How To Clean An Old Mirror – Proper Guide

Discover easy ways to clean an old mirror, remove stains, and restore its original shine.

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How To Clean An Old Mirror

Many people have old mirrors at home but are forced to throw them away because they do not know how to clean them properly. Also, dust, sand, and dirt accumulate in the mirror due to the use for many days, and the coating wears off. As a result, the new mirror looks old even though it is new. Also, we use various harmful chemicals to clean the dirt regularly. Overusing these toxic chemicals discolours the mirror, making the new mirror look like the old one. Also, all these chemicals create damaging effects on mirror glass. So follow our tips below to revive your old and damaged mirror.

Table of Contents

Materials you'll need

Lint-free cloth or microfiber cloth: When cleaning the mirror, you should use a lint-free cloth that will leave the lint behind.

Mild water mixture with a small amount of glass cleaner or vinegar:

  • Choose a commercial cleaner without ammonia because cleaners containing ammonia can damage the mirror’s reflection.
  • Mix enough white vinegar with water to make a vinegar mixture.

Cleaning Rules

Remove Dust and Debris

Brush gently to remove loose dust on the mirror. Use a soft bristle brush or microfiber cloth for cleaning.

Prepare the Cleaning Solution

Follow label directions if using commercial glass cleaners. If you want to use vinegar products, use a spray bottle of equal parts water and distilled vinegar.

Apply the Cleaning Solution

Lightly spray the water and vinegar solution onto the mirror. Be careful not to allow excess liquid mixture to enter the mirror, as this can damage the reflection behind it.

Wipe the Mirror

Now, gently wipe the mirror using a lint-free cloth or microfiber cloth. Wipe in a straight or circular motion from top to bottom.

Focus on Streaks

If the stain remains after cleaning, wet a corner of a cloth and mark the area. Wipe the mirror again with a dry cloth to remove moisture.

Check the Edges

Look closely at the mirror to see if the liquid seeps into the corners or edges. If it does, wipe it up quickly.

Polish if Necessary

If you want extra mirror shine, lightly polish with a soft or microfiber cloth.

Avoid Harsh Chemicals

Avoid excessive scrubbing and harsh chemicals, which can damage the mirror backing.

Inspect for Damage

Talk to a professional if you notice any peeling or discolouration on your mirror after cleaning it.

Five tips to keep old mirrors clean

Keeping old mirrors shiny can be challenging. However, by following some tips or tricks, you can keep your mirror transparent and elegant.

Mild Cleaning Solution

Mix equal amounts of white vinegar and water in a spray bottle. This mixture does not contain harmful chemicals, so it will not damage the reflective side of the mirror.

Soft, Lint-Free Cloth

Use a soft, lint-free cotton cloth to wipe the mirror clean. This cloth prevents scratches on the top surface of the mirror and maintains its transparency.

Circular Cleaning Motions

Wipe in a circular motion while cleaning the mirror. This method easily removes stains, dust, and dirt.

Avoid Harsh Chemicals

Always avoid harsh chemicals and abrasives. These destroy the mirror coating, deteriorating the overall quality of the mirror.

Regular Maintenance

Try to keep your mirror clean regularly. If necessary, create a routine for mirror cleaning and maintenance, as this will enhance your mirror’s aesthetics and functionality.

FAQs

Better not to use harmful cleaners. But you can use glass cleaner without ammonia if you want. All are best cleaned with a mixture of white vinegar and water.

Soak a cotton cloth in a corner for a while. Then, wipe over the lines or spots. If the stain doesn’t come off, try a non-abrasive mirror polish.

In this case, we do not advise you to use paper towels because they often leave lint or scratches on the mirror. Instead, use a cotton cloth to clean the mirror.

How often you clean your mirror depends on how dusty it gets. You can take it lightly once a week and clean thoroughly after 3-6 months.

Clean your frame upside down with a soft brush or cotton cloth to clean the dust. If the frame is not clean, talk to an Elson professional.

Water is not a harmful substance. But it is necessary to avoid moisture on the back of the mirror. Due to water use, water can sometimes remain behind the glass, which harms the mirror.

Consult a professional or expert if your old mirror is damaged or deteriorated.