Most people prefer using mirrored wardrobe doors as they reflect light and hence increase natural lighting in the space, and they also create the illusion of more space in small rooms. The bonus, of course, is that you don't need another mirror somewhere else to check yourself.

Regardless of whether you have a single or double mirrored wardrobe, keeping the mirror surface clean will dramatically improve how your space is perceived. This article gives three cleaning tips that will keep your mirrors streak- and scratch-free for years.

1. Choosing your product

Unlike regular glass windows, the glass surface of a mirror is delicate and will not withstand any rough treatments/products. Therefore, steer clear of glass-cleaning products which are strong and may leave permanent streaks on the mirror. This also applies to homemade cleaning solutions like vinegar and water. Instead, use very dilute detergent water made from a squirt of dishwashing liquid in a lot of water to wipe the surface with soft cloth.

2. Choosing the material

Avoid any rags that are abrasive or have lint, opting for soft lint-free microfiber cloth instead. You can invest in a few for your mirrors only. You can use crumpled-up newspaper if you don't have lint-free cloth at hand. Dampen the cloth in your detergent solution and wipe the surface, then rinse off the cloth and wipe again until all streaks are gone. Follow with a dry lint-free cloth or newspaper to complete the polish.

3. Removing stains

Stains are not uncommon features on mirrors, particularly if you have small children around the house. Here are some tips to remove common stains:

• Fingerprints/dirt marks – these can be easily removed using cloth and your dilute detergent solution. Focus on dirtier areas before wiping down the whole mirror

• Stickers – remove as much of the actual sticker as you can, then liberally apply paraffin or furniture polish on the remaining patch using a cotton pad. Scrub with soft cloth until all the glue is removed, then clean as above to remove residual oil and polish

• Permanent markers – apply a generous amount of rubbing alcohol to the mark and leave for a little while. Soak a cotton pad in rubbing alcohol then scrub the mark off gently; you'll need lots of patience if there's a large area.

• Crayons – some mums swear by magic erasers to remove crayon stains, while some advise heating up the wax with a blow-dryer then wiping off. You can also try a little furniture polish or WD-40 or other silicone spray lubricant (Caution: use WD-40 in a well-ventilated room, and don't spray or place can on hot surfaces as it is very flammable)