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Collectibles-General (Antiques)/cleaning antique mirror

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Question
The mirror in question has been stored in a poorly ventilated storage room. The odor is so bad that I took the mirror out of the frame.  The backing must be replaced and I have finally removed most of the odor from the oak wood.  But, the glass mirror itself is retaining the odor. How do I clean it?  Of course I have cleaned the front and the sides, even with vinegar, how do I clean the back?

Answer
Hi Mary Joe
Nice to hear from you.
You will not harm the back of the mirror by washing it.
Just use some dish soap and water and dry it, or the vinegar is fine too.
And take heart, this smell will fade over time once the mirror is in a nice home.
Kind Regards
Eileen

Collectibles-General (Antiques)

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Eileen Cronk

Expertise

I can answer most questions about the repairing and refinishing of all your old furniture items (the things we call antiques). I can also give you advice on what wood items to choose and what wood items to avoid at auctions, flea markets etc. I DO NOT give appraisals on antiques as this is not my field of expertise.

Experience

I have been repairing, refinishing and of course buying old furniture for the past 30 years. On any given weekend I can be found at auction sales or flea markets searching out a good buy. I have taken several courses in this area over the years, but I find "Hands On" learning to be the best teacher. I can help you avoid the pitfalls and problems of this wonderful rewarding craft.

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