Types Of Brooms You Might Have In Your Home (& The Best Way To Clean Them)

Brooms often become covered in dust bunnies and wads of hair. When you try to clean up with them, you may find that they deposit that debris around your house. When you sweep those dust bunnies and debris wads into a pan, it can be challenging because they are charged with static electricity and tend to stick to the broom. If debris is clinging to your broom, clean its bristles before you try to sweep your home. Different brooms serve different purposes, which is why many people own more than one. The broom's "type" depends on the angle of its handle and the material of its bristles. Synthetic-bristle brooms work well for outdoor use because they are durable and water-resistant. Plant-based brooms are a little less durable, but they are eco-friendly. Each broom requires a different cleaning method, though, so it's important to learn how to clean the ones you own.

The broom-cleaning process is relatively simple and involves household goods, such as dish soap and toothbrushes. Whether you have a straw or synthetic broom, learning how to clean it properly will not only keep your broom clean, but also your floors.

Synthetic broom bristles are made from plastics such as nylon and polypropylene. Your typical upright or angled brooms are often made of this type of material. These brooms are typically used for sweeping small areas, such as your porch or kitchen. To clean, start by pulling dust bunnies out of the bristles with your fingers, then knock the broom against a porch beam to knock off any remaining dust. You can also try running the room under warm water for a few minutes. If it's still dirty, soak it in soapy water for 30 minutes, then let it dry. You can multitask by scrubbing your tile floor with the wet, soapy broom.

Straw brooms give your kitchen a rustic aesthetic, and although they are old-fashioned, you should have no trouble cleaning your floors with one. You can hit it against a telephone pole or a sidewalk to knock the dust off, but make sure not to hit it so hard that the bristles break. To clean a little deeper, soak the bristles in soapy water for 30 minutes, then let them dry. For a more sustainable option, try soaking your broom in a salt-and-vinegar solution instead. As long as the bristles dry in a well-ventilated area, mold shouldn't grow on them. When the bristles fray, you can trim them with scissors to make them last longer.

Steel brooms are used for sweeping driveways and stone patios, but never for wood floors, as they can cause damage. The bristles can rust over time and trap outdoor debris. Sometimes you have to clean wire with wire, if you can pardon the pun. Use a wire brush to clean the bristles, and then rinse them in hot water. You can also soak the broom in soapy water for 30 minutes for a deeper clean. Once the bristles dry, spray them with rust remover. Be careful not to cut or scratch yourself on the bristles while cleaning them.

Broom handles can get dirty, especially if your broom is stored in a dusty area, like a basement. That's why you need to sterilize them from time to time. You can use a Clorox wipe or get a little more creative with some green alternatives. For instance, you can clean your broom's handle with a microfiber cloth and vinegar. It shouldn't matter what material the broom's handle is made of; just be careful not to get a splinter while rubbing a cloth across it if it's made of wood.