How to Lighten the Color of Mirrors
Mirrors can add elegance to a home and make a small room look larger. Unfortunately, household mirrors, especially the ones in your bathroom, begin to show signs of age when moisture gets behind the glass. This moisture creates black spots and darkened sections around the edges of the mirror that can make it look dingy. Sticky spots and dirt can also develop on a mirror. The best thing you can do to give your mirror new life is to clean it properly and determine if re-silvering is necessary. Does this Spark an idea?
Things You'll Need
- Vinegar
- Water
- Squirt bottle
- Nail-polish remover
- Petroleum jelly
- Wash cloth
- Razor blade
- Linen cloth
- Ammonia
Instructions
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Spray a non-antique mirror with a solution of one part vinegar to 8 parts water in the squirt bottle. Use the newspaper to wipe away any loose spots and remove streaks. For sticky spots, put on a layer of the nail-polish remover or petroleum jelly and rub with the washcloth. For splattered paint, gently brush the surface of the paint with a razor blade. Wipe down the mirror again with the newspaper and the vinegar and water solution.
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Use extra care with an antique mirror. Soak the linen cloth with warm water, wring it out and add a few drops of ammonia to the cloth. Wipe the mirror with the cloth and avoid getting moisture on the back of the mirror.
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Re-evaluate the mirror to determine if it should be replaced, thrown away or re-silvered. Consider replacing the mirror portion and keeping the frame. If the mirror is an antique, and there is expensive beveling, you may decide to re-silver the mirror. You can buy a re-silvering kit online.
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Tips & Warnings
Take care of your antique mirrors by keeping them away from moisture and harsh chemicals that could degrade the silver backing.
Use caution while using a razor blade on the mirror. If the razor blade gets too close to the mirror's surface, it will scratch it.
References
- Photo Credit Digital Vision./Photodisc/Getty Images
