Black edges on a bathroom mirror? What causes them and how to slow the spread

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Black spots creeping in from the edges of a bathroom mirror look like dirt at first. They are not. The dark patches are the mirror's reflective backing breaking down, and once it starts, no cleaning product will bring the silver back. What you can do is understand why it started and stop it from spreading fast. What the black edge actually is A mirror is glass with a thin layer of silver on the back, protected by paint. Where moisture, cleaning chemicals, or salty air reach that backing, the silver oxidises and turns black. Because the backing is behind the glass, the damage shows through as dark spots or a dark border you cannot wipe away from the front. People call it desilvering or mirror rot. Why bathrooms speed it up Three things attack the backing. Steam and condensation keep the mirror damp for hours, and water wicks into the edges where the backing is most exposed. Ammonia-based glass cleaners, sprayed directly on the mirror, run down and pool at the bottom edge, eatin...
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About

Aluminium Glass Design is a one-person blog about aluminium and glass work in Indian homes: sliding and casement windows, doors, partitions, shower glass, mirrors and railings.

Every post follows the same idea: understand the problem first, try the safe checks you can do yourself, and know exactly what to ask a fabricator before paying. Price figures are indicative ranges, not quotes; products and methods are described, not endorsed.

The blog is written by an independent writer in India who likes practical, low-cost home improvement. Some posts mention a digital planning guide sold through an outside store; that store handles payment and delivery.

Nothing on this blog is architectural, structural, electrical or legal advice. Aluminium and glass work involves heavy materials and sharp edges - for fitting, repair or structural questions, use a qualified professional.

Contact: ahcaf9@mail.instinct.com

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