Types of Brooms
Types of Brooms
Different broom types have special features, such as larger heads or shorter handles, that give them certain advantages.
- Amish Broom: Amish brooms are made of high-quality corn straw, bound and sewn by hand. They are designed to last for years of indoor and outdoor use.
- Lobby Broom: Lobby brooms are light weight and compact, making them ideal for one-handed cleaning under tables, fixtures, and hard-to-reach areas.
- Push Broom: Push brooms are wider than traditional models. Push brooms are an excellent option for sweeping up dirt, dust, and debris in warehouses, garages, and cafeterias.
- Whisk Broom: Whisk brooms are short, small brooms without handles that are made for cleaning tight spaces. They're designed for use with dustpans.
This video briefly covers our various broom offerings as well as some of their features and recommended uses.
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How to Select the Right Broom
When choosing a broom, think about these questions:
- What types of floors do I have?
- What types of debris am I usually sweeping up?
- Are there tight spaces and corners I need to clean?
- Do I need to sweep wet areas, dry areas, or both?
- Are there oils, chemicals, or other compounds on my floors?
Parts of a Broom
Most brooms have four main parts. Different types of brooms may have different parts, but these four components are common to find.
- Shaft: The shaft is a pole that makes up a majority of the broom's length. It functions as a handle for the user to sweep.
- Brush: The brush is made up of the bristles and is held together by the cap.
- Hook: The hook is at the top of the broom's shaft. It allows the broom to hang in a storage closet.
- Brush Cap: The brush cap doubles as style and function. It holds in the broom's bristles and creates a neat appearance.
Bristle Types
There are two main types of broom bristles: flagged and unflagged. While unflagged bristles tend to last longer than flagged bristles, there isn't one that is better than the other. They both specialize in different areas, so it's all about finding the right tool for the job.
Flagged Bristles
- Frayed at the ends to help collect small particles
- Ideal for collecting small dust and debris.
Unflagged Bristles
- Straight and stiff
- Ideal for collecting larger debris in open areas
What Are Broom Bristles Made Of?
Polypropylene
Great for medium to heavy floor sweeps and scrub brushes, polypropylene offers good abrasion resistance and shear/break strength. It is resistant to water, solvents, acids, oils, fungus, and bacteria growth, and will not stain, discolor, or absorb odors. Wet or dry applications; indoor and outdoor use.
Natural Corn Fibers
Natural corn fiber bristles are ideal for sweeping dust and fine dirt in dry conditions. These bristles are made of expertly bound and hewn corn straw, making them highly durable yet non-damaging to your floors.
Tampico Fibers
Produced from the stem of the Mexican agave plant, Tampico fibers have a medium texture and are ideal for dry sweeping on semi-smooth surfaces. These natural fibers are also resistant to heat and chemicals.
Nylon
Nylon bristles are stiff yet flexible for general cleanup of small debris on smooth floors like hardwood or laminate. These brooms are generally for indoor use, but they do resist water and won't absorb odors.
Synthetic
Synthetic bristles can be used on wet or dry surfaces because they are highly resistant to acids and oils. Synthetic bristles are also flexible and won’t scratch the surfaces of your floor.
Synthetic Corn
Chemical and liquid resistant, synthetic corn bristles can withstand high temperatures up to 225 degrees Fahrenheit. "X"-shaped bristles are excellent for use on carpets and entry mats.
Horsehair
Horsehair bristles are gentle on floors and durable for long-lasting use. This type of bristle blends well with other types of bristles and is perfect for sweeping dust and dirt in interior spaces.
Palmyra
This type of bristle is on the stiffer side and is durable, making it ideal for industrial workspaces or food service establishments. Palmyra is excellent for general cleaning and can withstand everyday use.
How to Clean a Broom
- Take care of any and all leftover debris. Dirt, dust, and even hair can cling to your broom's bristles. Use your hands or even a vacuum cleaner to make sure the debris is removed before you use your broom.
- Soak your broom's bristles in soapy water. Soaking the bristles will help keep the broom clean while preventing cross contamination.
- Wipe down your broom handle and dust pan with a disinfectant spray.
Suggestion: Designate a different broom for each different sweeping job that you are doing. This helps prevent the unwanted spread of germs to different areas.
Broom Accessories
Looking for replacement items or even some extra supplies to enhance your floor maintenance program? Check out our broom accessories to find everything you might need!
Broom Heads
We offer an impressive selection of broom heads that can be screwed onto your existing broom handles. Swapping out broom heads is a great way to save some money and maximize the value of your handles.
Broom Handles
We also offer separate broom handles that can be swapped out with your worn or damaged handles without having to buy a completely new broom.
Dustpans
Dustpans are a great addition to your brooms, as they can help collect the dirt and debris from your floor for easier disposal. We offer standalone dustpans to go along with your existing brooms, as well as dustpan / broom combos that save storage space.
Hangers / Organizers
To help keep your brooms organized and conveniently stored, check out our broom hangers / organizers! These systems can be mounted to your wall for out-of-the-way storage of your brooms and mops.
Related Resources
How to Clean, Strip, & Finish Floors
Keeping your floors looking like new is an easy way to ensure safety and sanitation while pleasing guests and enhancing your establishment's overall appearance. Stripping, waxing, and sealing / finishing your floors is the best way to combat scuffs, dirt, and unsightly damage. Check out this guide for more information on all three steps and the right tools to get the job done!
Types of Mops
From busy kitchens to school hallways, mops are essential for keeping your floors sparkling clean. Sometimes it can seem like a never-ending task to keep up with your high-trafficked floors, but the right mop can make your floor cleaning easier and more effective. Learn all about the different types of mops so you can choose the best tool for your application. Shop All Mops and Accessories Click below to learn more about the different types of mops: Wet Mop Heads Wet Mop Materials Wet Mop Handles Wet / Dry Mop Pads Wet Mop Comparison Mop Storage and Care
Foodservice Towels for Sanitation
Foodservice towels and wipes are essential to several foodservice tasks, such as cleaning up spills, sanitizing food-contact surfaces, and dusting display counters. Using disposable and reusable foodservice towels can help your establishment abide by food safety guidelines . This guide outlines the types of foodservice wipes available to you so you can maintain the highest standard of cleanliness on all surfaces.
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