Don’t Grab The Broom — There’s A Safer Way To Clean Up Broken Glass
Broken glass isn’t just a pain to clean up, it can also be dangerous. One quick shatter and suddenly you’re slow-walking across the room, hoping nothing ends up stuck in your foot. Most of us reach for a broom without thinking, but that often spreads tiny shards across the floor or leaves pieces of glass behind. There’s a safer way to handle it, only using a few things you already have at home, including a surprisingly helpful slice of bread.
Start By Picking Up The Largest Pieces
Put on gloves if you can, or wrap your hand in a thick towel, and slowly gather the biggest pieces of glass first. Place them into a sturdy container instead of a thin trash bag so that it doesn’t rip your garbage bag. Going slow here sets you up for a cleaner finish later. Once the big pieces are out of the way, the smaller shards become easier to spot.
Use Cardboard Or A Dustpan Instead Of Sweeping
A stiff piece of cardboard works better than a broom for medium-sized shards. Slide it gently under the pieces and lift them in one smooth motion. Unlike sweeping, this keeps the glass from skittering across the floor or breaking into even smaller bits. A flat dustpan works too, as long as you go slow and avoid flicking the pieces around.
Use The Slice Of Bread Trick For Hidden Shards
Here’s the hack most people don’t know: bread is incredible at picking up small pieces of glass. White bread works best, but any soft bread will do. Press a soft slice over the area where shards might be hiding. The squishy texture grabs and holds onto fragments your eyes can’t catch. Then, just toss the bread immediately after using it. It’s oddly satisfying and genuinely effective.
Pick Up Remaining Bits With Tape
After the bread has done its magic, use duct tape or masking tape for small shards of glass. Press it sticky-side down and peel it up slowly. This step helps catch slivers that cling to grout lines or settle into tiny cracks. Tape is great for corners and uneven surfaces, where shards like to hide out of sight until you step on them.
Do A Final Pass With A Damp Paper Towel
After you’re done with the bread and the tape, gently pat the area with a lightly damp paper towel. It picks up any dusty or minuscule pieces left behind. Keep the paper towel movements light so you’re lifting the particles instead of pushing them around. This final check gives you peace of mind so you can know that the area is truly clean.
Vacuum Carefully, But Only At The End
Once everything else is done, use a vacuum hose for one final check, especially if the glass broke near a rug or carpet. Avoid rolling the whole vacuum over the area, which can trap shards in the bristles. Instead, use the hose attachment for safer, targeted suction. Empty the canister into a sturdy bag afterward to prevent future surprises.
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Cleaning up broken glass doesn’t have to feel dangerous. With a little patience and some everyday items, like cardboard, tape, and even a soft slice of bread, you can clear every last shard without worrying about missed pieces. These small, thoughtful steps protect your feet now and your peace of mind later.
Bliss Donahue-Power
