How to Clean a Broom the Right Way

When it comes to quickly cleaning dust and dirt off your floors, the first thing you likely reach for is a broom. After all, it's much easier to do a daily sweep than to fuss with the vacuum—especially if you're just picking up some after-dinner crumbs or a small clump of pet hair. But, like your vacuum, a broom harbors the very debris it was designed to pick up. To ensure you're not putting dirt back onto your floors when you're sweeping, it's important to routinely deep clean your broom and dust pan.

How Often You Should Clean Your Broom

Generally, you should aim to clean your broom at least once every month—or more depending on what you use it for. "If you use your broom to clean up spills or other potentially hazardous materials, you should clean it thoroughly after each use to prevent the spread of bacteria or other contaminants," says Alicia Sokolowski, the president and co-CEO of Aspen Clean. Not cleaning your broom regularly makes it less effective at sweeping and can spread the dirt and debris around your home rather than picking it up.

Materials Needed

Make sure you have these cleaning supplies on hand before getting started.

• Gloves
• Bucket
• Dish soap
• Scrub brush
• Microfiber towel(s)

How to Clean Your Broom

Adding this task to your monthly cleaning routine will help keep your home bacteria-free and increase the longevity of your broom. But, before getting started, check your broom to ensure it is still in usable condition. "You should inspect your broom periodically to ensure that the bristles are still in good condition and replace them if they are worn or damaged," says Melissa Poepping, founder of The Chemical Free Home.

1. Wearing gloves, use your hands to remove any loose debris from the broom.
2. Fill a bucket with warm water and add a few drops of dish soap.
3. Dip the broom's bristles into the soapy water and swirl it around.
4. Use a scrub brush to gently clean the broom's bristles, working from the top down.
5. Rinse the bristles with clean water to remove any remaining soap or dirt.
6. Wipe the handle clean with a microfiber towel and warm, soapy water.
7. Shake the broom to remove excess water.
8. Hang the broom upside down to air dry completely.

How to Clean the Dust Pan

Don't return your clean broom to a dirty dust pan—that should be cleaned at the same time you clean your broom.

1. Use a brush to remove any remaining debris from the dust pan, making sure to reach the corners and crevices.
2. Fill a bucket with warm water and add a few drops of dish soap.
3. Submerge the dust pan into the soapy water.
4. Using a brush or microfiber cloth, scrub the inside of the dust pan.
5. Rinse the dust pan thoroughly with clean water to remove any remaining soap or dirt.
6. Use a clean microfiber cloth to dry the dust pan thoroughly.