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Giving Your Kitchen a Clean Sweep: Broom Facts

Kitchen floors seem to attract not only all kinds of fallen food particles, but dust bunnies, pet hair, and other random debris. This accumulation of "filth" is unsanitary, but for those with small children, there is a danger of tots being tempted to taste and possibly choke on the stuff. Dirt and dust kicked up from a kitchen floor can end up in food and on cooking utensils. Using an effective cleaning method can dramatically help maintain floor cleanliness prior to and in between mopping. For many people, a clean sweep broom is an economical, easy answer.

Choosing a Broom
Many people chose a kitchen broom because it is lightweight, easy to use and store, and is economical in both cost and time. There are many broom styles available, each with different purposes. While many people are aware of some basic brooms, such as a large push broom, a wide clean sweep broom, or hand broom, many consumers may not be aware of the differences in design. Everything from bristle content to shape and handle length can affect the usefulness of the broom. However, when chosen appropriately, the correct broom can make a "clean sweep" of cleaning.

A kitchen broom's effectiveness depends on the type of bristles (synthetic versus natural), how well the bristles collect debris, and how well they sweep debris into a dustpan. A clean sweep broom is the best choice for a kitchen. Clean sweep brooms typically have a wider head, with some up to three feet wide. However, if too wide, the broom can be difficult to maneuver in a smaller kitchen space. A clean sweep broom designed for kitchen use is easier to use, but still offers the benefits of the clean sweep design. (Stanley Come Clean Sweep Broom is one example). A shorter head also makes transferring to a dustpan much easier.

A stiff bristle that scatters dust around instead of into the dustpan defeats the purpose of sweeping. Likewise, using a clean sweep broom and then switching to a handheld broom is an inefficient use of time (Also, a handheld broom may not do any better at transferring debris into a dustpan). To avoid the spread of dust, look for a clean sweep broom that has frayed or "flagged" bristles. This helps the broom lock in debris, particularly small dust particles. The flagged design of a clean sweep broom also makes it effective on a variety of flooring styles, from bumpy laminate to tile to hardwood. Soft bristles also reduce or eliminate floor damage. An angled head can help reach those nooks and crannies, as well. A kitchen broom head that is angled or splayed on either side eliminates the need to switch the broom around, which in turn keeps the dust under control.

The handle length is also an important element to consider. If the handle is too short, poor posture and back strain can result. Look for a kitchen broom with ample length, but not so long that it is difficult to maneuver when sweeping into the dustpan. When used with an upright dustpan, sweeping and clean up can be a breeze. A handle ranging from about thirty-six to forty inches is comfortable for most people. Ideally, the clean sweep broom will have a method of hanging, such as a hole in the top end of the handle or a cord. Hanging the broom when not in use protects the bristles from damage and keeps moisture from accumulating in the bristles.

Caring for a Clean Sweep Broom
Can you clean a broom? Absolutely. Avoid banging the head of a broom against a wall or other hard surface to shake out the dust, as this can damage the head and pollute the immediate air space. (Nor is this the broom to use for beating area rugs to clean them!) Instead, look for a broom that is made from fibers such as plastic, that can rinse clean easily. Rinsing is more effective, and keeps the dust controlled. Swishing the bristles in mild soap and water will help if there is a lot of dust buildup. If the heads are removable (such as with the Stanley Slimline Broom Head), the cleaning process is even simpler. If the broom head becomes moldy, try cleaning it first If it is still too dirty, replace the head. Hanging a clean sweep, or any other type of broom, will help eliminate moisture standing on the bristles, which can develop into mold or mildew. Synthetic fibers help reduce the chances of molds or mildews developing, although proper storage is still required.

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