How to improvise a dust pan and brush?

Question

If I spill something dry on the floor I'll use a dust pan and brush to clean it up. Like this:

But say I don't have one at hand. What standard office supplies can I use the improvise these? I also don't have a vacuum cleaner.

Answer 1

Really would depend for me.

• If it is small particles (like dust or glitter), I would use Scotch or box tape to pick.
• If it was not sharp, I would use my hand and sweep onto a manila envelope or a folder.
• If it is sharp, I would go get a dustpan and broom. Safety first. If that is simply not possible, a book or a magazine with the spine side in your hand; the pages can act like a brush for you to sweep onto a folder.

Answer 2

I don't know about the brush, but a piece of paper with one edge wetted with water can do a superior job when brushing up fine powders, because a dust pan will leave a stripe of dust.

Answer 3

A piece of paper or card stock works well as the pan, and a magazine held by the spine, or a bunch of loose papers held together at one end, should work for the brush.