How to Keep the Sparkle in Your Mirrored Furniture
Your romance with mirrored pieces doesn't have to fade over time, when you schedule regular dates to fight fingerprints, dust and flaws
Houzz Contributor. Fresh out of journalism school, I fell into decorating media and immediately discovered a new passion. An Atlanta native, I spent several years as an editor for Atlanta Homes & Lifestyles magazine before making the leap to national publications and websites such as Houzz, Better Homes and Gardens and Southern Accents. I live in Birmingham, Alabama, with my husband and son, who’ve gotten used to coming home and finding the furniture rearranged. When I'm not dragging case goods across the floor, I enjoy good food and wine, college football, music of all kinds, and traveling.
Houzz Contributor. Fresh out of journalism school, I fell into decorating... More »
Mirrored furniture gives a space irresistible sass, sophistication and high-wattage shine. But those visual fireworks come with a tradeoff: If you don't stay on top of care and maintenance, mirrored pieces will go from glam to grimy before you know it. Follow these tips to keep reflective tables, dressers, case goods and other furnishings at their sparkly best.
by Vanillawood
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Once a Week
Dust. Nothing dulls a mirror's sheen like a layer of dust. Use a microfiber towel or another soft cloth that won't scratch the finish or leave lint flecks.
Polish. Remove smudges, fingerprints and other marks with a soft cloth and a mirror-safe glass cleaner (check the label). Spray cleaner onto the cloth rather than onto the mirror. A solution of distilled white vinegar and water can help wipe away stubborn smears. Be sure not to leave residual streaks as you go.
Once a Month
Inspect for chips and scratches. Mirrored finishes are prone to dings, so give your piece a regular once-over. If you spot a flaw, you can have it professionally repaired. Also, check for sharp or jagged objects that can scrape or nick the finish if they happen to fall on it or get dragged over it.
Dust. Nothing dulls a mirror's sheen like a layer of dust. Use a microfiber towel or another soft cloth that won't scratch the finish or leave lint flecks.
Polish. Remove smudges, fingerprints and other marks with a soft cloth and a mirror-safe glass cleaner (check the label). Spray cleaner onto the cloth rather than onto the mirror. A solution of distilled white vinegar and water can help wipe away stubborn smears. Be sure not to leave residual streaks as you go.
Once a Month
Inspect for chips and scratches. Mirrored finishes are prone to dings, so give your piece a regular once-over. If you spot a flaw, you can have it professionally repaired. Also, check for sharp or jagged objects that can scrape or nick the finish if they happen to fall on it or get dragged over it.
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Ongoing
Mop up spills. Water and other liquids can mar the finish if they sit for too long, so wipe them up right away. Avoid using toiletries such as shaving cream, perfume, nail polish remover and rubbing alcohol near a mirrored piece — over time, they can damage the surface.
Use extra caution during transport. If you move mirrored furniture to a different spot in the house, take precautions to avoid breakage, chips and scrapes. Transport it by hand, as dollies and other mechanical devices can stress the joints and cause cracks, and never drop it or set it down hard. It may be worth hiring pros (licensed and insured) to handle very heavy, expensive or delicate pieces.
Mop up spills. Water and other liquids can mar the finish if they sit for too long, so wipe them up right away. Avoid using toiletries such as shaving cream, perfume, nail polish remover and rubbing alcohol near a mirrored piece — over time, they can damage the surface.
Use extra caution during transport. If you move mirrored furniture to a different spot in the house, take precautions to avoid breakage, chips and scrapes. Transport it by hand, as dollies and other mechanical devices can stress the joints and cause cracks, and never drop it or set it down hard. It may be worth hiring pros (licensed and insured) to handle very heavy, expensive or delicate pieces.
Position mirrored pieces well away from doors. Otherwise, you may inadvertently bang them when you enter a room or open a closet.
Keep little fingers and paws away. Kids and pets don't mix well with mirrored surfaces, so stay away from using mirrored pieces in family spaces or other high-traffic zones. If you choose to do so, consider covering them with a soft sheet or quilt during playtime.
Get ideas for using mirrored furniture in your home
Keep little fingers and paws away. Kids and pets don't mix well with mirrored surfaces, so stay away from using mirrored pieces in family spaces or other high-traffic zones. If you choose to do so, consider covering them with a soft sheet or quilt during playtime.
Get ideas for using mirrored furniture in your home
Ideabook published on Sept. 22, 2012.
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Maybe that's what is wrong with my guys . . . but in all seriousness, would you mind sharing where you purchased the microfiber cloths? Thanks!