Cleaning up broken glass requires meticulous attention. To be thorough, you sometimes need to be resourceful. Instead of using a broom, consider alternative methods, as small shards can get caught in the broom’s bristles, posing a danger during the next sweep.
If you want to ensure that no shards are left behind, you will need a bit of skill. Here are some tips for cleaning up glass shards without using a broom.
First Things First: Protect Yourself and Others
When glass falls to the floor, remind everyone to be cautious and keep children and pets away from the area with the shards. While cleaning, it is advisable to wear protective gear for your hands and feet, such as gloves and closed-toe shoes.
First, pick up all the large pieces. If you don’t have gloves, use tongs. Never kneel on areas with broken glass, as sharp shards can easily puncture your pants and cut into your knees.
After collecting all the large pieces, try the following techniques to deal with any remaining debris.
Use a Vacuum Cleaner
Vacuuming broken glass can damage the internal parts of your machine. If you choose to use a vacuum cleaner, cover the hose with a sock or a thin cloth. This “filter” will catch all the small glass shards being sucked up; just be careful when disposing of it afterward.
Use Wet Paper Towels
You can use wet paper towels to pick up glass shards that a broom might miss. For this method, it’s important to wear gloves to avoid cuts from the glass piercing through the paper towel.
Additionally, make clever use of food items in your kitchen. The following two foods can be very helpful when cleaning up broken glass: sandwich and potato.
Use a Slice of Bread
Place a slice of bread over the area with glass shards and gently press down on the surface of the bread. Once the glass shards stick to the bread, simply wrap it up in a trash bag and dispose of it.
Use Potatoes
Potatoes also have this interesting utility. Cut a potato in half and then press the inside of the potato against the floor to collect shards, continuing to press until you pick up a good amount of small glass pieces.
Use Something Sticky
Even after you’ve cleaned up most of the debris, there will likely still be small bits lingering around. You should carefully check the area using tape, a lint roller, or any similar adhesive material.
Once you have cleaned up your broken glass area, make sure to dispose of it properly. Instead of tossing it directly into the trash, wrap the glass shards in an old cloth, place them in a paper bag, and then into a cardboard box. Be very careful and label the box to inform anyone who comes into contact with it that it contains sharp objects.
