Why is it so hard to learn how to clean glitter off the floor effectively? It has something to do with the physical appearance of the glitter. It is so small and can cling to any surface. You may think that you have vacuumed up all the traces of the glitter, but when the light hits your floor just right, it begins to sparkle.
This article will teach you the most effective way to clean up glitter off the floor. Once you know the secrets, you will no longer be terrified when you see your toddler holding an open bottle of glitter.
Step-by-Step Guide in Cleaning Glitter Off Floor
Cleaning Large Glitter Spills
What to prepare:
- 2 sheets of thick paper or cardboard stock
- An empty container
- A soft-bristled brush
Detailed steps:
Step 1 – Scoop up the glitter
Angle one of the cardboard pieces near the bulk of the glitter pile. Use the other piece of cardboard to push the glitter onto the other piece. It would be sort of like a broom.
Step 2 – Transfer the glitter to the container
Dump the glitter you scooped up into the empty container you prepared earlier. Continue until you have scooped up all of the glitters that you can pick up.
Step 3 – Finish up
Pick up as much of the glitter as you can, using cardboard, like a squeegee or broom. After that, use the soft brush to push whatever bits of glitter remain. The fine hairs of the brush should be able to pick up the small traces of glitter left on the surface.
Using a Vacuum Cleaner
What to prepare:
- A regular vacuum cleaner or a Shop Vac
- A hose and brush attachment for the vacuum
Detailed steps:
Step 1 – Do the initial vacuuming
Just pass through the glitter pile with a regular vacuum attachment. This is more suitable for when the glitter spilled over a carpet or rug. A couple of passes using the vacuum should pick up most of the glitter.
Step 2 – Brush attachment for the finishing touch
Turn off the vacuum and put on the brush attachment. You should then proceed to thoroughly brush through the fibers of the carpet or rug using the brush. This will agitate the fibers of the rug and loosen the glitters that may be clinging to them. The vacuum will then pick up the remnants of glitter.
Using a Damp Rag
If you are dealing with glitter held onto tile or any other smooth surface, the static electricity holding them onto the surface makes them almost impossible to sweep or vacuum.
What to prepare:
- A soft rag
- A bit of tap water
Detailed steps:
Step 1 – Sweep or vacuum as much of the glitter as you can
Use a vacuum cleaner or a small dustpan and brush to pick up as much of the spilled glitter as you can. This will make the next steps a whole lot easier.
Step 2 – Dampen the rag and wipe away the glitter
Douse the rag in some tap water and wring it until you removed most of the water. After that, thoroughly wipe the surface with the rag. The damp rag will pick up the glitter stuck on the surface.
Wash the rage under running tap water to remove the glitter. Repeat as many times as necessary.
Using a Lint Roller
Materials needed:
- A lint roller or two, depending on the size of the mess
- A roll of tape
Detailed steps:
Step 1 – Sweep as much of the glitter as possible
Use a vacuum or a broom to scoop up most of the glitter. The lint roller is just for picking up the bits that were left behind.
Step 2 – Use the lint roller to pick up the glitter left behind
Regardless if the glitter is on a smooth or textured surface, a good lint roller will be able to pick it up. Give the surface as many passes with the lint roller as needed.
Step 3 – Use a bit of adhesive tape
Grab a roll of scotch tape and wrap a bit of it around your hand. Make sure that the sticky side is facing outward. Pat your taped hand over the glitters and it will pick them up.
Step 4 – Remove adhesive residue using alcohol
You do not need to worry about residue when you used a lint roller. However, if you used packing tape, then you might leave a bit of a mess behind. If there is a sticky residue left on the surface you just cleaned, wipe it away using a paper towel dipped in some rubbing alcohol.
Helpful Tips and Advice
If you do not have a lint roller on hand but you have packing tape, you can use that instead. The adhesive on the packing tape is strong enough that it will pick up even the most stubborn stuck-on glitter.
If you want to minimize the amount of mess that you will be picking up, consider using coarse glitter. There are even those that have cute shapes. Your kids will surely love them and you will have an easier time cleaning up after them.
Conclusion
Glitter might be shiny and kind of pretty, but the aftermath that it leaves behind can be quite a challenge to clean. Hopefully, now that you know how to clean glitter off the floor, you will no longer be looking at glitter with fear and dread.