How to Clean a Broom: Keep It Effective and Hygienic

A dirty broom spreads more debris than it collects — hair, dust, and grime trapped in the bristles get redistributed across your floors with every sweep. Regular cleaning keeps your broom effective and extends its life significantly. Here's how to clean every type of broom properly.

What You'll Need

• Amazon Basics Microfiber Cleaning Cloths (24-pack) — for wiping the broom handle
• Iberia Distilled White Vinegar, 1 Gallon — for disinfecting bristles
• MED PRIDE Alcohol Prep Pads — for quick handle disinfection
• Warm water and mild dish soap
• Old comb or stiff brush (for removing trapped hair)
• Rubber gloves

How Often Should You Clean Your Broom?

• After every use: Remove trapped hair and debris from bristles
• Monthly: Full wash of bristles
• Replace: When bristles are splayed, bent, or worn flat — a splayed broom can't sweep effectively

Step 1: Remove Hair and Debris After Every Use

This takes 30 seconds and prevents buildup:

1. Hold the broom over a trash can
2. Run an old comb through the bristles from base to tip to pull out trapped hair and debris
3. Alternatively, use your gloved fingers to pull hair from the bristles
4. Tap the broom head firmly against the inside of the trash can to dislodge loose dust

Step 2: Monthly Deep Clean

For Synthetic Bristle Brooms

1. Remove all hair and debris as above
2. Fill a bucket or bathtub with warm water and a few drops of dish soap
3. Submerge the bristles and swish vigorously for 1–2 minutes
4. Add 1 cup of white vinegar to the water for disinfection
5. Rinse thoroughly under running water
6. Shake out excess water
7. Hang bristle-side down or prop upside down to dry completely — never store a damp broom bristle-side down as it causes splaying

For Natural Fiber Brooms (Corn, Broomcorn)

1. Remove debris with a comb
2. Dampen bristles with warm water — do not submerge; natural fibers absorb too much water and can weaken
3. Wipe with a cloth dampened with a vinegar solution
4. Allow to dry completely before storing

For Dust Mops and Microfiber Brooms

1. Remove the microfiber pad or head
2. Shake out loose debris outdoors
3. Machine wash on a gentle cycle with warm water — no fabric softener (it clogs microfiber)
4. Air dry or tumble dry on low
5. Reattach when completely dry

Step 3: Clean the Handle

Broom handles accumulate hand oils and grime:

• Wipe with a MED PRIDE Alcohol Prep Pad for quick disinfection
• Or wipe with a damp microfiber cloth and mild soap, then dry

Proper Broom Storage

How you store a broom matters as much as how you clean it:

• Always hang bristle-side up or hang on a wall hook — storing bristle-side down causes permanent splaying
• Store in a dry location with good airflow
• Never lean against a wall for extended periods — the bristles bend and stay bent
• A wall-mounted broom holder keeps bristles straight and the floor clear

Restoring Splayed Bristles

If your broom bristles have splayed from improper storage:

1. Soak the bristles in hot water for 30 minutes — this softens synthetic fibers
2. Wrap a rubber band tightly around the bristles to hold them in shape
3. Allow to dry completely with the rubber band in place
4. Remove the rubber band — the bristles should hold their shape better
5. This works partially for synthetic brooms; severely splayed brooms usually need replacement

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I get hair out of a broom without a comb?

Use your fingers (with gloves) to pull hair from the bristles, or use a stiff brush to comb through. A piece of tape pressed against the bristles can also lift fine hair. Running the broom over a rough surface like a doormat can dislodge some debris.

Can I put a broom in the washing machine?

Only if the broom head is detachable and made of microfiber or synthetic material. Most traditional brooms should not go in the washing machine — hand wash the bristles in a bucket instead. Always check the manufacturer's instructions.

How do I know when to replace my broom?

Replace when bristles are permanently splayed beyond restoration, when the bristles are worn down significantly, or when the broom leaves more debris behind than it collects. Most brooms last 1–2 years with proper care and storage.