Vicky Sanderson Yes my dear, I DO want you to wash your broom as part of your spring cleaning routine. Consider what it picks up day in and day out-bits of food, pet fur, hair, dirt, dust, bacteria, and dead skin (sorry, I don’t make the news, just report it.) Do you really want that yucky gunk hanging around, ready to be recirculated into the air? Of course you don’t. Here’s how I clean my broom after every spring or fall cleaning session.
- Pull the obvious bits of fluff and debris out with your hand. Use a soft vacuum brush for a deeper clean.
- Place the broom in a pail of warm water, mixed with a gentle cleanser. Some people use a mixture of vinegar and water.
- Let it soak for 20 minutes or so. Clean the handle and wash the dustpan while you wait.
- Rinse the broom well – in a deep sink, outdoors, or in the shower.
- Dry it bristle side up.
Taking the time to wash and rinse your broom will make it last longer. I always recommend choosing a better-quality broom. I like Libman products, as I’ve previously explained.
As for cleansers, I am a big fan of Branch Basics (shown below). One bottle of its concentrate can replace dozens of toxic cleaners. So simple to use: take one of their bottles, fill with water to the “water” line on the label, add concentrate up to the “soap” line, close and gently shake. Bottles are refillable so they’re good for the environment and your budget.
