First of all, step away from the vacuum.
Now your floor is covered in sticky cognac and splintered shards.
What cleaning instrument should you reach for?
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If your first instinct was to grab a vacuum, read on.
There are some important things to know about using a vacuum to clean up glass, if at all.
Heres what cleaning experts had to say.
Can You Vacuum Glass Fragments?
First, should you ever use a vacuum to clean up glass?
You really need to use adustpan and broom, or something thats able to sweep [glass] up.
Even on a rug or carpet, you gotta pick up the very large pieces, he says.
In other words, dont reach straight for the vacuum before disposing of larger pieces of glass.
That said, its not great for your vacuum to constantly be tending to shattered glass.
Thats because it can damage the roller brush and other components of your vacuum.
So if you’re the clumsy punch in with butterfingers, you may want to lay off the Hoover.
Even pressing a piece of bread on tiny shards works!
(You just need to be okay with sacrificing a slice.)
We only use shop vacs to clean up glass and other sharp debris and materials, says Gomasi.
Shop vacs are specifically manufactured for picking up large debris on construction and industrial work sites.
Glass shards are deceptively sharp, and one slip of your hand could result in a nasty cut.
Then lint and dust stuck to it, which can create bacteria and odors, he says.
Keep a dustpan and broom on hand for your next dinner party, and youll be set.
