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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.

Broken glass cannot usually be recycled. Most recycling programs state that glass must be intact in the form of bottles or jars in order to be recycled. You may be able to recycle broken glass at a drop-off recycling facility—contact the facility to see if they accept broken glass.

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.

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.