Mirror Care 101: All You Need To Know

How To Take Care of Your Mirrors at Home: Simple Tips Every Kenyan Home Needs

Mirrors add more than just reflections to our homes—they bring light, create the illusion of space, and boost your interior design game instantly. Whether it’s that sleek hallway mirror you picked from Woodden Kenya or the stunning round one above your dresser, a well-placed mirror can completely transform a room.

But here’s the thing: even the most beautiful mirror will look dull if it’s dusty, streaky, or scratched. Taking care of your mirrors isn’t just about cleaning; it’s about preserving their charm and making sure they last.

So, how do you keep your mirrors looking their best? This guide breaks it down in a way that’s practical, budget-friendly, and especially relevant for the Kenyan household.

1. Clean Smart, Not Hard

If your mirror always looks streaky no matter how hard you scrub, the problem might not be effort—it’s probably your method.

What You Need:

• A soft microfiber cloth (avoid newspapers—they can scratch over time)
• A spray bottle with clean water
• White vinegar or mild dish soap

How To Clean:

1. Mix equal parts water and white vinegar in a spray bottle.
2. Spray lightly on the mirror. Don’t soak it. Too much liquid can seep behind the glass and damage the backing.
3. Use a microfiber cloth and wipe in a zig-zag motion from top to bottom.
4. Buff the mirror with a dry part of the cloth for that shine-shine finish.

Tip: Avoid harsh detergents or ammonia-based cleaners—they may damage the reflective coating.

Check out some of our coveted mirrors below;

2. Don’t Let Moisture Win

We all love mirrors in the bathroom. They help when shaving, doing makeup, or checking your outfit before stepping out. But bathrooms in places like Nairobi, Mombasa, or Kisumu can get humid fast.

What to do:

• Make sure your bathroom is well-ventilated. Open that window or install an exhaust fan.
• Wipe down the mirror after hot showers.
• If you live in a high-humidity area like the coast, consider using anti-fog sprays.

Bonus tip: Apply a thin layer of shaving cream to your mirror and wipe it off—it helps prevent fog for a while (yes, really!).

3. Mount Mirrors the Right Way

Proper mounting prevents damage over time. A loosely hung mirror not only poses a safety risk, but it also invites cracks and chips.

Mounting tips for Kenyan homes:

• For renters in Nairobi apartments, use adhesive hooks rated for the mirror’s weight if drilling is not an option.
• For homeowners, make sure you anchor the mirror into a stud or use wall plugs suitable for concrete or brick (common in Kenyan houses).
• Always use mirror clips or mounting brackets rather than nails alone.

Need stylish mirrors for your space? Browse high-quality options from Woodden Kenya.

4. Keep It Out of Harsh Sunlight

Sunlight might not seem like a big deal, but it can cause mirror backing (the reflective silver part) to deteriorate over time. If your mirror is facing a large window and getting direct sun daily, you might start noticing black spots or fading along the edges.

What to do:

• Use sheer curtains or blinds to diffuse the sunlight.
• Avoid placing decorative mirrors directly opposite east- or west-facing windows unless you’re okay replacing them every few years.

5. Handle With Care During Cleaning and Moving

In Kenya, we move a lot—especially in urban areas where moving houses every few years is the norm. And during these moves, mirrors are usually the first casualty.

To keep your mirror safe:

• Wrap it with a thick blanket or bubble wrap.
• Mark it as “fragile” for the moving crew.
• Avoid stacking it with furniture. Keep it upright if possible.

During routine cleaning, always support large mirrors with your hand to avoid flexing and cracks.

6. Watch Out for the Backing

Most people clean the front and forget the back. But the back of a mirror, especially those hanging against damp walls, can develop mold, rust, or stains.

Kenyan-specific hacks:

• Use an anti-mold sheet or place charcoal sachets behind the mirror to absorb moisture (affordable and available at most supermarkets).
• Occasionally take the mirror down to clean the back with a dry cloth.
• Avoid hanging mirrors directly on freshly painted or wet plaster walls.

7. Keep Kids and Pets in Mind

If you’ve got toddlers running around or playful pets like cats (you know how they love climbing), make sure your mirror is securely mounted.

For families:

• Avoid floor mirrors in high-traffic areas.
• Use wall brackets with safety locks.
• Opt for acrylic mirrors in kids’ bedrooms—they’re shatterproof and safer.

8. Use Mirrors Wisely in Design

This may not be a care tip, but it’s worth mentioning. Mirrors work best when they’re placed to reflect light and beautiful scenes, not clutter or chaos.

Quick styling ideas:

• Place a large mirror opposite a window to brighten the room.
• Use a tall mirror in your hallway to make it feel more spacious.
• Try mirrored furniture for a modern look (available on our very own online shop @ Wooddenkenya.com/shop).

9. Know When It’s Time to Replace

Sometimes, no matter how careful you are, a mirror gets permanently damaged. Black spots, warping, or severe scratches mean it’s probably time to let go.

But don’t just toss it out! In Kenya, broken mirrors can be repurposed:

• Small pieces can be used in DIY décor projects.
• Jua kali artisans can reshape them into new frames.
• Or sell the frame and get a fresh custom cut from local glass vendors.

10. Stay Consistent

The biggest trick to keeping your mirrors beautiful? Consistency. Don’t wait until they’re dusty or grimy to clean them.

Weekly mirror checklist:

• Wipe off fingerprints (especially in homes with children).
• Dust the top edges and frames.
• Check for loose mounts or brackets.

Make it part of your usual cleaning routine, and you won’t have to do any major scrubbing later.

Final Thoughts: Shine Bright Like Your Mirror

Mirrors are more than functional—they’re a statement. And just like any other centerpiece in your home, they deserve care.

So the next time you’re deep cleaning your house in Umoja, Syokimau, or Runda, don’t forget your mirrors. Give them some love, and they’ll reward you by keeping your space stylish, bright, and beautifully put together. You can also checkout our blog on how to take care of your home furniture.