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How to Clean Up Broken CFLs
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*Since CFL's contain Mercury, they must be handled and disposed of with great care to ensure safety to all. |
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Always Air Out the Room Before Cleaning * Open a window and have everyone including pets leave the room for at least 15 mins * Turn off the air conditioning or heating system if it is on |
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Cleaning Hard Surfaces * Pick up glass fragments using either stiff paper or cardboard and place into sealed plastic bag * Use tape to pick up remaining small pieces and powder * Wipe area with wet paper towels and then place into plastic bag as well * Do not use vacuum or broom to clean up broken bulbs |
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Cleaning Carpet or Rug * Pick up glass fragments and place in sealed plastic bag * Use tape to pick up remaining small fragments and powder * After all visible pieces are cleaned, vacuum if needed * Remove vacuum bag (and place in sealed plastic bag) or dump out fragments from vacuum to sealed plastic bag (wipe canister that held debris) |
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Cleaning Clothing, Sheets, etc... * Clothing or sheets that come in direct contact with broken bulbs or mercury containing powder should be thrown away * If clothing does not come in direct contact with broken bulbs (such as the clothes worn while cleaning broken bulb), it is ok to wash * If shoes come in contact with broken bulbs, wipe with wet paper towels and place the paper towels in a sealed plastic bag to throw away |
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Throwing Away Clean Up Materials * Place all clean up materials in an outdoor trash container * Always wash hands with soaps after cleaning up broken bulbs * Check with local or state laws to see if there are recycling centers especially for CFL's |
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For Future Cleaning * Open a window when cleaning for the next couple times * Turn off air conditioning or heating system before, during, and 15 mins after vacuuming/cleaning * Keep window open for at least 15 mins after cleaning as well |