Broken glass, whether a result of a shattered wine glass, toppled vase, or a smashed window, is difficult to clean up. In addition to large pieces of broken glass, shards can travel a great distance after a piece of glass has been broken, which creates a major safety issue in addition to a big mess.
When glass breaks, it's imperative to act quickly. Knowing the right (and wrong) ways to safely handle broken glass can prevent injuries and further damage to your home or belongings. Ahead, with the help of experts, you'll find everything you need to know in order to safely clean up and dispose of broken glass.
Safety Equipment and Precautions
Cleaning up broken glass requires safety precautions to prevent injuries, including wearing the right protective equipment, securing the area where broken glass is present, and properly disposing of the broken glass once it's been picked up.
Wear Protective Equipment
Protecting yourself and others from cuts should be top of mind when cleaning up broken glass, and using the right protective equipment is essential. "Wear heavy-duty safety gloves and closed-toe shoes to clean up broken glass to minimize the chance of getting cut," says Jessica Ek, the senior director of digital communications at the American Cleaning Institute.
"If you don’t have cut-resistant gloves, a thick pair of winter gloves could work because you need something to protect your hands," says Jessica Ehrlichmann, a vice president at Andersen Windows & Doors. In addition to protective gloves, Ehrlichmann recommends wearing safety goggles if you have them. "It’s also not a bad idea to wear long sleeves and pants to minimize skin exposure," she says.
Secure the Area
In addition to using the proper protective equipment, there are other safety precautions to take when cleaning broken glass. "First, have anyone not involved with cleanup safely exit the room. Have them check their shoes to make sure glass is not being tracked to other areas. Secure any pets in a different area during cleanup," Ek says.
After donning appropriate protective gear and clearing the area, "get all your tools ready and nearby, including a container for glass shards, shop vac or duct tape, and flashlight," Ehrlichmann says. "You want to efficiently clean up the glass so that with your tools at the ready, you aren’t leaving the area open and re-entering the space, which can lead to mishaps."
Safely Dispose the Broken Glass
Even after it's been picked up, broken glass can pose a safety risk. "Collect glass in a secure, padded receptacle, like a thick padded envelope or a plastic bag lined with a bunch of newspaper," Ek says. "After collecting the glass, secure the receptacle closed and take it out to the trash immediately."
Ehrlichmann emphasizes the importance of not disposing of broken glass in your everyday trash can. "Do not throw the glass away into the trash can; it needs to be sealed in a container so it won’t cut the bag and hurt someone." She recommends placing broken glass in a glass jar or food container that the broken glass will not pierce. "Write on the container 'broken glass' and, if it’s possible, recycle the glass," she says.
What You'll Need
Equipment / Tools
- Shop vac
Materials
- Heavy-duty safety gloves
- Puncture-proof receptacle
- Sticky tape or damp paper towels
- Flashlight
Instructions
How to Clean Broken Glass
Secure the Area and Survey the Damage
"First, survey the extent of the damage. Note that broken glass can travel far, so the impact zone may be larger than you first think," Ek says. Have children, pets, and other adults leave the area and don appropriate protective gear, such as cut-proof work gloves, close-toed shoes, and long sleeves.
Pick Up Large Pieces of Glass
Carefully pick up large pieces of glass by hand, and deposit them in a secure receptacle.
Pick Up Small Pieces of Glass
Then, pick up smaller pieces of glass. Large pieces of glass can obscure smaller pieces, which is why it's best to work in stages starting with the largest pieces, then survey the area and pick up smaller pieces, and finish by picking up shards of glass.
Pick Up Shards
Use sticky tape, like duct tape, or a damp paper towel to pick up glass fragments and shards. Avoid using sponges or towels, as shards can cling to them, creating a safety hazard.
See below for more information on how to safely clean up shards of glass, including information on the use of vacuums and brooms for glass cleanup.
Check Shoes and Floor for Shards
The soles of shoes, especially one with intricate treads, can harbor shards of glass. "Be sure to carefully clean off your shoes afterward," Ek says. Give the soles of your shoes a pass with a damp paper towel or sticky tape to remove any shards so that you don't track them through the home. Then, shine a flashlight over the area, including the soles of your shoes, which will catch glints of any remaining glass that needs to be picked up.
Safely Dispose of Glass
Collect broken glass in a secure, puncture-proof receptacle and dispose of it immediately. Label the receptacle "broken glass" and, if possible, recycle the glass.
A Note on Safely Cleaning Up Glass Shards
"The most challenging part of cleaning broken glass is that tiny shards can be hard to see but very painful if stepped on," Ehrlichmann says.
She recommends using sticky tape, like duct tape, to pick up glass fragments and shards. Other methods for safely cleaning up shards of glass include using sticky rollers, a slice of soft bread, the cut side of a potato, a pre-moistened cleaning wipe, or a damp paper towel.
While it might be tempting to reach for your vacuum, it is not the best option, and caution is needed if you choose to use one to clean up broken glass. "Once only the tiniest shards and glass dust are left, a vacuum cleaner can help get up the rest, with a shop vac being the best option," Ek says. If you do not have a shop vac, fit your regular vacuum with a hose or nozzle attachment; avoid the use of any vacuum attachments with bristles or soft rollers, which can trap glass shards that can cause injuries and/or damage the vacuum.
If possible, however, skip using your regular vacuum cleaner to pick up shards of glass. "If you have a handheld or shop vacuum, you can pick up any remaining pieces, but avoid using a regular vacuum, as the glass can damage it," Ehrlichmann says.
Mistakes to Avoid When Cleaning Broken Glass
Don't Remove Broken Glass from a Frame
Take extra care when glass breaks in a frame, such as a picture frame, door, or window. "Do not attempt to pull out pieces that are still attached to the frame," Ek says. "If it is small, like a picture frame, dispose of the entire thing. If it is large, like a window or a door, it can be helpful to bring in an expert for removal and disposal."
Use a Broom Safely
Using a broom to clean up broken glass poses a safety hazard of its own. If possible, avoid using a broom to sweep up broken glass, as shards can get trapped in the bristles. This is especially true of corn brooms, which can be slightly tacky, causing shards to stick to the rushes. Silicone brooms are a safer option for sweeping glass shards. Regardless of which type of broom you use, after sweeping broken glass, be sure to rinse the bristles well to wick away any shards that may be clinging to them.
"Another option is to consider dedicating an old broom and dustpan just to glass cleanup," Ek says.
Avoid Tracking Shards
"Don’t use items to clean up that could track glass elsewhere, like kitchen towels or sponges," Ek says. Vacuums, especially bristle and soft attachments, can harbor shards of glass and spread them elsewhere; it is best to avoid using a vacuum to clean up broken glass. Your shoes, too, can pick up shards and track them through the home, and cleaning the soles of shoes is an important step in broken glass cleanup.
Ensure the Job is Complete
Glass cleanup can be tricky, and the experts we spoke to offered some tips for ensuring you've done the job thoroughly. "A common mistake is people thinking the job is done when the visible glass is cleaned up," Ehrlichmann says. "Very tiny fragments can remain on the floor, hurting you or others. Take your time to clean everything up and use a shop vac or tape, and flashlight to be sure you have cleaned even the smallest shards."
Because of the safety issues glass cleanup can pose, it is best to work slowly and methodically. "Never rush when cleaning up glass," Ek says.
Sources:
- All photos used in this blogpost are sourced from the internet, and the rights belong to their respective owners
- Kerr, J. (2024, December 28). How to Clean Up and Dispose of Broken Glass. Better Homes & Gardens. https://www.bhg.com/how-to-dispose-of-broken-glass-8736112