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The best way to transport wine glasses is to pack them upright in a divided, padded box designed specifically for stemware. First, wrap each glass individually with bubble wrap or packing paper, ensuring both the bowl and the delicate stem are cushioned. If you don't have a divided box, you can still pack them safely. After wrapping each glass and securing the material with tape, place them upright in a sturdy box. Layer soft items like dish towels, crumpled paper, or clothing between the glasses to prevent them from touching. Fill any remaining gaps with additional padding to keep the glasses snug and prevent shifting. Finally, clearly label the box as “FRAGILE GLASSWARE” or “FRAGILE–HANDLE WITH CARE” to ensure careful handling.

Whether it's better to repair or replace a broken mirror depends on its size, value, and the extent of the damage. For small, inexpensive mirrors, replacement is often the better choice, as the average repair cost of around $200 can be close to the price of a new one. However, for large mirrors—like those over a bathroom vanity or large floor mirrors—repair is usually more cost-effective. A new large mirror can cost hundreds or even thousands of dollars, while repairs typically range from $50 to $200. You should also consider the mirror's age and sentimental value. Antique mirrors and family heirlooms are often priceless and irreplaceable, making repair the most sensible or only option.

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.

You should avoid multi-surface cleaners, bleach, and any cloth or scrubbing material that has a rough surface when cleaning mirrors. Multi-surface cleaners and bleach will get smudges and debris off of the glass, but they more often leave behind cleaner residue because they don’t evaporate like a glass cleaner or rubbing alcohol. Additionally, any abrasive material or even the scrubbing side of a sponge can scratch your glass or coatings on the glass, gradually making the mirror look hazy.