Anthropologie’s decorative mirrors feature beautiful and unique designs that can be an elegant focal point in any room. But like any mirror, they are prone to fingerprints, dust, dirt, and other grime accumulating over time.
Cleaning them properly is important not only for maintaining their appearance, but also for safety and visibility. Follow this simple guide to learn the best tips, tricks and techniques to clean Anthropologie mirrors and restore their original radiant shine.
Supplies Needed to Clean an Anthropologie Mirror
Gather these recommended supplies before tackling the cleaning task:
- Microfiber cloth – Soft and lint-free to avoid scratches. Dampen with cleaning solution.
- Mild liquid dish soap – Choose an unscented soap without harsh additives. Dilute a few drops in water.
- Clean spray bottle – To dispense diluted cleaning solution onto the mirror and cloth. Avoid chemical-laden cleaners.
- Distilled white vinegar – Helps dissolve sticky grime and hard water deposits. Mix with dish soap and water.
- Absorbent towel – Like a microfiber towel to wipe down and dry the mirror surface after cleaning.
- Old toothbrush or cotton swabs – For scrubbing in crevices around mirror frames and edges.
- Glass cleaner – As a finishing touch for extra sparkle. Use a formula designed for mirrors.
How to Clean an Anthropologie Mirror
Follow these step-by-step instructions to safely and effectively clean your Anthropologie mirror:
1. Dust the Mirror and Frame
Use a feather duster or dry microfiber cloth to gently wipe away any loose dust and dirt from the mirror’s surface and frame. This prevents smearing during wet cleaning.
2. Make a Mild Vinegar Cleaning Solution
In a spray bottle, mix together:
- 1 cup warm water
- 1-2 drops mild unscented dish soap
- 1 tablespoon distilled white vinegar
Vinegar helps cut through grime while dish soap lifts dirt. Warm water adds cleaning power.
3. Spray and Wipe the Mirror
Lightly mist the cleaning solution over the entire mirror surface. Using a damp microfiber cloth, gently wipe the mirror using circular motions to lift away dirt and grime.
Flip and re-wet the cloth as needed to expose clean areas. Take care not to let excess liquid seep down the frame.
4. Rinse and Dry Immediately
Use a clean damp cloth to wipe away any soap residue. Immediately dry the mirror with a soft absorbent towel. Residual moisture can lead to new dirt sticking or streaks.
5. Spot Clean Frames and Edges
Dip an old toothbrush or cotton swab in the cleaning solution. Gently scrub to dissolve built-up gunk around edges, crevices and ornate frame details. Rinse and dry.
6. Final Shine with Glass Cleaner
Mist a small amount of glass cleaner formulated for mirrors onto a fresh microfiber cloth. Wipe in circular motions to polish away lint and leave a streak-free shine. Buff dry with a towel.
And voila! Your Anthropologie mirror will now reflect back a pristine clear image and its former unspoiled beauty.
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Why It’s Important to Keep Anthropologie Mirrors Clean
There are several key reasons you’ll want to make cleaning your Anthropologie mirror part of your regular home care routine:
- Enhance visibility – Dust, dirt, smears and fogginess all reduce the mirror’s reflective properties. Keeping it clean improves visibility and safety.
- Preserve the design – Many Anthropologie mirrors have ornate frames or unique textured glass. Letting grime build up can diminish the beauty.
- Remove bacteria and germs – Mirrors can harbor bacteria, viruses and other microbes. Regular cleaning helps provide a hygienic surface.
- Avoid permanent damage – Things like spills, soap scum and harsh cleaners can potentially etch or corrode the mirror surface if left too long.
- Maintain aesthetics – Smudges, spots and smears are unsightly and detract from your decor. Frequent cleaning keeps the mirror looking its best.
- Protect investment – Quality mirrors like those from Anthropologie are an investment. Keeping them pristine preserves their value.
Handy Tips for Keeping Anthropologie Mirrors Sparkling
Once you’ve thoroughly cleaned your Anthropologie mirror, use these handy maintenance tips to keep it looking its best:
- Wipe fingerprints away immediately before they become stubborn stains
- Use alternating vertical and horizontal motions to clean hard water spots
- Dust regularly with a microfiber cloth or feather duster
- Rinsesoap residue thoroughly after cleaning to avoid streaks
- Avoid using paper towels or newspaper which can scratch the surface
- Never use abrasive scrubbers or harsh cleaners which can damage the mirror
- Use a 50/50 vinegar and water solution to dissolve water spots
- Protect mirrors from high humidity and steam to prevent fogging
- Consider applying a sealant like Rain-X for extra resistance to moisture and grime
- For antiqued mirror designs, test cleaners on an inconspicuous spot first
- Move mirrors away from direct sunlight to reduce chemical fade over time
- Turn mirrors towards the wall when renovating to prevent construction dust damage
- Check for manufacturer’s care instructions specific to the mirror model
With proper care and regular upkeep cleaning, your beautiful Anthropologie mirror will maintain its radiant reflective shine for years of enjoyment. Let these tips help guide you in keeping this decorative accent looking spectacular.
FAQs About Cleaning Anthropologie Mirrors
How often should you clean an Anthropologie mirror?
Aim to thoroughly clean the entire mirror at least once a month. But also do occasional quick wipe downs whenever you notice dust building up or fingerprints marring the surface.
Can you use Windex or other window cleaners on an Anthropologie mirror?
It’s best to avoid commercial glass cleaners which can contain chemicals that damage some mirror coatings. Stick to mild dish soap, water and vinegar solutions. Use a dedicated mirror cleaner only for final polishing.
What is the fastest way to clean an Anthropologie mirror?
For quick touch-ups between deep cleanings, your best bet is wiping with a microfiber cloth slightly dampened with water or isopropyl alcohol. This whisks away surface dust and fingerprints.
How do you clean behind an Anthropologie mirror or framed mirror?
Use a microfiber cloth extended around the edges to dust behind a wall mirror. For framed mirrors, carefully lift away from the wall and tilt forward to access the backside for cleaning.
Why does my Anthropologie mirror look foggy and how do I fix it?
Moisture condensation between the glass panels can create fogginess. Try placing the mirror outside in the sun to dry it out. If that doesn’t work, you may need to have it professionally restored.
There are spots on my Anthropologie mirror that won’t come off. What should I do?
Try rubbing the spots with a cloth dipped in full-strength white vinegar first. For stubborn hard water spots, make a paste of vinegar and baking soda and let it sit before scrubbing.
I accidentally got candle wax on my Anthropologie mirror. How do I remove it?
Let the wax fully harden, then use a plastic card to gently scrape off as much as possible. Use paper towels and an iron on warm (no steam setting) to absorb remaining wax. Wipe clean with vinegar.
How can I tell if an Anthropologie mirror needs to be re-silvered?
Signs like cloudiness, dark splotches or exposed reflective coating indicate worn silvering. Also inspect side edges – if you see the mirror base colour rather than silver, it likely needs professional restoration.
Shining Reflections on Keeping Decorative Mirrors Gleaming
Anthropologie’s stunning mirrors impart elegance and visual intrigue to any space. But their beauty is only as dazzling as the care they are given. Be sure to clean them regularly from top to bottom to maintain their flawless reflective properties and graceful style.
Arm yourself with the right gentle cleaning solutions, soft cloths and a few easy tips. Breathe new life into neglected mirrors with a thorough deep cleaning. Then keep them sparkling with quick maintenance in between. With proper care, your lovely Anthropologie mirror will continue reflecting back pure radiance for many years to come.