your mirror with soap, buffing it out and then starting the whole process a few days later is the cheapest option but is the most time-consuming. If you are fed up with fog, turn on your extractor fan and purchase a heated bathroom mirror.”
Yet, despite the hack’s promise, experts warn there’s more at stake than just time. Evan highlighted potential hazards, stressing the possibility that too much elbow grease could shatter mirrors or cause them to fall, especially if not securely mounted.
He cautioned: “Depending on how your mirror was installed,” Evan explained, “aggressively rubbing soap on and off your mirror could cause it to break or to fall and smash, especially if it is loosely fitted.
“If you were to smash or crack your mirror this could lead to sharp pieces falling onto you causing nasty cuts and serious injuries. If you do this hack and smash your mirror, you should get it replaced immediately as broken mirrors are extremely dangerous.”