Clever Ways To Repurpose That Old Broom Around The House
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A broom is a cleaning tool staple. Even with newer innovations like dry mops stealing some consumers, the broom is never going out of style. However, the one you have on hand may go out of commission. While a rubber band can increase the life of your broom, once the bristles fray or fall out, it's time to get a new one. But, don't just throw away the old tool. You can reuse the broom around the house. Both the handle and brush head serve for cleaning, organization, and decorations.
Often with old brooms, the broomstick is still intact, plus there are surviving bristles, making it great to repurpose. That being said, it is best to clean the brush before implementing any hacks or DIYs. Remove large chunks of grime with your hands before soaking it in a bucket of water and dish soap. Scrub the bristles and let it dry. Wipe the handle, too, for good measure. Then, your old broom can become a number of new things.
1. DIY a boot scrubber
A boot scrubber outside your door or in the mudroom is a luxury you may not have realized you need. Help keep your shoes and floors clean with three old broom heads and wood planks. To fashion the scrubber, attach the backs of each brush head to wooden boards. Screw one of the brushes vertically into a longer wood slab, and attach the other brushes facing each other on either side of the first broom head, with enough space for a boot to fit. Once secured, the bristles will face each other and scrub the sides and bottom of your shoe in one sweep.
2. Add texture to paint
Textured paint is an interior design style that adds dimension to any surface. Think mock stone walls and not popcorn ceilings. You can use your old broom to turn any can of paint into a textured pigment. First, cut the clean bristles into tiny pieces. Then, add the miniature sticks to your paint and mix thoroughly. Use it for upcycling vases or renovating an accent wall for added depth to your design.
3. Use the handle as a garden stake
Broomsticks, especially wooden ones, make great garden stakes. However, handles made of other materials will work, too. Place them near climbing vines for the foliage to scale. Or, mount the broomstick next to weak stems, and secure the plant with string to prop it up. You can even cut the shaft in half or thirds to make as many stakes from one handle as possible.
4. Make a snow sweeper for the car
You might want to avoid sweeping your floors with the old broom, but it can do its job elsewhere. Use it to get rid of snow or leaves from the exterior of windows, awnings, and doors. Remove the handle, and it becomes a tidy sweeper for your car. Clean the windshield and roof before storing it away in the trunk or garage.
5. Craft a desk organizer
Turn the brush head into a rustic organizer. First, remove the handle and snip any disgruntled bristles. Next, make a stand for the brush head out of cardboard or wood. You need a piece for the base, then two long and two shorter pieces to cover the brush head. Glue everything together and add the brush head. It will look like a patch of lawn in a garden box once completed. Now, you can stick pencils and pens in the mock grass.
6. DIY a paper towel holder
Consider turning the handle into a paper towel holder. Wood handles are best for this project. You can use a plastic or metal broomstick, but you'll need a coat of spray paint to finish the job. Make the standing rack by cutting the broomstick into a 12-inch piece, sanding the edges, and staining it. Then, superglue the stick to the center of a wood block or slate. It is perfect for a rustic-styled kitchen, but you can also repurpose the paper towel holder around the house to hold bracelets, toilet paper rolls, or scrunchies.
7. Turn it into a duster
If the frayed bristles put your broom in retirement, a piece of fabric can return it to the force. Wrap a microfiber cloth around the brush end to turn the old broom into your new duster. With the long handle, you can tackle cobwebs in the corner, dusty ceiling fan blades, and grime at the top of the window frame. Then, wash and reuse the cloth as needed.
8. Use it as an extension pole
The handle comes in handy again for this hack. Use it as an extension pole for painting or sanding to reach the ceiling or high up on walls. Simply unscrew the old brush head and thread the broomstick into your paint roller or sanding head. You can also tape a paintbrush onto one end of the broomstick for further reach. With this hack, there is no need to buy a professional extension pole.
9. Fashion a multi-use scrub brush
While the handle is used as a paper towel holder or extension pole, you can use the brush head as your all-around scrub brush. Take the old brush and cut any frayed bristles. Then, cut the head into a 3 to 4-inch piece. You can get two or three from one broom, depending on its length. Next, trim all the remaining bristles until they are roughly 1 inch in height. It becomes a hand-held scrub brush that you can use for your car, home, or yard.
10. Make a shower scrubber
An old broom means no more getting on your hands and knees to clean the shower floor. Using a utility knife, cut both ends of the brush head, leaving at least 2 inches of the middle intact, and trim the bristles at a slight angle so they are more firm and compact. With the mini brush head and long handle, spray your favorite bathroom cleaner and tackle hard water stains, soap scum, mildew, and more.
11. Craft cute lawn decor
Turn your trash into treasure with this lawn lantern DIY. You'll need a broomstick, solar lanterns (like this pack of six from Amazon for $33.99), black spray paint, and decorations. Cut the edge of your broomstick so it has a flat top, paint the stick black, and superglue the lantern on top. Now, you can stake it in your yard for a luminescent barrier or to light your walkway. Feel free to add bows, branches, or twine at the neck of the lantern for more razzle-dazzle.
12. Create an elevated planter
Taking a page from the DIY lanterns, we're making elevated planters. A funnel will act as the flower pot and a broomstick as the stand. For a wood broom handle, chisel the end to fit into the small side of the funnel. For a plastic or metal handle, you can slip the funnel into the hollow broomstick and add glue for extra stability. Anchor the broomstick deep into the ground for the best support. Then, fill the funnel with your favorite plant, and watch it grow.