Methods for Managing and Disposing of Shattered Glass Fragments
Methods for Managing and Disposing of Shattered Glass Fragments
Project Overview:Total Time:30 minutes* Skill Level:Beginner
Cleaning up shattered glass, whether from a cracked wine glass, toppled vase, or smashed window, can be a challenging task. Apart from large pieces, the broken fragments can spread a considerable distance, posing a risk of injuries and causing a significant mess.
Swift action is required when glass breaks. Understanding the right techniques to safely manage broken glass can prevent injuries and minimize property damage. In this article, we will walk you through the necessary steps to safely clean and dispose of broken glass with the help of experts.
- Jessica Ek serves as the senior director of digital communications at the American Cleaning Institute.
- Jessica Ehrlichmann holds the position of vice president at Andersen Windows & Doors.
Safety Measures and Precautions
Proper cleaning of broken glass necessitates safety precautions to reduce the risk of injuries. Utilizing the appropriate protective equipment, sealing off the affected area, and handling the broken glass properly once it is gathered will go a long way in ensuring security.
Wear Protective Equipment
Safety from cuts should be a priority when handling broken glass. Wearing heavy-duty safety gloves and closed-toe shoes can minimize the likelihood of injury, as per Jessica Ek, the senior director of digital communications at the American Cleaning Institute.
If smell-resistant gloves are not available, a pair of thick winter gloves can serve the purpose, advises Jessica Ehrlichmann, a vice president at Andersen Windows & Doors. Furthermore, Ehrlichmann recommends wearing safety goggles if you have them. She also suggests wearing long sleeves and pants to minimize skin exposure.
Secure the Area
In addition to protective gear, it is crucial to take additional safety precautions when cleaning broken glass. "First, ensure that anyone not involved in the clean-up safely exits the room. Check their shoes for glass and prevent pets from entering the area during clean-up," says Ek.
Once you don protective gear and clear the area, Ehrlichmann suggests gathering all your tools, including a container for glass shards, a shop vac or duct tape, and a flashlight. By having your tools readily available, you can efficiently clean up the glass without frequently re-entering the space, reducing the risk of mishaps.
Safely Dispose of Broken Glass
Even after gathering the broken glass, you must remain cautious. "Collect glass in a secure, cushioned receptacle, like a thick padded envelope or a plastic bag lined with newspaper," advises Ek. She also recommends securing the receptacle tightly and disposing of it immediately.
Ehrlichmann emphasizes the importance of disposing of the broken glass responsibly. "Do not throw the glass away into the trash can; it needs to be sealed in a container to prevent injuries," she says. She suggests placing broken glass in a glass jar or food container that will not be pierced during disposal. Label the container "broken glass" and, if possible, recycle the glass.
What You'll Need
Equipment / Tools
- Shop vac
Materials
- Heavy-duty cut-resistant gloves
- Puncture-proof receptacle
- Sticky tape or damp paper towels
- Flashlight
Instructions
How to Clean Broken Glass
Secure the Area and Assess the Damage
"First, assess the extent of the damage. Remember that broken glass can travel far, making the affected area larger than you initially think," says Ek. Make sure everyone, including children and pets, stays away from the area. Put on appropriate protective gear such as heavy-duty gloves, close-toe shoes, and long sleeves.2. ###Pick Up Large Pieces of Glass
Carefully pick up large pieces of glass using your hands and deposit them in a secure receptacle.3. ###Pick Up Small Pieces of Glass
Next, pick up smaller pieces of glass. Large pieces may conceal smaller fragments, making it essential to work in stages, starting with the largest pieces, then surveying the area, and finally removing smaller pieces.4. ###Pick Up Shards
Utilize sticky tape, such as duct tape, or damp paper towels to collect glass fragments and shards. Avoid using sponges or towels as shards can adhere to them, creating a safety hazard.
For more information on safely cleaning up shards of glass, including the use of vacuums and brooms, refer to the following section.5. ###Check Shoes and Floor for Shards
The soles of shoes, especially those with intricate treads, can harbor shards of glass. "Make sure to carefully clean off your shoes after the cleaning process to avoid tracking any remaining glass into other parts of the house," says Ek. Clean the soles of your shoes using a damp paper towel or sticky tape to remove stuck-on shards. Fairly shine a flashlight over the area, including the soles of your shoes, to locate any remaining glass fragments.6. ###Safely Dispose of Glass
Collect broken glass in a secure, puncture-proof receptacle and dispose of it promptly. Label the receptacle "broken glass" and, if possible, recycle the glass to minimize waste.
A Warning on Safely Dealing with Shattered Glass Pieces
"The most problematic aspect of dealing with smashed glass is that minuscule shards can be tough to spot yet incredibly painful if stepped on," Ehrlichmann points out.
She suggests utilizing adhesive tape, like duct tape, to collect glass fragments and shards. Other methods for securely handling shattered glass shards include using sticky rollers, a slice of tender bread, the smooth side of a potato, a pre-moistened cleaning cloth, or a damp paper towel.
Even though it may seem tempting to grab your vacuum, it is not the ideal solution, and caution is needed if you decide to utilize one for cleaning up shattered glass. "Once only the tiniest shards and glass residue are left, a vacuum cleaner can help collect the remaining pieces, with a shop vac being the best option," Ek suggests. If you don't have a shop vac, attach a hose or nozzle extension to your regular vacuum; steer clear of using any vacuum attachments with bristles or soft rollers, which can entrap glass shards that can result in injuries or damage the vacuum.
If possible, however, refrain from utilizing your regular vacuum cleaner to collect shattered glass fragments. "If you possess a handheld or shop vacuum, you can gather any remaining bits, but avoid using a regular vacuum, as the glass can damage it," Ehrlichmann advises.
Blunders to Steer Clear of When Dealing with Shattered Glass
Don't Remove Shattered Glass from a Frame
Exercise extra caution when glass shatters in a frame, such as a picture frame, door, or window. "Do not attempt to extract pieces that are still connected to the frame," Ek advises. "If it is small, like a picture frame, discard the entire item. If it is large, like a window or a door, it can be beneficial to engage the services of an expert for extraction and disposal."
Use a Broom Prudently
The use of a broom to clean up shattered glass can pose a hazard of its own. If possible, avoid using a broom to sweep up shattered glass, as shards can become trapped in the bristles. This is particularly true of corn brooms, which can be slightly sticky, causing shards to adhere to the rushes. Silicone brooms are a safer choice for sweeping shattered glass fragments. No matter which type of broom you use, remember to rinse the bristles thoroughly after sweeping to eliminate any shards that might still be clinging to them.
"Another option is to think about designating an old broom and dustpan solely for glass cleanup," Ek suggests.
Prevent Tracing Shards
"Don’t use items to clean up that could trail shards elsewhere, like kitchen towels or sponges," Ek warns. 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 shattered glass. Your shoes, too, can pick up shards and trail them through the home, and cleaning the shoe soles is an important aspect to consider in shattered glass cleanup.
Ensure the Task is Complete
Shattered glass cleanup can be challenging, and the experts we consulted offered some tips for ensuring you've done the job thoroughly. "A common error is believing the job is done when the visible glass is cleaned up," Ehrlichmann notes. "Very tiny fragments can remain on the floor, injuring you or others. Take your time to clean everything up and use a shop vac or tape, and flashlight to ensure you have eliminated even the smallest shards."
Because of the safety concerns that shattered glass cleanup can entail, it is best to work gradually and meticulously. "Never rush when cleaning up shattered glass," Ek advises.
After learning about safety measures and precautions for cleaning broken glass, you might want to explore more tips for keeping your house clean and well-maintained. In this regard, the Better Homes and Gardens (BHG) website offers a wealth of House Cleaning and Housekeeping articles. With the help of experts like Jessica Ek and Jessica Ehrlichmann, BHG provides valuable Cleaning Tips for various household tasks, such as how to effectively clean and dispose of broken glass.
Furthermore, to ensure your home remains spotless, investing in reliable cleaning products and tools from reputable sources like the American Cleaning Institute could be beneficial. By practicing safe and efficient cleaning techniques, you can effectively prevent injuries and protect your property, maintaining a clean and secure living environment for you and your family.