How to Clean Broom Head

Sweeping hard floor surfaces is a daily chore in many homes. If you are like many others, you may be astounded by the amount of crumbs, dirt, pet hair, and other debris that you collect each time you sweep even when you clean the floors regularly. Regardless of how frequently you sweep, however, one important question requires your attention. Are your floors getting as clean as they should be?

Your broom does the dirty work of moving all of the debris into a neat pile for you, but how clean is your broom? Perhaps you did not realize that you are supposed to clean your broom regularly, or maybe you have not been as dutiful in this area as you should be. The reality is that you would not use a dirty sponge, cloth, or other cleaning supplies to clean other areas of your home, and you also should not use a dirty broom to clean your home’s hard floors. What does it take to clean your broom properly?

• Shake the Dust Off

After each sweeping session or before your next session, step outside to shake the dust off. Be sure that you are standing fairly far away from your door. After all, you do not want to place dirt in an area where it can easily be tracked back indoors. Simply tap the broom head against a tree trunk or another hard surface. Repeat this step until you do not see any debris falling off of the bristles. If hair or other debris is visibly tangled in the bristles, you may need to pull this debris off by hand. An alternative is to use a wide-tooth comb.

• Soak Your Broom

Every few weeks, your broom requires a deeper level of cleaning. This process begins when you shake the dust off the broom head as you normally do each time you use the broom. Then, you need to prepare your cleaning solution. Choose a bucket that is large enough to accommodate your broom’s head. Fill the bucket with a combination of hot water and your choice of cleaning agents. Common cleaning agents are liquid dish detergent and laundry detergent. You can also add a small amount of bleach to the mixture. Immerse the broom’s head completely in the soapy solution. Position the broom so that it can soak in the bucket for at least 30 minutes.

• Remember the Handle

While the broom head is soaking, it is time to show the handle some love. The handle can get absolutely filthy with regular use. After all, how often do you wash your hands before sweeping? You can use a disinfectant wipe, or you can spray a disinfectant cleaning solution on a clean towel. Then, simply wipe down the handle from top to bottom.

• Rinse, Dry and Store Your Broom

After soaking the broom in the soapy water for a reasonable period of time, rinse the broom head with clean water. Continue rinsing it until the water runs clear off of it. Then, use a clean cloth to towel-dry the bristles. The bristles likely will still be damp, so you should take steps to prevent mildew growth. To ensure that the broom remains in great condition, choose a well-lit area to store the broom until the bristles are completely dry. Always store the broom with the head up.

• Use a Separate Broom in Different Areas

Do you use the same broom for all of your needs? Invest in separate brooms for indoors and outdoors. If you have a large home, it makes sense to have separate rooms for different zones of your home. For example, you may use one broom for the kitchen and another broom for the bathrooms. This strategy can help you to avoid unintentionally spreading dirt from one area to another.

Your broom is only one of the tools that must be cleaned regularly. When is the last time you cleaned your vacuum’s bristles or your mop? Do you use the same tool or rag to dust your furniture regularly? Our maids know what it takes to create a truly clean space that you can relax in. We always bring our own supplies, and we keep our equipment clean and well-maintained at all times. Whether you need help with a one-time cleaning service or you have an ongoing need for maid service, we are happy to help. Contact our cleaning company today to learn more about our services and to set up your first appointment with our professional cleaners.