When you are working and dealing with old mirrors, you must take precautions. Allow me to show you how to clean old mirrors without making any damage.
Short answer: mix vinegar and water in an equal ratio in a spray bottle. Then, spray it on the old mirrors. Wait for 1 minute and scrub the surface with a microfiber cloth gently.
Mirrors are a smart way of making your home or room space look larger and brighter. Also, they can be used to give your living room a more sophisticated appeal.
You can decorate your space by putting on old mirrors to make it more fascinating. It can be used alone or in conjunction with other decorations such as plants or vases.
If you put a mirror in front of the window, it will reflect light and make the space look larger.
Old mirrors usually contain a lot of dirt on them. Many people don’t know how to clean mirrors properly and usually don’t wipe the mirror enough, leaving lots of dirt and smudges on it.
Cleaning old antique mirrors can be a dangerous as well as a physically demanding task. If you have old mirrors in your house that need to be cleaned, let me tell you how to clean old mirrors properly.
Contents
Preparation to clean old mirrors
1. Always wear protective gear
When working with old mirrors you should always be careful. It can get really dangerous if you don’t wear protective equipment like gloves, an apron, a mask, and glasses.
Wearing protective gear while working with harmful substances helps prevent skin and throat irritation, which are symptoms of overexposure or exposure.
It’s also crucial to read the labels on cleaning products to ensure that they didn’t damage your health, particularly if you’re pregnant or have any medical concerns.
2. Clean the dust first
The next step toward cleaning an old mirror is to clean the dust off of it. You can use a feather duster or a broom.
It’s important that this step is performed before you get into anything else because otherwise the dust left behind will get spread around and create even more work for yourself.
3. Wipe it super gently
It’s important to be gentle on mirrors! You can easily damage them by using too much force. You never know what kind of damage those old mirrors might have under them.
How to clean old mirrors
1. Rubbing alcohol
If you are going to clean an old mirror, you can use rubbing alcohol. Rubbing alcohol is a kind of ethanol.
When it gets in touch with the mold on the surface of the mirror, it fills up the surface pores and evaporates out of the mirror leaving behind a clean mirror.
Prepare the following materials:
- Rubbing alcohol
- Microfiber cloth
Spray the rubbing alcohol to the microfiber cloth and wipe it gently with a microfiber cloth on the old mirrors until the mirrors are perfectly clean and clear.
You can also use rubbing alcohol to clean antifog mirror.
2. Plain water
Plain water has the effect of eroding dirt, which is why it’s great for cleaning old mirrors.
Prepare the following materials:
- Plain water
- Microfiber cloth
To apply this solution, spray plain water on the old mirrors. Then, wet the microfiber cloth and wipe it clean.
You can also use a microfiber cloth to wipe off any dust and debris on the mirror. Wipe it dry with another microfiber cloth to ensure that all traces of moisture are gone.
3. Toothpaste
Toothpaste contains ingredients that remove bubbles and dirt from your mirror. It’s also non-abrasive, and won’t scratch the surface of the mirror if you clean it correctly.
Prepare the following materials:
- a toothpaste
- a microfiber cloth
Simply apply toothpaste directly to the surface of the mirror and wipe it with a microfiber cloth. Allow the toothpaste to sit for about 30 minutes before scrubbing it clean.
Brush off any leftover toothpaste with a microfiber cloth, rinse it with cool water, then dry the surface with a clean soft cloth.
4. Detergent
Detergent is a great alternative to cleaning old mirrors. It works by removing dirt and germs without damaging the surface of the glass.
– Prepare the following materials
- a tablespoon of detergent
- 500 ml of water
To clean your old mirror, fill a container with water and add a bit of detergent. Then, mix them well to create soapy water. Soak a sponge or rag in the mixture and wipe it onto the mirror.
Using a circular motion, wipe away any mildew or dirt until you have a clear and bright mirror. Rinse with plain water and wipe it until dry with a microfiber cloth.
5. Lemon water
Lemon is an excellent cleaning product and it is widely used when we try to clean mirrors.
The citric acid in lemons is helpful in cleaning crusted dust, and it can also help dismantle fibers that have been wrapped around the edges of the mirror, sticking them together.
Prepare the following materials:
- a lemon
- 150 ml of water
Cut a lemon in half and squeeze it into a spray bottle. Add 150ml of water and shake until dissolved. Then, spray it on the whole mirror. Wipe it with newspaper and the mirror is all clean!
6. Chlorine
You can clean old mirrors with chlorine.
Prepare the following materials:
- a cup of chlorine
- a cup of water
When using chlorine, wear a mask, gloves, and goggles. This liquid can irritate the skin or cause allergies.
Mix equal parts chlorine and warm water in a container. Soak a sponge or damp cloth to the mixture and wipe off the mirror gently.
Repeat this process if you are dealing with stubborn stains. The chlorine in the cleaning solution will evaporate leaving a nice, clean mirror. Last, wipe the residue with a microfiber cloth.
7. Vinegar
Vinegar is a versatile cleaning agent. It is safe and effective to neutralize the bad smells. It’s safer than using abrasive chemicals.
Prepare the following materials:
- 50 ml of vinegar
- 50ml of water
First, mix vinegar and water in a 50:50 ratio in a spray bottle. Shake them gently and spray them to theme surface of an old mirror. Leave it for 1 minute1. Then, scrub the old mirror gently using a rag.
Repeat this process until the mirror is perfectly clean. Then take a microfiber cloth and wipe the mirror down to remove the excess.
8. Shaving cream
You can use shaving cream to clean old mirrors. It is non-abrasive and leaves no residue.
Prepare the following materials:
- a shaving cream
- a microfiber cloth
Apply shaving cream to the old mirror, wait a few minutes, then wipe it clean using a microfiber towel. Repeat this process to the whole mirror!
9. Glass cleaner
It is crucial that you clean mirrors with glass cleaner. These cleaners will remove any grime or dirt that’s on the mirror and make them look great again.
You can spray the cleaner onto the cloth and wipe away the dust and grime that has gathered on your mirrors. If there’s a lot of stubborn grime, you may need to apply more cleaner to the cloth and scrub with it.
Remember, always read the manual before using it. There might be a warning or special condition you need to know.
What you need to know about cleaning old mirrors
1. Wipe in circular motions, not straight lines
One of the most common mistakes you can make when cleaning glass is to wipe surfaces in straight lines.
You’ll want to always wipe in circular motions, and not to follow the reflection of your hand or the streaks left behind by your hand. There is a reason for this: circles will cause less damage to the surface.
2. Use a microfiber cloth
If you want to clean an old mirror without damage, always use a microfiber cloth. A microfiber cloth is bound to leave fewer streaks, as it is made up of tiny threads that pick up everything (even old toothpaste can be rubbed off easily).
They are usually made of polyester, which is a synthetic material that absorbs water and dust. These microfiber cloths will give you a streak-free shine.
FAQ
How do you make an old mirror look new?
What do you clean antique mirrors with?
Why do antique mirrors get cloudy?
Conclusion
Old mirrors add history and glamor to the place where they are hung on – but they need to be polished and maintained carefully. They tend to be delicate, particularly antique ones, so there are a few important tips you need to pay attention to.
Are you wondering if it’s possible to clean old mirrors? Allow me to summarize how to clean old mirrors in a nutshell!
- Rubbing alcohol
- Plain water
- Toothpaste
- Detergent
- Lemon water
- Chlorine
- Vinegar
- Shaving cream
- Glass cleaner
