Is it really safe to vacuum broken glass? Here’s what experts advise

Imagine this: You’re sitting at your kitchen table, illuminated by the warm glow of taper candles, enjoying a few pre-dinner cocktails with friends. It’s the perfect moment to serve sidecars in your new set of coupe glasses—until one topples off the table and shatters. Now, your floor is covered in spilled cognac and sharp glass shards. What’s your go-to cleaning tool?

If your first thought is to grab a vacuum, keep reading. There are crucial things you should know about vacuuming glass, if it's even advisable. Here’s what cleaning professionals have to say.

Can you vacuum glass fragments?

First, should you ever use a vacuum to clean up glass? Cory Hankins, CEO of House of Vacuums in North Carolina, a company that sells, services, and repairs vacuums, says the answer is both yes... and no.

“You really need to use a dustpan and broom, or something capable of sweeping up glass. Even on a rug or carpet, you should pick up the larger shards first,” he advises. “Afterward, it’s best to vacuum up the tiny glass pieces, which can break into millions of sand-like fragments, potentially getting stuck in your feet.”

In other words, don’t reach for the vacuum before removing the larger glass pieces. While a vacuum can help with small shards stuck in the grooves of wood floors or the pile of carpets, you shouldn’t vacuum anything larger than sand grains. But frequent glass cleanups aren’t good for your vacuum.

“While tiny shards might be okay for a one-time vacuuming, regularly vacuuming larger shards or even small glass specks is not recommended,” says Delah Gomasi, who writes cleaning procedures for MaidForYou, a Sydney-based cleaning company. “It can damage the roller brush and other parts of your vacuum.” So if you're prone to accidents, you might want to skip using the Hoover for glass cleanups.

Other Methods for Cleaning Glass

If you want to avoid damaging your vacuum over time, there are alternative ways to clean up glass. A dustpan and broom work reliably, or you can use a wet paper towel to pick up the smaller glass fragments after collecting the larger pieces. You can even use a slice of bread to press on tiny shards! (Just be prepared to sacrifice a slice.)

“We only use shop vacs to clean up glass and other sharp debris,” says Gomasi. “Shop vacs are designed specifically for picking up large debris on construction and industrial sites.”

Precautions When Vacuuming Broken Glass

Before you begin cleaning up any large shards, it's crucial to wear protective gloves, even if you're using tongs or other tools to handle the pieces. Glass shards can be surprisingly sharp, and a small slip could lead to a painful cut.

With gloves securely on, make sure to dispose of glass pieces in a container designed for glass waste, such as a bucket, plastic carton, or a dedicated glass disposal box. Standard trash bags can tear from glass shards, leading to pieces falling out and back onto the floor through any holes.

What You Should Never Vacuum

There’s one thing Hankins, the vacuum expert, says you should absolutely never vacuum—and it’s not broken glass. It’s water. Avoid trying to vacuum up spills, and hold off on vacuuming when the carpet is wet, such as after a rainstorm.

“If you vacuum over a damp area, it can create a moist environment inside the roller mechanism of the vacuum. This can cause lint and dust to stick, which could lead to bacteria and unpleasant odors,” he explains.

It’s best not to use your vacuum for things you’re unsure about, just to protect its internal components. Keep a dustpan and broom ready for your next dinner party, and you’ll be all set.