How to Clean a Glitter Spill

Abigail asked, “How in the world am I supposed to clean all this glitter up?”

You Will Need:

• Damp paper towel
• Dryer sheet
• Vacuum hose
• Lint roller
• Tape
• A balloon

Steps to Clean up the Glitter:

1. If there is a large spill on a flat surface, use a damp paper towel to sweep the glitter into a concentrated area. If the glitter is sticking to the surface, use a dryer sheet to sweep it into a pile.
2. Use a vacuum hose to pick up the pile of glitter or the bulk of a glitter spill on a carpet.
3. Use a lint roller to remove the remaining bulk of the glitter from any surface.¹ A lint roller has a special kind of adhesive that is so mild, you can even lint roll the cat if there is glitter in it’s fur.
4. Use a piece of tape to pick up any remaining stray pieces. A piece of Scotch tape may be sufficient to pick up the glitter, but if not, use duct tape. Tape has more adhesive than a lint roller, so do not put tape on a pet’s fur.
5. If there are still pieces of glitter giving you trouble, try using a balloon. Blow up the balloon and rub it on the carpet to charge it with static electricity, then rub the balloon over the piece of glitter.

• If the spill is inside of a backpack or other washable bag, vacuum it out or shake the bag out over a trash can and then wash it as usual.
• To prevent a glitter spill, store the glitter in a spice shaker.²
• Place a pie pan or cookie sheet underneath future projects involving glitter so any spill is contained.³
• A box with sides that are about four inches high can also be used to enclose a project while it is sprinkled with glitter.⁴

1. 99 Cent Solutions by Reader’s Digest
2. 1000 Best Quick and Easy Organizing Secrets by Jamie Novak
3. Extraordinary Uses for Ordinary Things by Reader’s Digest
4. In the Kitchen with Heloise