6 Common Bathroom Mirror Problems and How to Fix Them
Mirror, mirror on the wall
A defogger can prevent bathroom mirrors from fogging up.
Minor scratches can be fixed using baby oil.
Discoloration happens because oxygen and moisture react with the metal backing.
It costs $80 to $200 to replace a bathroom mirror.
Mirrors are essential in the bathroom. However, they are also prone to problems due to the temperature, moisture content, and other factors. Luckily, you can often fix bathroom mirror problems yourself. Here are 6 of the most common bathroom mirror problems and how to fix them.
1. Fogging Bathroom Mirrors
Fogging bathroom mirrors is annoying but preventable. To stop bathroom mirrors from fogging up, try turning the ceiling vents on while taking a shower or bath, and leave the door slightly open for better ventilation. You can also use a defogging spray to seal the mirror surface.
If you have an LED bathroom mirror, it might come with a defogging pad, which gently heats up the mirror surface to prevent fogging. You can also find standalone defoggers that can be installed on traditional and LED bathroom mirrors.
2. Scratches on Mirrors
Scratches on bathroom mirrors are often the result of improper cleaning. If you use a rough rag to clean the mirrors or scrape too hard to remove stains, you can leave a scratch on the mirror surface.
To repair minor scratches, use a glass cleaner on the mirror and wipe the residue off with a soft cloth. Next, apply some metal polish or toothpaste and rub it gently in circular motions. This will gradually remove the scratch. For major scratches or cracks, you’ll need to resilver or replace the mirror.
3. Stained Mirrors
Hair sprays, perfumes, makeup removers, cleansers, toothpaste… various bathroom items can stain your mirrors. Sometimes, steam and fog might even leave stains. Luckily, this problem can be fixed easily.
Clean your bathroom mirror with a suitable cleaning product. You can also create your own solution by adding a few drops of dish soap to water. Use a soft cloth or sponge to clean the mirror, ensuring you don’t scratch the surface. Wipe again with clean water to remove any residual soap. Then, clean the remaining water with a soft, dry cloth.
4. Loose Mirrors
Improperly hung bathroom mirrors can come loose, and vibrations on the walls can also shake them loose. It’s best to address loose mirrors as soon as possible so they don’t fall off the wall and break.
When hanging your vanity mirror, it’s best to use the mounting gear that came with the package. If using your mounting gear, ensure it is equal to or stronger than the original ones. Before hanging the mirror, gently tug on the mounting gear to make sure it's tightly inserted into the wall. Tighten any screws or brackets to hold the mirror in place.
5. Discoloration on Mirrors
The mirror edge may show discoloration due to oxidation. This happens because oxygen and moisture can react with the mirror’s backing, especially if it has a metal backing. Discoloration usually looks like black or dark green spots along the edge.
Remove the mirror from its frame and strip off the backing. Clean the affected area with equal parts of water and white vinegar. Use a soft sponge or absorbent cloth for the best effect. Once cleaned, install a new backing before attaching the mirror to the frame again.
6. Chipped Edges
Bathroom mirrors can get chipped due to blunt force or impact. For example, ignoring a loose mirror could lead to it falling off the wall. The impact can chip the edges easily, if not shatter the glass completely.
To repair chipped edges, you should remove the bathroom mirror first. Place a tarp or a large towel underneath to catch loose glass. Remove any glass shards with tweezers and clean the damaged area with a glass cleaner. Once dried, fill the chipped area with epoxy resin or clear nail polish. Once the filler fully hardens, buffer the area with a soft cloth to restore the shine. Don’t forget to dust the tarp or towel outside.
Common Problems with LED Bathroom Mirrors
If you have an LED bathroom mirror, you may encounter additional problems, including:
Dim lights: Indicate an electrical problem, as the mirror may not be receiving enough voltage, or it’s time to replace the LED lights.
Flickering lights: Often caused by an inconsistent power supply or ageing LED components.
Noisy mirrors: A buzzing or humming sound can be caused by electrical interference or faulty LED drivers.
Touch sensors not working: Try cleaning the area to ensure no dirt or dust is blocking the sensors. If that didn’t work, your sensors may need to be repaired.
Water damage: Make sure the mirror is properly sealed all the way around so water and steam don’t damage the electrical components. Additionally, use only LED mirrors that are IP54 or higher rated in bathrooms.
DIY vs. Hiring a Pro
Most bathroom mirror problems can be handled by yourself as long as you’re willing to spend the time. If you hire a mirror repair company, expect to pay between $80 and $200 for the repair or replacement. Projects involving removing and reframing a mirror are best left for the pros. If you have a malfunctioning LED bathroom mirror, it is recommended that you hire an electrician or a mirror specialist to conduct any necessary repairs related to wiring and LED components.
How to Maintain Bathroom Mirrors
Turn on your bathroom vents during and after showering or bathing. This reduces fogging and slows down oxidation on your bathroom mirror. Regularly clean your bathroom mirrors and use the appropriate cleaning products. All you need to do is wipe the mirror clean after showers, with a more thorough weekly or monthly cleaning.
Black spots on the bottom or along the edge of your bathroom mirror are caused by oxidation behind the mirror glass. When moisture and air are trapped between the glass and the backing, they react and cause discoloration. This is sometimes referred to as “mirror rot.” You’ll need to separate the glass and the backing to fully remove it.
Most bathroom mirrors last 10 to 15 years with regular maintenance. The actual lifespan is determined by the quality of the mirror, its materials, the way it was hung, and the overall ventilation and humidity level in your bathroom. Meanwhile, LED bathroom mirrors tend to have a lifespan of 30,000 to 50,000 hours.
Size and weight are the primary considerations when purchasing a bathroom mirror. Properly measure the mirror size that will fit above your vanity. If your vanity sits in front of a drywall without a stud available, you won’t be able to hang anything that is too heavy. Also, check the material and design. For LED mirrors, look up their IP value. The higher the number, the more resistant it is against water and splash damage.
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