Improve bathroom ventilation

Reduce steam in the bathroom by running an exhaust fan and promoting airflow. This prevents fogging at the source rather than treating the mirror surface, and also protects against mold growth and paint damage from excess moisture.

Steps

1. Turn on the exhaust fan before starting your shower and leave it running for 15-20 minutes afterward to clear residual moisture.
2. Open a window slightly if weather permits, or leave the bathroom door ajar to create a cross-draft that helps steam escape.
3. Test your exhaust fan -- hold a single-ply tissue against the grille. If the fan does not hold the tissue in place, it needs cleaning or replacement.

Why It Works

Mirror fog occurs when warm, humid air contacts the cooler mirror surface and water vapor condenses. Removing humid air from the room before it reaches the mirror eliminates the problem entirely. A properly rated exhaust fan (1 CFM per square foot of bathroom area, minimum 50 CFM) can reduce bathroom humidity by 50-70% within minutes.

Tips

• Leaving the fan running after showering is the single most effective step
• Humidity-sensing fans ($30-50 for a switch upgrade) turn on automatically when moisture rises
• This approach prevents fogging on all surfaces, not just the mirror