Tiny glass fragments that break from drinking glasses, windowpanes, or light bulbs can travel an incredible distance on the floor. If you have a problem that needs to be fixed right away in addition to the broken item, glass fragments on the floor, on the countertop, or embedded in the upholstery or carpet can do no good. There are a few things you need to do after an accident to make sure people and animals are safe. You cannot put off doing this task until later. Find out how to safely dispose of shattered glass.
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How to Clean Up Broken Glass The Right Way
Make the space clear and get ready
Have people and animals evacuate the scene of the accident as soon as feasible. Before beginning the glass cleanup, the selected cleaner should put on protective goggles, thick gloves, and sturdy, closed-toe shoes.
Make Use of the Brightest Light Available
Switch on as many lights as you can to ensure you can see every gleam of glass. To be able to angle your beam across surfaces, it is advisable to use an LED flashlight or the flashlight app on your smartphone. The light will cause the glass to shimmer.
Gather together the Big Pieces
Pick up the huge glass fragments while wearing gloves. Use kitchen tongs to pick up the glass if you don’t have gloves. Use your hands only never.
To dispose of the shards, place them in a triple-layered plastic bag or thick paper. To avoid unintentional cuts in the garbage can, you can also wrap the glass in multiple layers of newspaper.
Vacuum or Sweep the Glass Away
Before attempting to sweep or vacuum away shattered glass that has become embedded in carpet or upholstery fibers, lift the glass to the surface of the fabric with a stiff-bristled scrub brush. Avoid flicking the shards up, since this may cause them to disperse.
Get rid of as many glass fragments as you can by using a dustpan and broom with stiff bristles. Take quick, deliberate strokes to keep the tiny fragments from flying all over the place.
You can vacuum away the glass as well, provided you have the appropriate kind of vacuum. A flexible hose that could be pierced by glass cannot be used with the vacuum. Wet/dry shop vacuums and handheld vacuums are both safe to use.
Pick Up Shards with a Potato or Fresh Bread
There will be microscopic fragments lodged in carpet fibers, flooring seams, or tight spaces even after sweeping or vacuuming. If you shine the flashlight on them, you can see that they are waiting for a hand or barefoot. Using pantry products is one approach to get rid of them.
Press a soft, fresh bread slice into the glass fragments while wearing gloves. Make sure you throw out the bread right away.
Alternately, cut a potato in half to reveal the flesh within. To make picking up the glass fragments easier, press the potato’s sliced side against them. Do not compost the potato; instead, throw it in the trash right away.
Gather the Microscopic Shards Using Damp Paper Towels
Three paper towel or napkin sheets should be layered and folded into a square. Wet the square and place it atop the broken glass pieces. For simple disposal, they will adhere to the paper towel.
Employ a lint roller
The finest lint roller for removing pet hair from glass is one that is made specifically for that purpose because it has a stronger stickiness. Remove the sheet containing glass and dispose of it appropriately.
Use duct tape to catch shards
Put some duct tape around your hand, sticky side out, while wearing thick gloves. After applying the tape to the glass fragments, gently discard the tape inside the trash bag.
Complete the Cleanup
Broken glass fragments could stick to the broom or dustpan’s bristles. Move them outside and give them a thorough rinsing using a garden hose over a pail. Pour the water into a utility drain for disposal.
Inspect your shoes’ bottoms for any glass fragments lodged in the treads. To ensure that no glass gets tracked around the house, remove the glass using paper towels or duct tape.
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