Cleaning out shards of broken crystal glass from a dishwasher requires caution and thoroughness to avoid any potential injuries. Here's a step-by-step guide to safely clean it:
Safety first: Put on sturdy gloves to protect your hands from any sharp edges and potential glass splinters.
Turn off the dishwasher: Make sure the dishwasher is completely turned off and disconnected from the power source to avoid any accidents while cleaning.
Remove the racks: Take out the dishwasher racks and set them aside in a safe location away from the broken glass.
Inspect the dishwasher: Carefully inspect the dishwasher's interior to identify the areas where glass shards are located. Pay attention to the bottom, the drain, the spray arms, and any other crevices where glass fragments may have settled.
Large debris removal: If there are any large pieces of broken glass that you can easily pick up with your gloved hands, carefully remove them and place them in a puncture-resistant container or wrap them in newspaper before disposing of them in the trash. Be extremely cautious while doing this.
Vacuum cleaner with hose attachment: If there are tiny glass fragments scattered throughout the dishwasher, use a vacuum cleaner with a hose attachment to gently suck them up. Make sure the hose is long enough to reach all corners of the dishwasher. A shop vac or a wet/dry vacuum cleaner is preferable for this task.
Damp sponge or tape: To pick up smaller glass pieces that the vacuum might miss, use a damp sponge or some duct tape wrapped around your hand, sticky side out. Gently pat or press the sponge or tape over the affected areas to collect the remaining glass particles.
Inspect and clean the filter: Check the dishwasher's filter (usually located at the bottom) and remove any broken glass that might be trapped there. Clean the filter thoroughly under running water before placing it back.
Run an empty cycle: Once you believe you've removed all the glass fragments, run the dishwasher on an empty cycle with no dishes inside. This will help flush out any remaining glass particles and ensure the dishwasher is clean and safe to use again.
Inspect the dishwasher again: After the empty cycle, carefully inspect the dishwasher once more to make sure no glass pieces remain.
Dispose of waste safely: Dispose of the collected glass shards and debris in a sealed, puncture-resistant container and label it as broken glass for the safety of waste collectors. Do not dispose of it with regular household waste.
Remember, safety is of utmost importance when dealing with broken glass. If you have any concerns about cleaning the dishwasher yourself, it's best to contact a professional appliance repair service to handle the situation for you.