How to Clean Up Confetti

Last Updated: July 6, 2022

Confetti is both fun to throw and pretty as it falls. However, the fall-out creates a mess that someone has to clean up. Indeed, some churches and registry offices ban the use of confetti due to the mess and stains it leaves behind. However, whether it's indoors or out, it is possible to make light work of cleaning it up provided you have the right tools.

Method 1

Method 1 of 6:

Vacuuming

1
Determine how much confetti you actually have in the area you want to clean. If there is a lot, not just a few random pieces, and the confetti is on the floor, vacuum up as much as you can. If there is a great deal of confetti, try using a rubber broom or a clean rake to collect a lot in a pile and hand transfer to a garbage bag first, to spare the vacuum cleaner from overload.
- A handheld vacuum works best for this as it can get into smaller spaces (such as tight corners), which saves you some effort later. It also allows for quick emptying and refilling, saving your large vacuum cleaner from getting clogged.
- Use the narrow nozzle to get under chairs, behind furniture, etc.
- Empty the vacuum cleaner regularly. This will help prevent clogging and improves suction.
2
Run the mop over suitable floors to finish up.

Method 2

Method 2 of 6:

Sweeping

1
Get a decent sized broom. For outdoors, use an outdoor broom. For indoors, a feather duster can be helpful for confetti on shelves and other higher places.
2
Sweep in batches. Stop when you have accumulated a small pile and use a dustpan to collect. Toss away.
- Constant collection is especially important when sweeping outdoors; the merest breeze can send collected confetti everywhere again.
3
Repeat until all of the pieces have been collected. Check tree branches, window sills, banisters, drain covers, etc. as well as the ground. Knock confetti down with the broom handle or push it across difficult surfaces with the handle before sweeping.
- For difficult pieces, use the wet cloth or tape method suggested below.
4
Finish up according to whether you're cleaning indoors or outdoors:
- Vacuum or mop after sweeping indoors, depending on the floor type.
- Run the rake over outdoor ground to finish up. A hosing down might also assist.
- For lawned areas, a mow might be a good option, especially if the grass needs cutting anyway.

Method 3

Method 3 of 6:

Wet cloth

This method is suitable only for metallic confetti. If used on paper confetti, there is a risk of dye transferring to the surface the confetti sits on.

1
Using a wet cloth, loosen and pick up as much of the confetti as you can. This step is crucial because the confetti will adhere to surfaces that were slightly wet before and if you attempt to move them, the little pieces of confetti may leave some of their colouring behind on the surface they were adhered to.

Method 4

Method 4 of 6:

Tape

1
Get a roll of scotch tape and cut yourself a 6 to 8 inch (15.2 to 20.3 cm) piece. Join the sticky side of one end of the piece to the non-sticky side of the other end, making a smooth loop.
2
Place two or more fingers inside the loop and use the sticky side face down to pick up the confetti. Rotate the tape frequently so you always have a sticky portion to work with. When the tape won pick up anymore, throw it the trash and get a new one.

Method 5

Method 5 of 6:

Getting rid of confetti stains

1
Remove metallic confetti stains on cement, varnished wood and other tough floors by rubbing them with a wet cloth and strong dish soap. Alternatively, use an old unwanted toothbrush to scrub the stain with.
- Never rub or scrub carpet surfaces. These will need to be treated for dye removal, especially with respect to paper confetti.
- If raw wood is stained, treat with care. Dyes tend to stay put.
- Fabric may need professional cleaning treatment (soft furnishings and clothing).

Method 6

Method 6 of 6:

Lint roller

1
Get a lint roller. For example, there are lint rollers used to clean dog hair off clothing, while others are just for clothing. To make it easier, some lint rollers have extendable handles which will reach to the floor. Choose whichever one works for you and that you can find.
2
Roll the roller across the surface. It will pick up the confetti as you go.
3
Remove the collected confetti. Replace the sticky portion as explained by the manufacturer.
4
Repeat until all the confetti has been collected.

Community Q&A

Question

How do I get confetti out of the grass?

Community Answer

I would use a rake first to try to rake up as much as possible. Then use a shop vacuum to clean up the rest. If you have a push chipper/shredder/mulcher machine, you can use that as well, with the bag feature. I think you can rent those if you don't have one. A lawnmower may also work if it has a bag attachment.
Question

How would I get it out of carpet?

Community Answer

Get up as much of it as you can with your hands, and then use a vacuum cleaner for the remainder.