Everyone will likely deal with broken glass clean-up at some point — whether it’s from a dropped dish, a cracked mirror, or a shattered window.
While it might seem like a simple task, cleaning up broken glass requires care and attention to avoid injury. Tiny shards can scatter farther than you think and pose a serious hazard if not handled properly.
In this blog, we’ll provide safe and effective broken glass clean-up tips to help you protect yourself and others. From gathering the right tools to disposing of glass safely, these step-by-step tips will ensure you get the job done thoroughly and confidently.
Whether you’re cleaning up a small accident or dealing with a larger break, these strategies will help you tackle the mess with caution and ease.
1. Stay calm and keep others away
The first step in broken glass clean-up is to stay calm and act quickly but carefully. Accidents happen, and reacting with panic makes the situation more dangerous. Take a moment to assess the scene and ensure you don’t make sudden movements that could result in further stepping on or spreading the glass.
Once you’ve identified the area where the glass has shattered, keep others away, especially children and pets. Block off the area if necessary, and alert anyone nearby to avoid the space until it’s been fully cleaned.
2. Protect yourself
Before you start cleaning up broken glass, take a moment to protect yourself. Glass shards can be razor-sharp — even the smallest fragments can cause painful cuts if you’re not careful. Always wear thick gloves to protect your hands and closed-toe shoes to prevent injuries to your feet, especially if the glass has scattered across the floor.
If the glass shattered with force or involved a larger item like a mirror or window, it’s also a good idea to wear safety glasses to shield your eyes from any remaining loose pieces. Avoid using bare hands under any circumstances, even when picking up large shards that look easy to handle.
Turn on bright overhead lighting or use a flashlight to better spot tiny, hard-to-see shards on the floor or countertops.
3. Pick up the big pieces first
Once you’ve secured the area and protected yourself, the next step is to pick up the largest pieces of broken glass. This makes the rest of the cleanup easier and reduces the risk of stepping on or accidentally brushing against sharp, dangerous shards while you’re working.
Carefully pick up the big pieces using gloved hands. Place the shards directly into a puncture-proof container, such as a cardboard box or a rigid plastic container, or wrap them in several layers of newspaper or paper towels before placing them in a trash bag. This prevents the glass from cutting through the bag and causing injury later.
Removing large shards first clears the area of the most immediate hazards and makes sweeping up the remaining smaller fragments safer.
It also helps you identify whether any glass slid into hidden or hard-to-reach areas, such as under cabinets or appliances. Prioritizing the largest pieces ensures a safer and more manageable cleanup process.
4. Use a broom and dustpan for medium debris
After removing the largest glass shards, the next step is to tackle the smaller, jagged pieces that are too sharp to pick up by hand but too large to be dust. For this, a broom and dustpan are your best tools.
Using a broom allows you to safely sweep medium-sized debris into a pile without getting too close to the glass. Make sure to sweep gently. If you move too quickly or forcefully, you risk scattering the shards even farther across the floor. Aim to use short, controlled strokes to gather the debris efficiently.
Be thorough and check nearby corners, under furniture, or along baseboards where glass might have slid or bounced. Once you’ve collected the debris in the dustpan, carefully transfer it into a sturdy trash container or wrap it securely before disposal.
5. Use a damp towel or bread for tiny shards
Even after you’ve removed the large and medium pieces of glass, tiny, nearly invisible shards can still pose a serious risk.
These slivers can be especially dangerous if stepped on or embedded in skin, and they’re often too small to sweep up with a broom or be caught by a vacuum alone. That’s where a damp paper towel, a piece of bread, or even a slice of raw potato comes in handy.
These soft, flexible materials naturally conform to the surface they’re pressed against, picking up tiny fragments that might otherwise be missed. Simply press the damp towel or bread gently over the area where the glass shattered, especially in corners, under appliances, or along grout lines.
Once finished, carefully dispose of the towel, bread, or potato — do not reuse or shake it out. This method provides an extra layer of safety and ensures that your floor or countertop is truly free of dangerous glass splinters. It’s a simple but highly effective trick that adds peace of mind to your cleanup process.
6. Vacuum thoroughly
Vacuuming helps collect hidden fragments that sweeping and wiping may not catch. Focus especially on nearby rugs, carpeted areas, and cracks between tiles or wooden planks.
Use the hose attachment for corners, baseboards, and tight spaces where glass could be hiding. If the broken glass was near furniture, vacuum under and around it as well.
Once you’ve finished, be sure to empty or clean the vacuum canister or bag carefully, as it may contain sharp pieces.
Let Murray Glass replace your glass for you
Don’t take any chances if you’re dealing with more than a simple break, or if your glass window, door, or mirror needs to be fully replaced. Call the experts at Murray Glass for fast, professional service you can trust.
Whether it’s glass repair or an urgent replacement, our team is ready to restore safety and style to your space. Contact Murray Glass today for all your glass replacement needs — we’re here to help when you need it most.
