Home Cleaning Tips & Advice

How to clean up a broken CFL lightbulb

CFL lightbulbs, otherwise known as compact fluorescent light bulbs, our new energy-efficient light bulbs they can save you money on your yearly electricity bill. Unfortunately, if one is accidentally broken, it means the Merc's greedy inside is exposed. Ideally you should recycle your CFL lightbulbs, but if one is broken it is important to clean it up safely.

You want to avoid getting near enough to the lightbulb to inhale the vapors, which contain mercury. It is recommended you leave the room for 15 to 20 minutes, and letting the room air out with an open window.

Do not vacuum up the shards of glass, but instead use a damp paper towel to pick up the pieces, ensuring the you were wearing rubber gloves when you do it. Seal the pieces in a plastic bag, and then place that plastic bag into a second plastic bag, to contain it completely. Then take it to a recycling depot for proper disposal.