A broom is a cleaning tool used primarily for sweeping dust, dirt, and debris off
floors and surfaces. It typically consists of a long handle with bristles or a similar
material at one end, used for sweeping. Brooms have been in use for centuries and
remain one of the most basic and widely used tools for cleaning homes, streets, and
various surfaces.
How Brooms Are Made:
1. Design and Materials:
o Handle: The handle is usually made of wood, metal, or plastic.
Wooden handles are traditionally used because they are sturdy,
lightweight, and easy to grip, but metal or plastic handles are
sometimes chosen for their durability or water resistance.
o Bristles: The bristles or fibers are attached to the broom head and are
made from either natural materials or synthetic fibers.
Natural Fibers: Historically, brooms were made from
broomcorn (a type of sorghum plant), straw, or twigs. These
materials are flexible and effective for sweeping.
Synthetic Fibers: Modern brooms often use nylon,
polypropylene, or PET plastic fibers, which are more
durable, resistant to wear, and can be manufactured in
various shapes to suit different cleaning tasks.
o Broom Head: The head holds the bristles together. It is often a flat,
angled, or rounded shape, depending on the type of broom (e.g., a
push broom has a wider, flat head, while a corner broom has a
smaller, angled head).
2. Assembly of the Handle:
o The handle is cut to a specific length, which can vary based on the
type of broom and intended use. Handles are then smoothed and
treated to prevent splinters or damage. For wooden handles, the wood
is sometimes treated or painted for added durability and
appearance.
3. Attaching the Bristles:
o Natural Fiber Brooms: For brooms made from natural materials like
broomcorn, the bristles are bundled together and fastened to a
wooden or metal base. The bristles are often curved to help collect
debris effectively.
o Synthetic Fiber Brooms: For synthetic fiber brooms, the bristles are
often molded or inserted into the broom head. The bristles may be
cut to a specific length, and their shape can be adjusted for different
tasks, such as sweeping fine dust or larger debris.
4. Assembly of the Broom:
o After the bristles are prepared, they are secured into the broom head
using metal bands, staples, or adhesives. The head is then attached
to the handle by either screwing it on, inserting it into a socket, or
simply gluing it in place.
5. Quality Control and Packaging:
o The broom is then inspected for quality, ensuring that the bristles are
securely attached and that the handle is sturdy. It is then packaged
and ready for shipment or sale.
Types of Brooms:
1. Corn Broom (Traditional Broom):
o The corn broom is made from natural fibers such as broomcorn
(sorghum), a traditional material known for its durability and flexibility.
This broom is great for sweeping large areas and is often used for
outdoor cleaning, such as on porches or sidewalks.
2. Push Broom:
o The push broom has a large, wide head with synthetic or natural
bristles. It is designed for sweeping large surfaces, such as
warehouses, garages, or driveways, and is typically used in
commercial or industrial settings. The wide head allows users to
cover more ground with each sweep.
3. Angle Broom (Corner Broom):
o The angle broom has bristles that are angled at a sharp incline,
making it ideal for sweeping into corners, edges, and tight spaces.
It's perfect for use indoors, especially in corners or along baseboards.
4. Whisk Broom:
o A whisk broom is a small, handheld broom used for sweeping up
small amounts of debris. It's commonly used for quick clean-ups in
small areas, like dusting off tables, counters, or picking up crumbs. The
whisk broom typically features short bristles for precise cleaning.
5. Sweeping Broom (Household Broom):
o A household broom is the typical broom used for regular cleaning in
homes. It usually features a medium-sized head with either synthetic
or natural bristles, making it effective for sweeping indoor floors like
hardwood, tile, or laminate.
6. Lobby Broom:
o The lobby broom is a type of small broom used in commercial spaces
like offices or lobby areas. It is often smaller than a traditional broom,
with a compact, lightweight design that allows for quick cleanups in
public spaces.
7. Sweeper Broom:
o The sweeper broom is used in combination with a dustpan. It is
designed to be lightweight and effective at sweeping up fine dust and
small debris. It is commonly used for quick cleaning jobs in homes or
offices.
Uses of Brooms:
1. Sweeping Floors:
o The primary use of a broom is to sweep dust, dirt, and small debris
from the floor. Brooms are effective for cleaning floors in homes,
offices, and outdoor areas like sidewalks, garages, or patios.
2. Cleaning Corners and Edges:
o An angled or corner broom is great for sweeping debris out of
corners, along baseboards, or in tight spaces that might be
difficult to reach with a regular broom.
3. Outdoor Cleaning:
o Corn brooms or push brooms are great for cleaning outdoor areas
such as porches, driveways, garages, and sidewalks. They are
effective for sweeping leaves, dirt, and other outdoor debris.
4. Quick Cleanups:
o A whisk broom is used for quick cleanups in smaller areas, such as
dusting off tables, countertops, or small spills.
5. Cleaning Large Surfaces:
o Push brooms are used for sweeping large surfaces like garage floors,
warehouse floors, or industrial spaces. The wider head allows for
more debris to be gathered with each sweep.
6. Sweeping Debris in Public Places:
o Lobby brooms are designed for cleaning small debris in public spaces
like offices, lobbies, or waiting rooms. Their small size makes them
easy to use for quick touch-ups in between professional cleaning
sessions.
Care and Maintenance of Brooms:
1. Cleaning the Bristles:
o Regularly clean the bristles of the broom to remove any dust, dirt, or
hair that may have become tangled in them. For natural fiber brooms,
shake them out and gently tap them against a surface to remove
debris.
o For synthetic fiber brooms, you can wash the bristles in warm soapy
water or use a brush to comb out dirt.
2. Storing the Broom:
o Store your broom in a dry location to avoid moisture damage.
Hanging the broom by its handle or using a broom holder can help
maintain the bristles' shape and prevent them from becoming bent or
worn.
3. Replacing the Bristles:
o Over time, the bristles on a broom may become worn down or
frayed, especially if used frequently. Replace the broom head when it
no longer functions effectively. Many brooms are designed to allow you
to replace the head, while others require the entire broom to be
replaced.
4. Handle Care:
o For wooden handles, regularly check for splinters or cracks. If the
handle becomes damaged, it may need to be replaced. For plastic or
metal handles, ensure that they remain secure and stable during use.
Fun Facts About Brooms:
The broom has been in use since ancient times, with the first recorded
brooms being made from bundled twigs in early civilizations.
Witchcraft and Brooms: The image of a witch flying on a broomstick comes
from medieval times, where brooms were used in folklore as a symbol of
magic and transformation.
In Japan, there is a traditional cleaning ritual called "Osoji," where people
clean their homes thoroughly during the New Year's holiday. The broom is
considered a powerful tool in these traditions for sweeping away bad luck.
Broom-making has become an art form, especially in some regions, with
handcrafted brooms being sold as decorative items, collectors' pieces, or as
functional tools.
Conclusion:
A broom remains one of the simplest yet most effective cleaning tools for sweeping
debris and dirt from floors. With a variety of types designed for different tasks,
brooms continue to be a staple in homes, businesses, and outdoor areas. Proper
care, such as regular cleaning of the bristles and storing it properly, will extend the
life of your broom and ensure efficient cleaning performance.
