Collecting broken glass from a carpet with minimal damage to both the carpet and yourself can be a precise and delicate task. For this reason, in this article from Saed News, we have explained a few safe methods for you.
After glass breaks and scatters on the carpet, your first priority should be ensuring your safety and that of your family. Additionally, you should avoid using incorrect tools to collect the glass shards. Instead of panicking, follow these initial steps:
Wear protective gear: As soon as the glass breaks, put on rubber slippers and thick gloves to protect your hands and feet. Heavy-duty gloves, like those used for technical work or gardening, are a better option.
Avoid using a vacuum cleaner immediately: Large glass pieces can damage the vacuum cleaner. The best approach is to first pick up the large glass shards by hand, as far as you can see.
Consider the type of glass: The material and thickness of the broken glass significantly influence the proper method of collection. Cleaning up the shards from a drinking glass is different from dealing with thin fluorescent bulbs. Choose your method accordingly.
Protect your eyes: Small glass shards may stick to your hands or find their way into your eyes. Wearing protective eyewear is highly recommended.
Accidents like breaking glass or dishes happen in every home. While an old saying suggests that breaking glass wards off misfortune, it's still essential to clean it up properly to avoid any injuries.
A single broken glass piece on a carpet might seem insignificant, but it can cause serious accidents. Here are six effective techniques to safely remove broken glass from your carpet:
1. Use a Piece of Thick Bread
When cleaning up broken glass, especially for minor incidents, household items can be useful. One of the best options is using thick, soft bread like a slice of toast or a baguette.
Cut a piece of thick bread and press it onto the glass shards.
The broken pieces will stick to the bread.
Dispose of the bread and repeat until you are sure all glass shards have been collected.
Finish by vacuuming to ensure no tiny shards remain.
2. Use a Raw Potato
One of the simplest and cheapest ways to collect broken glass from a carpet is by using a raw potato. You might not realize the usefulness of having potatoes in your kitchen until such a situation arises!
Choose a large potato and cut it into thick slices.
Press the potato slices onto the areas with scattered glass.
Dispose of each slice as it fills with glass, then continue with a new slice.
This method effectively picks up even the smallest glass shards.
3. Try Using Newspaper or Paper
If you want to clean up broken glass using paper, keep some old newspapers at home. This method is safe and efficient—just remember to wear gloves.
Take a newspaper or a piece of paper and flatten it as much as possible.
Due to static electricity, paper can attract small glass pieces.
Gently press and drag the paper across the carpet.
Replace the paper after each use and repeat until no glass remains.
4. Use a Damp Paper Towel
If you run out of bread and potatoes, a damp paper towel can also be an effective method for collecting broken glass.
Take a few paper towels and slightly moisten them.
The moisture will help glass shards stick to the towel.
This method also helps clean up any spilled food or drink along with the glass.
Make sure to use multiple layers of paper towels for safety.
Always wear gloves and protective eyewear when using this method.
5. Use a Broom and Vacuum Cleaner
A vacuum cleaner is often the first tool that comes to mind when cleaning up broken glass. However, large shards can damage the vacuum's hose. Here’s the correct approach:
First, collect large glass pieces manually or using a hand broom.
Use a flashlight to locate small, hard-to-see shards.
Once you’ve removed the large pieces, vacuum the area thoroughly.
For extra safety, try one of the other methods first, then follow up with a vacuum.
6. Don’t Underestimate Tape
Every household should have at least one roll of wide adhesive tape. Aside from its usual uses, tape is an excellent tool for picking up small glass shards.
Wear gloves for protection.
Wrap a piece of wide tape around your hand, sticky side facing outward.
Press the tape onto the affected areas to lift the glass shards.
Dispose of the tape once it collects enough glass, and repeat until no shards remain.
A dropped glass breaking on the carpet, a vase shattering, or a lightbulb bursting from a ball impact shouldn't cause panic. Broken glass won’t permanently embed itself in your carpet if you use the right techniques. With a piece of bread, a potato, newspaper, paper towels, tape, or a vacuum cleaner, you can easily remove glass shards and prevent injuries.
