So, how do you whitewash a mirror? In this article, we are going to cover the basics of white bathroom vanities and matching them with shabby chic home decor. A mirror is not an artful item, like a painting or a photograph. It simply reflects what you are looking at. The mirror in your bathroom is one of the first items people notice when they come into your bathroom. If you have a “distressed” or dirty looking mirror, you will instantly add “shabby chic” to your bathroom vanity.
The first thing you need to consider is what type of mirror you have. You can find mirrors almost anywhere. In fact, you may have one in every room of your home! So, the first thing you need to do is figure out where that mirror is. There are several options when it comes to mirror placement in the home. You can keep it by the door, on a counter-top, in a cabinet, above the dresser, etc.
If the mirror is in a cabinet, then you need to first get the cabinet out. Cleaning products may be in the cabinet, so now would be a good time to remove all cleaning products and debris. Your best bet is to get the mirror cleaned professionally, but if you are a busy person and cannot afford that option, there are other ways of getting your mirror clean. Simply use a shabby chic home product designed to remove mildew and restore your mirror’s luster.
If you have a wood frame mirror, then the best way to get it clean is to use soap and water. If you are using a granite frame mirror, soap and water won’t work very well. If you do not want to use soap and water, then at least get some mild soap with you so that you can test to see if your mirror needs cleaning. Never use bar soap on a mirror because it will strip all the grime off of it, so use liquid soap or a mild cleansing spray from a store like Walmart.
For mirrors that are painted, then you need to bleach them. Bleach works best on darker colors, so if your mirror is white, bleach it once or twice before washing it. Make sure to only use the recommended amount of bleach per gallon. Never use regular bleach on a mirrored surface because it will discolor it quickly and leave an unpleasant yellow tint.
Another very effective way to clean a mirror is to use white vinegar. This is one of those tricks that just about everyone knows about, but it’s actually quite effective. What you need to do is soak the white vinegar in hot water and then scrub the mirror. Once you have done this, wait fifteen minutes before rinsing the mirror dry with a clean cloth. White vinegar has strong cleaning properties so it will get into all the crevices of the mirror without scrubbing it out. You may find that after a few times of doing this that the buildup on your mirror has disappeared.
To use white vinegar, all you need to do is pour a small amount into a spray bottle and spray it onto the mirror. Use toothpaste to scrub it in. Do this for a couple of hours and then rinse with warm water. You’ll likely find that the buildup on your mirror has gone. But if it doesn’t, then you will definitely need to give the white vinegar a second chance.
Knowing how to do you whitewash a mirror? The last step is probably the easiest. Just take another cotton-ball or paper towel and dab at the mirror until the white stains are removed. Make sure you don’t leave behind the stains of white vinegar. After you’re sure that the mirror is clean and free of any white spots, you can put it back where it should always be.