Shattered Things

IMAG1140The sound of glass breaking.  It is probably one of the most frightening sounds a mommy will ever hear.

  1. Whatever just shattered was probably yours, something you liked or something you needed.
  2. IMAG1149Broken glass is dangerous (Poor Honeybun was an innocent casualty of our recent glass explosion when Doodle decided to chuck my casserole lid onto the tile floor)
  3. Cleaning up shattered glass is the WORST THING EVER!

 

Here is my process for cleaning up broken glass:

  1. Scream “Nobody move!” and mean it.
  2. If you are barefoot, very, very, very carefully navigate the shards and put some shoes on (I learned that foam flip flops are not the best choice, something with a harder bottom would be ideal).IMAG1146
  3. Return to the scene and help evacuate all non-essential personnel from the scene to a “safe zone”.IMAG1144
  4. Begin cleanup by sweeping up all you can.  Be sure to sweep well under the cabinets, appliances, furniture, etc.IMAG1141
  5. Vacuum the area PLUS a large radius around the area since glass flies like a criminal fleeing the police! (I broke out our “big guns” vacuum for this job instead of our usual little stick vacuum we use for quick clean ups).IMAG1142
  6. Mop the area (we have a steam mop we use most of the time but I prefer to use our Swiffer WetJet for glass since I can throw away the pads when I’m done).IMAG1145
  7. Do a visual inspection of the area to ensure all glass was captured (again, check under the cabinets, appliances, furniture).IMAG1150
  8. When it appears all glass has been captured, reopen the area to the public.
  9. You will probably continue to find glass after the fact and be ready for a nice little glass pile next time you move your appliances and/or furniture.