Material
Mirror
Treat the front glass separately from the backing, silvered edges and frame. Use a barely damp soft cloth on cool glass, keep the edges dry and never spray cleaner directly at the mirror. Acrylic mirrors and damaged silvering require separate maker guidance.
- SurfaceNon porous
- WashingSpot only
- Colour run riskMedium
- Reviewed6 October 2026
What mirror can and cannot take
- Heat Use with care
- Water and soaking Use with care
- Acids, including vinegar Avoid
- Strong alkalis Not established
- Solvents Not established
- Chlorine bleach Not established
- Abrasives Avoid
Always test on a hidden area first and let it dry before you treat the visible mark.
General rules for mirror
Treat the front glass separately from the backing, silvered edges and frame. Use a barely damp soft cloth on cool glass, keep the edges dry and never spray cleaner directly at the mirror. Acrylic mirrors and damaged silvering require separate maker guidance.
Check the label
Treat the front glass separately from the backing, silvered edges and frame. Use a barely damp soft cloth on cool glass, keep the edges dry and never spray cleaner directly at the mirror. Acrylic mirrors and damaged silvering require separate maker guidance.
Stains on mirror
- Body oil Lift free oil from mirror, then clean a small area with a maker-approved mild detergent solution and a soft c...
- Breast milk Blot the spill, identify the finish and use a controlled cold clean only where permitted. Where the maker per...
- Coffee Wipe coffee off mirror promptly with a soft cloth. Treat only the front glass. Keep backing, edges and frame...
- Nail polish Lift free polish gently if the face permits contact. A maker-approved mild damp wipe can clear loose residue,...
Treat the front glass separately from the backing, silvered edges and frame. Use a barely damp soft cloth on cool glass, keep the edges dry and never spray cleaner directly at the mirror. Acrylic mirrors and damaged silvering require separate maker guidance.
Unknown chemical tolerances remain unknown. Use the maker instructions for the actual finish. A remaining mark is a reason to seek advice, rather than increase strength or pressure.
Sources
What we checked and when. Where a manufacturer instruction disagrees with anything here, follow the manufacturer.
-
Pilkington, reflective glass hand washing
manufacturer
Reflective glass tolerates mild detergent and water, prompt rinsing and drying. Harsh acids and abrasives can damage reflective coatings; this does not authorise wetting a domestic mirror backing.
Checked 6 October 2026
-
Pilkington, window glass cleaning FAQs
manufacturer
Ordinary glass can be cleaned with soapy water and a clean cloth. Coatings, etched glass and adjacent frame materials change the permitted route.
Checked 6 October 2026