Thinking about your interior design might draw your mind to your wallpaper or paint colors—but have you spared a thought for the mirrors in your home lately? Whether glass or acrylic, mirrors can have a dramatic effect in a room, from providing you with important information about your own face in the bathroom to making a space seem larger or brighter in your main living area.
If you have relied on acrylic mirrors to serve these purposes for you but see that they are getting a bit drab and dusty, it may be time for a thorough cleaning. Be aware that you should not clean an acrylic mirror the same way that you would clean one made of glass!
Why Acrylic Mirrors Require Different Care Than Glass
The main reason that acrylic and glass mirrors require different care is that, as you might expect, they are made of different materials. Acrylic is a type of plastic, so some chemicals and other agents can roughen or break down its surface if they react with the plastic material. The good news is that cleaning an acrylic mirror is easy and does not require any specialized tools or chemicals.
Use A Lint Free Cloth Instead Of Paper Towels
Acrylic is very flexible and adaptable, but its surface also tends to encourage dust and debris to cling. Consider using a lint free cloth to clean your acrylic mirror. Not only will this protect it from scratches from rougher material like paper towels, but it will also prevent paper specks from being left behind with every swipe. Otherwise, you might feel like getting your acrylic surface clean is a never-ending task.
Opt For A Mild Detergent
Acrylic benefits most from mild washing rather than harsh, aggressive chemicals. You can add mild liquid detergent to tepid water, wiping in smooth, consistent strokes, to create an impressive shine that does not leave streaks. A chamois leather cloth will help to avoid unwanted watermarks, since your lint free cloth (that you used to remove dust) will likely not be big enough for a full-water wipe down.
Avoid Solvents To Prevent Damage
Turpentine and other harsh chemicals that can provide a thorough clean on more resilient materials may do permanent damage to your acrylic mirrors. If you choose to use a chemical agent on your mirror surface, you could create permanent streaks, cloudy areas or even compromise the structure of the mirror itself. Similarly, methylated spirits should also be off limits because they are too strong for the plastic material.
Trust The Experts To Help You Achieve The Right Look For Your Décor
If you are struggling to get your acrylic mirror perfectly clean, try some of the tips above—and remember that your mirror is just one part of your overall décor. If you would like to keep the trend going and spice up more of your interior design, the experts at Tree Towns would be happy to help you realize your vision with options like custom wall coverings and more. Reach out to see what we have to offer so that you can feel happy in your space.