It can be a big inconvenience when you're in a rush to get ready and a hot shower slows down your routine. Fogged shower glass doors and mirrors can be a pain, with condensation causing streaks and a dirty appearance once evaporated. Luckily, there are several effective ways to de-fog your bathroom and even keep fog from forming in the first place.

What Causes a Foggy Bathroom?

Many of us accept cloudy post-shower bathrooms as a fact of life: you take a long hot shower and, afterward, every mirrored and glass surface in the room is hazy. But what is the actual science behind your misty mirror and shower glass? Understanding why this fog manifests in your bathroom can help in finding a solution to the problem.

Bathroom fog is essentially the formation of condensation, or small water droplets, that form when water vapor in the air is quickly turning back into water. The heat from your shower causes the humidity level to rise and, when colliding with a colder glass door, creates condensation. Then these tiny droplets form and cling to your glass door and mirror, making them appear fogged over and hazy.

Condensation on clear shower door surfaces can leave them looking dirty and murky once the water fully evaporates. Wiping the fog off your mirror can cause streaks and even the reformation of pesky condensation. So, what are the best ways to reduce bathroom fog?

Run a Cold Shower "Warm-up"

Not many of us are built for prolonged cold showers – nor do you have to resort to shivering through your morning routine to eliminate fog. But turning the water to cold before you get going can help reduce fog from forming quickly. Run a cold shower for about 30 seconds before turning it to the desired hotter temperature. This little trick can help keep your shower space cool so that condensation takes more time to form.

This trick is most useful for those who take quick showers, as it only slows the formation of fog, rather than stopping it completely. So, get in and get out!

Improve Ventilation and Air Circulation  

Another simple way to combat fog before it forms is by controlling your bathroom's climate through proper air circulation. Open up windows or even crack your bathroom door enough to allow humidity to escape the small room. If it's too hot or cold outside to let the fresh air in, the use of a ventilation or exhaust fan can be a big help in pulling out hot, heavy air. 

Craft Your Own DIY De-Fogging Solution

Another solution for pesky bathroom steam lies in the power of common household products. For homemade fixes to be completely effective, they require regular application to glass and mirrors. Craft a 50/50 solution of vinegar and water in a spray bottle, add a couple drops of dishwashing liquid and use like any other glass cleaner for a few days of fog-free use. Alternatively, buff glass and mirrors with a microfiber cloth dabbed with toothpaste or shaving cream and wipe away with a clean towel. However, this method may require some trial and error, as certain products may just make the surface cloudy. Also, be sure to avoid products that contain abrasive ingredients that can scratch glass.

Use Anti-Fog Glass Products 

Fortunately, the fog problem has led to the formulation of specialty products specifically designed to combat bathroom condensation. Anti-fog coatings come in various applications, from sprays to liquids that are carefully applied with a cloth to cut down on the cloudiness of these surfaces significantly. They can be found in your local hardware store or ordered online.

From store-bought to homemade quick fixes, there are many solutions to reducing foggy shower glass and mirrors. Start utilizing these tips for a cleaner, fog-free bathroom user experience. 

Author Bio: Daniel Snow serves as Operations Manager for Glass.com®. Snow is also a contributing editor. He earned a bachelor’s degree in business management from George Mason University and has a background in the real estate industry. After high school, Snow even worked at a family-owned glass shop for a short period and is an Auto Glass Safety Council certified installer.