When it comes to cleaning, the first thing that comes to anyone’s mind is the broom and more specifically, the standard broom that has been an integral part of each household for decades.
Present in every home – worldwide, brooms are undoubtedly the most essential and easy-to-use of all cleaning tools. It has a rigid fiber attached to its cylindrical handle that we call a broom handle that allows you to maneuver and collect dust particles from the ground into the dust shovel.
The brooms originate from the besom, which is none other than dried twigs nested and tied around a stick.
Nowadays, in our modern world, brooms are available in different shapes, sizes, and designs, but they still serve the same purpose: to help you clean your premises quickly and efficiently.
A significant difference between today’s brooms and those of the previous generation is the material of the bristles. Most brooms available on the market today have synthetic bristles, which allows them to offer the same level of efficiency on wet and dry surfaces.
Different Types of Brooms
You may be surprised to learn that there is a variety of brooms on the market designed and manufactured for different uses. Below, I have described six types of brooms that you will find on the market.
You may be surprised to learn that there is a variety of brooms on the market designed and manufactured for different uses. Below, I have described six types of brooms that you will find on the market.
Soft broom
One of the most commonly used broomsticks is corn broom or soft broom. Like all other typical brooms, they have a fan-shaped structure, but what sets them apart from other brooms is the softness of their bristles.
Soft broom bristles are made of corn husks, grass and a variety of other natural sources. Although the brooms available here in the United States are not as soft as those produced in Vietnam, Thailand, and the Philippines, be assured that they offer the same level of efficiency.
This type of broom is commonly used outside premises such as patios, driveways, and garages because the fine, flexible bristles can easily collect dust particles from every corner of any type of dry surface.
Well, that’s all about the natural soft broom. However, in the modern world, soft brooms are made of plastic with bristles made of fine synthetic yarns, and the handle is made of rigid plastic.
A significant difference between the synthetic soft broom and the natural soft broom is that later has the ability to retain even the smallest dust particles. In order to improve the ability to collect dust particles, synthetic soft bristles are chemically treated and may therefore sometimes not be a perfect tool for interior cleaning.
Hard Broom
Like the soft broom, the hard brooms are available in a fan shape, and the only difference is the stiffness of the bristles.
Thanks to their rigidity, they can be used on any type of surface, regardless of cracks and crevices that soft bristle brooms cannot reach. Hard brooms can also be used in areas where there is too much dust or waste, and vacuum cleaners cannot be used effectively.
Push Broom
Regarded as a special broom, the push broom is not a typical cleaning tool and is rarely used to clean anywhere inside the house. Due to the large size of their heads, they are particularly suitable for large areas such as garages. They are also commonly used for cleaning after renovation as they can cover a large area in less time.
The build quality is quite similar to that of the hard broom because both have a wooden broom handle. The length of the broom handle can vary between 18 and 24 inches and can reach up to 3 inches thick. Now, given the bristles, the push broom can have twigs or synthetic bristles with lengths ranging from 3 to 5 inches.
Push brooms are a common sight in households, offices, and industrial settings. They are used to sweep and clean surfaces like floors, driveways, and sidewalks. A push broom typically consists of a long handle, a rectangular head with bristles or fibers, and a frame that holds the head in place. Push brooms are available in various sizes and materials, each designed to cater to specific cleaning needs.
Push brooms are primarily used for sweeping large areas quickly and efficiently. They are ideal for sweeping up dirt, debris, and other materials from hard surfaces like concrete and asphalt. The broom head can be made from a variety of materials, including synthetic fibers, natural fibers like corn husks, and even wire bristles for more robust cleaning. The head is attached to the handle, which can be made from wood or metal, and the user pushes the broom along the surface to sweep up debris.
Hand Broom
These are the smaller version of hard or soft brooms and are commonly used for indoor and day-to-day usage. If you need to clean or pick up waste from a small area then you can utilize a hand broom and can collect all the waste in the dustpan.
The bristles length can vary between 3 inches to 5 inches, and they can be made from a variety of materials. The length of the handle can vary between 5 to 6 inches and are usually made up of hardened plastic material to ensure longevity and stiffness.
Whisk Broom
Small in size, whisk broom is quite similar to the soft broom considering the fact that the bristles are made up of natural fibers. Moreover, they also have the same fan-like structure.
Commonly used for dusting and cleaning corners, devices (such as keyboards), etc. this broom is meant for small jobs. While cleaning, the soft natural fibers ensure that the broom doesn’t cause any scratch or damage to the surface.
The length of the bristles can vary between 8 to 12 inches and are usually made up of corn whisk or palmyra fibers. Furthermore, whisk broom is also available as attachments, which means that you can attach them to any type of handle regardless of their length. It’s something that makes it quite different from other counterparts.
Angle Broom
Angle brooms are a modern representation of the traditional soft brooms. The term angle is used to describe it’s usability that is it can easily reach to the corners where soft brooms cannot.
Angle Brooms can be used as a regular standard brooms for daily use, but with their angled head, they can help you clean your premises quickly and efficiently.
It’s an ideal cleaning tool for any kitchen or room where there are many small and tight corners.
One another important point to note about this broom is the fact that its bristles are not made up of natural fibers. Instead, they are made up of synthetic materials and may also be chemically treated to improve their distinctive abilities.
Upright Broom
Upright brooms are a common cleaning tool used in households, offices, and commercial settings. They are designed to stand upright, making them easy to store and use. Upright brooms typically have a long handle and a bristled head that is angled to make it easy to reach into corners and tight spaces. Upright brooms come in a variety of materials, sizes, and shapes, each designed for specific cleaning tasks.
One of the most significant advantages of upright brooms is their versatility. They can be used to clean a wide range of surfaces, including hardwood floors, carpets, tile floors, and concrete. The bristles on the head of the broom are typically made from synthetic fibers, natural fibers, or a combination of the two. Natural fibers like horsehair or corn straw are ideal for sweeping delicate surfaces like hardwood floors, while synthetic fibers are better suited for sweeping rougher surfaces like concrete.
Strange And Unique Types Of Brooms
From brooms made from unusual materials to brooms designed for specific cleaning tasks, there are plenty of strange and unique types of brooms out there waiting to be discovered.
Bamboo Broom
Bamboo brooms are a unique type of broom that has been used for centuries in many parts of Asia. Made from bamboo stalks, these brooms are durable, eco-friendly, and provide excellent cleaning performance. They are often used for outdoor cleaning tasks, such as sweeping garden paths or patios, but can also be used indoors.
Corn Straw Broom
Corn straw brooms, also known as corn brooms, are a type of broom that has been used for centuries. The broom is made from the dried leaves, stalks of corn plants, and other bristle materials which are tightly bound together to create a bristled head. Corn straw brooms are known for their durability, versatility, and eco-friendliness.
One of the key benefits of corn straw brooms is their durability. The bristles on the head of the broom are strong and flexible, making them ideal for sweeping up dirt and debris. The broom’s handle is typically made from wood or metal, which provides additional strength and durability.
Willow Broom
The Willow broom is a unique and traditional type of broom that has been used for centuries in various parts of the world, particularly in rural areas. As the name suggests, these brooms are made from willow branches, which are tightly bound together to create a bristled head. The long and flexible branches of the willow tree make it an ideal material for making brooms that can easily reach tight spaces.
Palm Leaf Broom
The Palm Leaf broom is a type of broom that is commonly used in many tropical regions around the world, particularly in South Asia and Southeast Asia. As the name suggests, these brooms are made from the leaves of palm trees, which are tightly bound together to create a bristled head. The brooms are typically handmade and come in various sizes and shapes.
One of the key benefits of the palm leaf broom is its durability. The palm leaves are strong and flexible, making them ideal for sweeping up dirt and debris. Additionally, the bristles on the head of the broom are tightly bound together, making them less likely to shed and ensuring a longer lifespan for the broom.
Metal Broom
The metal broom, also known as a wire broom or metal bristle broom, is a type of broom made from bristle materials that is typically used for heavy-duty cleaning tasks. Unlike traditional brooms that have very sturdy bristles made from natural materials like straw or twigs, metal brooms have bristles made from wire or metal filaments.
One of the key benefits of the metal broom is its durability. The metal bristles are strong and flexible, making them ideal for sweeping up larger debris like rocks, metal shavings, or broken glass.
Horsehair Broom
The horse hair broom is a unique type of broom with stiffer bristles that are made from the tail or mane hair of horses. These brooms are typically handmade, with the horsehair being carefully selected and woven together to create a bristled head. The result is a broom that is soft and gentle on delicate surfaces, yet effective at picking up small particles like dust and dirt.
Feather Broom
The feather broom, also known as the ostrich feather broom, is a unique and luxurious type of broom that has been used for centuries. As the name suggests, these brooms are made from the feathers of ostriches, which are tightly bound together to create a bristled head. The brooms are typically handmade and come in various sizes and shapes.
One of the key benefits of the feather broom is its gentle touch. The soft and delicate feathers on the head of the broom make it ideal for use on delicate surfaces like hardwood floors, carpets, or even fragile objects like vases or lamps. Feather brooms are also less likely to scratch or damage surfaces, making them a popular choice for high-end cleaning applications.
Sponge Broom
The sponge broom is a unique type of broom that is designed for wet cleaning applications. As the name suggests, these brooms feature a sponge head that is designed to absorb and clean up spills and other wet messes.
Sponge brooms are typically made with a durable plastic or metal handle and a sponge head that is securely attached to the end. The sponge head is made of a porous material that is designed to soak up and hold onto liquid and debris. The head may be removable and replaceable, making it easy to keep the broom clean and sanitary.
Rubber Broom
Rubber brooms are versatile cleaning tool with plastic bristles that is designed for both wet and dry cleaning applications. As the name suggests, these brooms are made with rubber bristles that are designed to attract and hold onto dust, dirt, and debris.
Rubber brooms typically feature a sturdy handle that is made of plastic or metal, and a rubber head that is securely attached to the end. The rubber bristles are soft and flexible, making them ideal for sweeping up fine particles like dust and pet hair. The bristles are also durable and long lasting, making the rubber broom a popular choice for heavy-duty cleaning applications.
Conclusion
In conclusion, there are a wide variety of broom types available for different cleaning needs and on a diversity of wet or dry surfaces. Each type of broom has its own unique features and benefits that make it ideal for certain cleaning applications. It is important to consider the type of surface you will be cleaning and the type of debris you will be picking up when selecting a broom.
Regardless of the type of broom you choose, proper maintenance and cleaning will help to ensure its longevity and effectiveness. In short, the right broom can make all the difference when it comes to keeping your home or business clean and tidy. By understanding the different types of brooms available, and selecting the right one for your needs, you can make cleaning easier and more effective.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some of the most asked questions concerning all the different types of brooms!
What Are Push Brooms Great?
One of the key benefits of push broom push brooms is their efficiency in covering large areas quickly. The wide brush head and long handle allow the user to push the broom forward and cover a large surface area with each stroke, reducing the amount of time and effort required for cleaning. This makes them ideal for cleaning large floors, outdoor spaces, and other areas that require heavy-duty cleaning. In some cases, they even be better than mechanical cleaning equipment, e.g. the vacuum cleaner.
How Important Are Broom Bristles?
Just like broom handles, broom bristles are an important factor to consider when choosing a broom. The type, quality, and arrangement of the bristles can affect the effectiveness of the broom and the type of cleaning tasks it is best suited for. For example, softer brooms are more suited for cleaning delicate options and shouldn’t be used for outdoor cleaning. In that case, you are better off using a corn straw broom or a vacuum cleaner.
What Are Besom Brooms?
Besom brooms are a type of traditional broom that has been used for centuries in various cultures around the world. They are typically made from natural materials like twigs, reeds, or straw, and are bound together at the base with a cord or wire. The broom is then trimmed to create a rounded or flat shape.
How Common Are Lobby Brooms?
Lobby brooms are a type of broom that is commonly found in commercial settings, such as hotels, offices, and public buildings. They are designed to be lightweight, compact, and easy to maneuver, making them ideal for cleaning tight spaces like hallways, lobbies, and stairwells.
While lobby brooms are not as common in households as traditional brooms, they are widely used in the cleaning industry. They are often used in conjunction with a dustpan for quick and easy cleanup of small debris and dust.
Read more: sweeping the floor at night, best rubber broom.