Even at its finest, cleaning a mirror may be uncomfortable, with strips and smudges being hard to completely remove. Over time, dirt, dust, and fingerprints build up on all of the shiny surfaces and mirror frames.
If you have an antique glass in your house or apartment, cleaning it without damaging the surface is a problem. Older mirrors often have a silver or mercury film covering them, so you should be careful with the cleaning products.
While it takes a little longer to clean an antique mirror than the typical hallway item, it is not impossible nor particularly challenging. The recommended actions are laid forth; remember, always use a circular motion when cleaning mirrors or glass.
What you’ll need
- Cleaning Solution
- A water jug
- Journal
- White vinegar
- An aerosol can
- Shaving lotion
Cleaning the glass of an antique mirror
You want to stay away from using any powerful chemicals to remove those old finger smudges off the glass’ surface. Shop-bought cleaners are often strange, abrasive, and may leave new stains on your glass that are impossible to remove. Our advice is to make your own cleaner.
Now combine:
A single cup of rubbing alcohol
White vinegar, one teaspoon one water cup You’ll have the ideal, albeit rather unpleasant-smelling, natural glass cleaner. This cleaner has the advantage of evaporating much faster than store-bought cleansers. When putting the mixture into your spray bottle and using it to wipe the surface along with your microfiber cloth, make sure it is well mixed.
Avoid using abrasive materials like baking soda. Stick with our homemade solution instead, since this might potentially harm your mirror!
Cleaning an Ancient Mirror of a Coating of Dirt or Film
Search through old items in the attic or garage in an effort to locate a stunning antique or damaged mirror that we had believed we had lost. Fortunately, there is a means to remove grime from glass surfaces that is thicker and more resistant to cleaning.
Follow these easy suggestions:
- Get your spray bottle, white vinegar, and newspaper. Before you start, pour the vinegar into the container.
- Then, liberally apply the vinegar to the surface by misting it over it.
- It’s time to massage now. Get some newspaper, then rub the film or dirt off the afflicted area. You need to strive for a lovely sparkling exterior.
- Take out the shaving cream. Over the surface, spritz it.
- Wipe the surface with your microfiber cloth, being sure to clean it first.
- This will not only increase the shine of your mirror but also take care of any fogginess while leaving a coating that will prevent fogging for around a month.
- Lastly, clean water on a microfiber cloth is used to wipe off the mirror.
- Avoid the urge to use a tea towel to wipe the mirror since you are far more likely to leave stains if you do so.
It’s time to wash the frame
It’s time to clean the frame if you’re a perfectionist like we are. Be cautious while selecting the cleaning agent you use for this, as was previously advised. Some store-bought or extremely powerful treatments may leave stains or harm an antique frame.
In this case, we advise using a microfiber cloth and simple water. safer to be safe than sorry! Get some shine on your frame, of course, if the wood is protected!