How to Clean Up Broken Glass Safely

Clear the Room and Gear Up

As quickly as possible, have humans and pets leave the area where the accident happened. The designated cleaner should put on sturdy, closed-toed shoes, eye protection, and thick gloves before starting the clean-up process for the glass.

Use the Brightest Light Possible

To help you see every glint of glass, turn on as many lights as possible. It is best to use a LED flashlight or the flashlight on your smartphone so you can angle it across surfaces. The glass will glitter in the light.

Pick Up the Large Shards

Wearing gloves, pick up the large shards of glass. If you don't have gloves, use kitchen tongs to pick up the glass. Never use your bare hands.

The shards should be placed in a thick paper or triple-layered plastic bag for disposal. You can also use several layers of newspaper to wrap the glass to prevent accidental cuts in the trash can.

Sweep Up or Vacuum Away the Glass

If the broken glass is lodged in carpet or upholstery fibers, use a stiff-bristled scrub brush to lift the glass to the surface of the fabric before you attempt to sweep or vacuum it away. Take care not to flick the shards up, or they'll scatter.

Use a stiff-bristled broom and dustpan to sweep up as many glass shards as possible. Use short, efficient strokes to prevent the small pieces from scattering around the room.

If you have the right type of vacuum, you can also vacuum away the glass. The vacuum cannot have a flexible hose that can be punctured by the glass. Handheld vacuums and wet/dry shop vacuums are safe to use.

Use Fresh Bread or a Potato to Pick Up Shards

Even after sweeping or vacuuming, there will still be tiny shards caught in carpet fibers, flooring joints, or tight corners. Using the flashlight, you'll see them lingering just waiting for a bare foot or hand. One way to get rid of them is with items from the pantry.

Wearing gloves, press a slice of soft, fresh bread onto the glass shards. Be sure to dispose of the bread promptly. Or, slice a potato in half to expose the interior flesh. Press the cut side of the potato onto the glass shards to pick them up easily. Immediately toss the potato into the garbage—do not compost it.

Capture the Tiny Shards With Wet Paper Towels

Layer three sheets of paper towels or napkins and fold them into a square. Dampen and press the square onto the glass shards. They will stick to the paper towel for easy disposal.

Use a Lint Roller

A lint roller designated for pet hair removal has a stronger adhesive and will do the best job at picking up the glass. Peel away the glass-filled sheet and dispose of it properly.

Trap Shards With Duct Tape

Wearing thick gloves, wrap some duct tape around your hand with the sticky side out. Press the tape on the glass pieces and then carefully toss the tape in the garbage bag.

Do a Final Clean-Up

Glass shards may cling to the bristles of your broom or the dustpan. Take them outside and rinse well with a garden hose over a bucket. Dispose of the water down a utility drain.

Check the bottom of your shoes for any glass caught in the treads. Remove the glass with duct tape or paper towels to be sure that no glass is tracked through the house.