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Getting a streak-free shine after cleaning your windows requires both the right cleaning solutions—which can either include warm water and dish soap or warm water and rubbing alcohol—and the right tools—namely, a squeegee and a microfiber cloth. To make your streak-free glass cleaner, combine one gallon of warm water with a few drops of dish soap, and mix. Apply with a sprayer or sponge, and then dry with a squeegee, microfiber cloth, or old black-and-white newspaper pages.

While finding your mirror cracked can be spooky, there are actually many logical and common reasons why this happens. First, the mirror may have been mounted unevenly in the first place. Over time, poor mounting leads to stress points that will eventually cause a mirror to crack. Other common causes of a mirror spontaneously cracking include dramatic temperature shifts, strong thunder or a loud crash somewhere in the distance, exposure to heat and sunlight, and an uneven wall in your home. It's also possible that your mirror had a manufacturing defect or microscopic cracks that occurred during glass cutting or handling that eventually caused it to shatter.

The height of a mirror behind a vanity depends on several factors, including the height of the vanity, the placement of the faucet (on the wall or countertop), and the height of the faucet. A good rule of thumb is to hang the mirror 5 to 10 inches above the vanity’s highest point. However, you may need to lower the mirror based on the vanity size and overhead lighting placement.

Yes, it is possible to repair a damaged or cracked mirror, but whether you should do it yourself depends on the extent of the damage. For minor issues like small chips, cracks, and scratches, you can use a DIY approach. Resin-based repair kits can fix minor cracks, while scratches can often be removed with metal polish, nail polish, baking soda, or a glass polisher. Always follow the manufacturer’s instructions for the best results.

However, for more significant damage, DIY repair is not recommended. Repairing and resilvering mirrors is a delicate process that can involve caustic chemicals and requires a high level of precision. The materials for a DIY attempt can cost over $100, which may not be a significant saving compared to hiring a professional. Since a failed attempt could result in more damage and higher repair costs, it is often better to hire a mirror repair expert from the start, especially for large, valuable, or extensively damaged mirrors.