How to Clean Antique Mirrors
Antique mirrors are beautiful and have a character all their own, but can pose some cleaning challenges. You may need to consider which cleaning agents pose the least risk to your antique mirror and frame, as well as restoration options when cleaning alone is not enough. Commercial products often work poorly and may be damaging to the delicate surface and frame of your mirror. Regularly cleaning antique mirrors can keep them beautiful and allow you to enjoy them in your home for years to come.
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Things You'll Need
- Lint free, soft rags
- Cotton swabs
- Spray bottle
- Rubbing alcohol
- Water
- Gentle dish soap
- Appropriate wood cleaners for the frame
Instructions
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Make your own homemade mirror cleaner. This mixture is ideal for antique and modern mirrors, providing a streak free finish. It is also inexpensive and environmentally friendly. Combine two parts clean water with one part rubbing alcohol. Add a few drops of dish soap or ammonia if desired.
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Decide how to best clean your mirror. If you have an unframed antique mirror, a spray bottle with cleaner will work quite well. This may also be an option if you have a framed mirror, but do keep the framing in mind before spraying. If you prefer not to spray, simply saturate a soft, lint free rag with your mirror cleaner.
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Clean the surface of your mirror. Use cotton swabs dipped in homemade mirror cleaner to get into corners and crevices. Repeat if needed to remove streaking and additional dirt. Stubborn cosmetic or grease residue can be removed with straight rubbing alcohol if needed. Be certain to carefully dry all edges near the frame.
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Use a suitable product to carefully clean your mirror frame, avoiding the mirror. Many frames can be cleaned with a rag dampened and well wrung out with a mild solution of soapy water.
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Consider having your antique mirror restored if spots remain. Antique mirrors can be re-silvered to eliminate spotting and damage. You may also consider having a new mirror placed in an older frame. Many people enjoy the charm and character offered by worn antique mirrors.
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Tips & Warnings
Shining a light onto the mirror can allow you to see whether damage is on the front or back surface of the antique mirror.
Do not allow moisture to remain on your mirror, as it can damage or warp the frame.
