September 3, 2025, 4:03 am | Read time: 2 minutes
Social media is constantly buzzing with new tips to make cleaning your home easier. Many videos mention an anti-fingerprint spray. As the name suggests, it is supposed to protect smooth surfaces like mirrors and windows from fingerprints. However, an expert critically evaluates the trick.
Mix Your Own Anti-Fingerprint Spray with Household Items
Fingerprints can obstruct your view when looking in the mirror or out the window. Especially in households with children and pets, fingerprints are often hard to avoid. Social networks promise a simple trick to prevent fingerprints. According to numerous video tutorials, you don’t need much: With rinse aid, vinegar (or vinegar essence), dish soap, and hot water, you can easily make your own anti-fingerprint spray.
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No More Fingerprints–Does the Trick Work?
To avoid fingerprints on smooth surfaces, you need to apply and wipe off the mixed solution. The videos show a clear result: After touching the surfaces, no fingerprints remain.
Dr. Bernd Glassl from the German Cosmetic, Toiletry, Perfumery and Detergent Association (IKW) does not expect a long-term, clean effect from the trick: “After cleaning, there is a short-term effect visible, but not because of a protective layer on the mirror, rather due to the clean fingers you get in the process.”
Expert Critically Evaluates the Fingerprint Trick
According to the cleaning expert, the trick against fingerprints is not worthwhile. Additionally, “Rinse aid mainly consists of water, acid, and surfactants,” Glassl explains upon request from myHOMEBOOK. He continues, “You have to be particularly careful with acids on mirrors.” If acids reach the edge of the mirror and get under the glass surface, they could attack the silver layer. “Therefore, the mixture of rinse aid and vinegar or even vinegar essence can damage mirrors.”
Furthermore, the expert explains that acids are effective against lime deposits. However, they are not the ideal choice for removing residues of fats, such as body fats left by fingers on mirrors. The expert concludes: “I would not try this trick against fingerprints on the mirrors at my workplace or at home.”