Care should always be taken to avoid getting the edges of the mirror wet with any liquid or steam. This can result in damage to the mirror edges, commonly called “black edge”. Should mirror edges become wet, they should be dried off immediately.
The following are our recommendations:
- The very best and safest cleaner for a mirror is clean, warm water used with a soft, lint- free cloth. Wring all water from the cloth before wiping the mirror. Dry the mirror immediately with a dry lint-free cloth.
- Don’t use acid or alkali cleaners for mirror cleanup after installation. Either substance can attack the front surface and edges as well as the backing of the mirror. No abrasive cleaners should ever be used on any mirror surface.
- Don’t spray cleaners directly on the mirror. Always apply cleaner directly to a soft, lint- free cloth and then wipe the mirror. This will help prevent the cleaner from contacting the edges of the mirror and damaging them.
- Don’t clean across the face of multiple mirrors at the same time. When cleaning several mirrors installed on a wall, wipe the mirror in the same direction as the joints. This will keep the cleaner from collecting in the area where the mirrors join.
- Don’t use commercial mirror cleaners that contain ammonia or vinegar.
- Do use damp 0000 oil-free steel wool, not solvents, to remove surface marks or stubborn dirt. Use of solvents can attack and damage the edges and backing of mirrors.
- Do use soft, lint and grit free cloths to clean a mirror. This reduces the chances of scratching the mirror surface.
- The last step to cleaning a mirror is to make sure all joints and edges are dry so that no liquid or cleaner comes into contact with the edges and backing.
Construction Site & Storage Conditions
Mirror products must be protected during construction site storage and installation. Mirrors should be stored in a dry, well ventilated area, free of chemical fumes and away from high heat sources such as steam or water pipes. Exposure to excessive moisture or harmful construction materials can result in hard to remove surface conditions. Mirrors should ideally be the last materials to be installed. Failure to properly clean mirrors can result in damage to the mirrored surface.