Finding the Best Brooms for Your Home
If you need a broom, there’s good news: brooms are remarkably simple and easy to use. The not-so-good news? Well, there isn’t much bad news here—just various factors to consider when shopping to avoid feeling overwhelmed by the numerous choices available. At The Spruce, we’ve put 21 different brooms through rigorous testing. Our selections are designed for general household cleaning tasks, including tackling crumbs and pet hair. We also identified excellent options for outdoor sweeping, such as clearing dirt and dust from patios for enjoyable summer gatherings. You might be surprised to learn that some brooms excel beyond just pet-related messes. Our evaluation included everything from flour and sawdust to orzo, sand, and even wig hair, and the results were impressive. Angled bristles are particularly useful for reaching corners and walls, and the balance between sturdiness and flexibility makes sweeping comfortable. The metal handles are durable and well-constructed, although assembly is required. These seemingly small details significantly impact your cleaning experience. brooms of various lengths and bristle materials to find the best options for different needs.
We also want to highlight the clever design of the included dustpans. Many brooms come with a dustpan that features a foot-operated design, allowing you to hold it in place while sweeping, eliminating the awkward shuffling that often occurs. The back of some dustpans has built-in teeth, like a comb, for cleaning the broom bristles simultaneously. Additionally, a rubber lip at the front prevents loose debris from easily falling out. For convenient storage, many dustpans clip directly onto the broom handle.
Our Picks for the Best Brooms
It’s a close competition between our overall best broom pick and the Libman 211 Broom. These two brooms share several key features: angled bristles ideal for corners, lightweight yet sturdy metal handles, and included dustpans. Their performance is remarkably similar, with the Libman 211 sweeping up approximately 5 percent more debris, according to our tests. However, there are subtle distinctions. The Libman 211’s bristles are 11 inches wide, compared to the O-Cedar’s 13 inches. This means it covers a smaller area with each sweep but offers enhanced precision in tight spaces like around chair legs or toilets. The firm, flexible bristles are effective on most surfaces. Notably, this broom is about 7 inches taller than our overall best pick, which might be too tall for some users or just right for others, depending on height and preferred holding style.
The O-Cedar PowerCorner Pet Pro Broom & Step-On Dustpan
Type: Traditional | Handle Length: 46 inches | Weight: 1.68 pounds
The O-Cedar PowerCorner Pet Pro Broom & Step-On Dustpan is a strong contender for the best overall broom. Its angled bristles are exceptionally effective at reaching into corners and along walls. The bristles are densely packed yet flexible, adept at catching both larger debris and dust. The 46-inch metal handle offers a comfortable grip and solid feel, though assembly is required. We were particularly impressed by its ability to handle a variety of messes, including flour, sawdust, orzo, sand, and even pet hair. The included step-on dustpan is a significant convenience. Its foot-operated design keeps the dustpan in place while sweeping, and the built-in comb-like teeth on the back allow you to clean the bristles as you go. A rubber lip at the front prevents loose particles from escaping. The dustpan also clips securely to the broom handle for easy storage. This broom’s bristles were durable enough to catch bigger debris and flexible for dusting.
The Libman 211 Broom
This broom is almost identical in construction to our overall best pick, featuring angled bristles, a lightweight yet sturdy metal handle, and a matching dustpan. While the included dustpan isn’t as feature-rich as the one with the O-Cedar, it still clips securely to the handle. Notably, this broom is about 7 inches taller than our overall best pick, giving you extra reach under furniture. The accompanying dustpan is a bit more basic, lacking the teeth for removing hair from the bristles. However, the 11-inch bristles provide a bit more precision for cleaning around obstacles.
Other Notable Brooms
Beyond our top two picks, several other brooms stood out in our testing, each offering unique benefits.
The Original Broombi All-Surface Broom
Don’t be fooled by this broom’s name; the Original Broombi All-Surface Broom can handle far more than just pet-related grime. This broom features an angled silicone head with small, subtle bumps. This unique design allows it to function effectively as a squeegee on smooth surfaces like tile or hardwood. However, consider using shorter strokes for optimal results. The silicone bristles are durable and easy to clean, and the angled head helps to get into tight spaces. This broom is a great option for those who need a versatile tool for both sweeping and light mopping.
The Broombi Silicone Broom
If you’re looking for a broom that gets the grit out of the grout, the Original Broombi Silicone Broom is an excellent choice. Its silicone bristles are non-abrasive yet effective at dislodging dirt and debris from grout lines. This broom is particularly well-suited for hard floors and delicate surfaces where you want to avoid scratching. While it might not be as effective on thick or sticky messes, it excels at light sweeping and dusting in areas like kitchens and bathrooms.
The Swiffer Sweeper XL
The Swiffer Sweeper XL offers a convenient and lightweight sweeping solution. It’s a good option for quick cleanups and maintaining floors between deeper cleans. The disposable cleaning pads are easy to replace, and the lightweight design makes it easy to maneuver. However, the pads can be a recurring expense, and the broom head itself is not reusable. This sweeper is best for dry debris like dust and crumbs and isn’t ideal for larger or heavier messes.
The Bona Handheld Multi-Surface Sweep
The Bona Handheld Multi-Surface Sweep is a compact and portable option for quick cleanups. Its lightweight design and swivel head make it easy to reach tight spaces. The microfiber cleaning pad is washable and reusable, making it an eco-friendly choice. While it’s not as robust as some of the other brooms on this list, it’s perfect for spot cleaning and maintaining small areas.
What to Consider When Choosing a Broom
Selecting the best broom for your needs involves considering several factors. The size of your home and the types of flooring you have will influence the ideal broom head size and bristle stiffness. For large areas with hard floors, a broom with a wider head is more efficient. For delicate surfaces like hardwood or tile, softer bristles are essential to prevent scratches. Consider the height of the handle as well. A taller handle can reduce bending, while a shorter handle might be more maneuverable in tight spaces. If you frequently deal with pet hair, a broom with stiff, angled bristles is a good investment. Additionally, think about whether you prefer a broom with a dustpan or a separate dustpan attachment. Both options have their advantages, and the best choice depends on your personal preference and cleaning habits.
Conclusion
Ultimately, the best broom for you depends on your individual needs and preferences. The O-Cedar PowerCorner Pet Pro Broom & Step-On Dustpan offers a great balance of performance, convenience, and features, making it our top overall pick. However, the Libman 211 Broom is a strong contender, providing excellent sweeping power at a slightly lower price point. By considering the factors outlined above, you can choose a broom that will make cleaning your home easier and more efficient. Whether you’re tackling everyday dust or dealing with more challenging messes, a good broom is an indispensable tool for any home.
Important Note:
While a range of brooms, the ideal choice can also depend on personal preferences regarding weight, handle height, and the specific types of debris you typically encounter. Consider your own cleaning habits and home environment to determine which broom best suits your needs. Some users might find a slightly lighter broom more comfortable, while others might prefer the sturdier feel of a heavier model. The included dustpan is a valuable addition to many brooms, offering a convenient way to collect swept debris. However, if you find yourself frequently dealing with large amounts of pet hair or other bulky messes, a separate dustpan with a more robust design might be a better option.
The Best Brooms for Pet Owners
If you share your home with furry companions, you understand the constant battle against pet hair. It seems to appear on every surface, from furniture to floors, requiring frequent cleaning. Fortunately, there are brooms specifically designed to tackle this challenge. We’ve tested several options to identify the best brooms for pet owners, considering their ability to effectively pick up and contain pet hair. The key features to look for in a pet-friendly broom include stiff, angled bristles, a wide head for efficient sweeping, and a dustpan with a secure attachment mechanism. These features help to prevent hair from scattering and make cleanup easier.
The O-Cedar PowerCorner Pet Pro Broom & Step-On Dustpan
Our overall best broom pick is also an excellent choice for pet owners. Its angled bristles are particularly effective at grabbing pet hair from carpets and hard floors. The dense packing of the bristles ensures that even fine hairs don’t slip through. The 46-inch handle provides good reach, and the step-on dustpan is a game-changer for minimizing mess. The dustpan’s foot-operated design keeps it in place while you sweep, preventing hair from flying around. The built-in comb-like teeth on the dustpan are a handy feature for removing hair from the bristles as you go. This broom is durable and easy to maneuver, making it a reliable tool for maintaining a pet-hair-free home.
The Libman 211 Broom
While the O-Cedar PowerCorner Pet Pro Broom is specifically designed with pet hair in mind, the Libman 211 Broom also performs admirably. Its angled bristles and sturdy construction make it effective at sweeping up pet hair from various surfaces. The 11-inch bristle width allows for efficient coverage, and the metal handle provides a comfortable grip. Although the included dustpan is simpler than the one with the O-Cedar, it still clips securely to the broom handle. For pet owners looking for a budget-friendly option that still effectively tackles pet hair, the Libman 211 Broom is a great choice.
Other Great Brooms for Pet Hair
Beyond the top two picks, several other brooms are well-suited for pet owners.
The Original Broombi All-Surface Broom
This broom’s angled silicone head with small bumps is surprisingly effective at picking up pet hair. The silicone bristles are gentle on floors but firm enough to grab onto hair. The broom can also be used as a squeegee, which is helpful for cleaning up muddy paw prints. The Original Broombi All-Surface Broom is a versatile option for pet owners who want a broom that can handle a variety of cleaning tasks.
The Broombi Silicone Broom
If you’re dealing with a lot of pet hair in grout lines or other hard-to-reach areas, the Broombi Silicone Broom is an excellent choice. Its silicone bristles are designed to effectively dislodge hair and debris from narrow spaces. While it might not be ideal for large areas, it’s a valuable tool for spot cleaning and maintaining specific areas where pet hair tends to accumulate.
Tips for Sweeping Up Pet Hair
To maximize the effectiveness of your broom and minimize the amount of pet hair that remains, follow these tips:
- Sweep in short, overlapping strokes: This helps to ensure that you pick up all the hair.
- Use a consistent sweeping motion: Avoid jerky movements, which can scatter the hair.
- Sweep in the direction of the longest hair strands: This makes it easier to collect the hair.
- Empty your dustpan frequently: Don’t let the dustpan become too full, as this can make it difficult to sweep effectively.
- Consider using a rubber brush or squeegee: These tools can help to gather pet hair into a pile for easier disposal.
Regular sweeping is key to managing pet hair in your home. By choosing the right broom and following these tips, you can keep your floors cleaner and reduce the amount of hair that ends up on your furniture and clothing.
Maintaining Your Broom
To ensure your broom lasts for years to come, follow these maintenance tips:
- Clean the bristles regularly: Remove any trapped debris with a brush or vacuum cleaner.
- Store the broom in a dry place: This will prevent the bristles from becoming damaged or moldy.
- Replace the broom when the bristles become worn or frayed: Worn bristles won’t sweep effectively.
With proper care, your broom will be a reliable cleaning tool for many years, helping you keep your home clean and tidy.
Finding the Best Brooms for Hardwood Floors
Hardwood floors offer a beautiful and classic look, but they require gentle care to prevent scratches and damage. Choosing the right broom is crucial for maintaining the integrity of your hardwood floors. Avoid brooms with stiff or abrasive bristles, as these can scratch the finish. Instead, opt for brooms with soft, flexible bristles that won’t harm the surface. We’ve tested several brooms to identify the best options for hardwood floors, considering their bristle material, head design, and overall gentleness.
The Original Broombi All-Surface Broom
This broom stands out as an excellent choice for hardwood floors due to its angled silicone head with small bumps. The silicone bristles are remarkably soft yet effective at sweeping up dust and debris without scratching the finish. The angled head allows you to easily reach into corners and along baseboards, ensuring a thorough clean. The Original Broombi All-Surface Broom can even function as a squeegee, which is helpful for removing loose dirt and dust from hardwood floors. Its gentle bristles make it a safe and effective option for maintaining the beauty of your hardwood floors.
The O-Cedar PowerCorner Pet Pro Broom & Step-On Dustpan
While primarily designed for pet hair, the O-Cedar PowerCorner Pet Pro Broom & Step-On Dustpan can also be used on hardwood floors with caution. Its angled bristles are relatively soft and flexible, minimizing the risk of scratching. However, it’s essential to avoid applying too much pressure when sweeping to prevent damage. The step-on dustpan is a convenient feature for minimizing mess, but ensure the foot-operated mechanism doesn’t apply excessive force to the floor.
The Libman 211 Broom
The Libman 211 Broom is generally not recommended for hardwood floors due to its stiffer bristles. While it effectively sweeps up debris, the bristles can potentially scratch the finish over time. If you choose to use this broom on hardwood floors, do so with extreme caution and avoid applying excessive pressure.
Other Good Options for Hardwood Floors
Several other brooms are well-suited for cleaning hardwood floors:
The Bona Handheld Multi-Surface Sweep
The Bona Handheld Multi-Surface Sweep is a lightweight and portable option specifically designed for hard floors, including hardwood. Its microfiber cleaning pad is gentle on the surface and effectively traps dust and debris. The handheld design makes it easy to maneuver and reach tight spaces. While it might not be as robust as some of the other brooms on this list, it’s a great choice for quick cleanups and maintaining hardwood floors between deeper cleans.
The Swiffer Sweeper XL
The Swiffer Sweeper XL is another good option for hardwood floors, offering convenience and ease of use. Its disposable cleaning pads are designed to be gentle on floors, and the lightweight design makes it easy to maneuver. However, the pads can be a recurring expense, and the broom head itself is not reusable. For regular maintenance, the Swiffer Sweeper XL can be a practical choice.
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Tips for Sweeping Hardwood Floors
To ensure you’re effectively cleaning your hardwood floors without causing damage, follow these tips:
- Use a broom with soft, flexible bristles: Avoid stiff or abrasive bristles.
- Sweep in the direction of the wood grain: This helps to prevent scratches.
- Avoid applying excessive pressure: Let the bristles do the work.
- Sweep regularly: Frequent sweeping prevents dirt and debris from accumulating and scratching the finish.
- Consider using a microfiber dust mop for deeper cleaning: Microfiber dust mops are even gentler on hardwood floors than brooms.
By following these tips, you can keep your hardwood floors clean and beautiful for years to come.
The Best Brooms for Tile Floors
Tile floors are durable and easy to clean, but they can still accumulate dust, dirt, and debris. Choosing the right broom is essential for maintaining the cleanliness and appearance of your tile floors. Look for brooms with stiff bristles that can effectively dislodge dirt and grime from grout lines. The angle of the broom head also plays a role, as angled heads can help you reach into corners and along walls. We’ve tested various brooms to identify the best options for tile floors, considering their bristle stiffness, head design, and overall effectiveness.
The Libman 211 Broom
The Libman 211 Broom is a top performer for cleaning tile floors. Its stiff bristles are excellent at dislodging dirt and grime from grout lines, and the wide head allows for efficient coverage. The angled bristles are particularly helpful for reaching into corners and along walls. The metal handle provides a comfortable grip, and the overall construction is durable and well-built. This broom effectively sweeps up dust, dirt, and debris, leaving your tile floors looking clean and refreshed.
The O-Cedar PowerCorner Pet Pro Broom & Step-On Dustpan
While designed with pet hair in mind, the O-Cedar PowerCorner Pet Pro Broom & Step-On Dustpan is also a good option for tile floors. Its angled bristles are effective at sweeping up dirt and debris, and the step-on dustpan provides a convenient way to collect messes. The 46-inch handle offers good reach, and the overall construction is sturdy and well-made. However, the bristles might be slightly too stiff for delicate tile surfaces, so use caution when sweeping.
The Original Broombi All-Surface Broom
The Original Broombi All-Surface Broom can also be used on tile floors, but its silicone bristles might not be as effective at dislodging stubborn dirt and grime compared to stiffer bristles. However, it’s a gentle option for maintaining tile floors and preventing scratches.
Other Excellent Brooms for Tile
Here are a few other brooms that perform well on tile floors:
The Bona Handheld Multi-Surface Sweep
The Bona Handheld Multi-Surface Sweep is a convenient option for quick cleanups of tile floors. Its microfiber cleaning pad is gentle on the surface and effectively traps dust and debris. The handheld design makes it easy to maneuver and reach tight spaces. While it might not be as effective as stiffer bristles for removing stubborn dirt, it’s a great choice for maintaining a clean and tidy tile floor.
The Swiffer Sweeper XL
The Swiffer Sweeper XL is another practical option for tile floors, offering convenience and ease of use. Its disposable cleaning pads are designed to be gentle on surfaces, and the lightweight design makes it easy to maneuver. However, the pads can be a recurring expense, and the broom head itself is not reusable. For regular maintenance, the Swiffer Sweeper XL can be a good choice.
Tips for Sweeping Tile Floors
To ensure you’re effectively cleaning your tile floors without damaging the grout, follow these tips:
- Use a broom with stiff bristles: Stiff bristles are more effective at dislodging dirt and grime from grout lines.
- Sweep in the direction of the grout lines: This helps to ensure that you remove all the dirt and debris.
- Avoid applying excessive pressure: Let the bristles do the work.
- Sweep regularly: Frequent sweeping prevents dirt and grime from building up and staining the grout.
- Consider using a grout brush for deep cleaning: A grout brush is designed specifically for cleaning grout lines and can be used in conjunction with a broom for a thorough clean.
By following these tips, you can keep your tile floors looking clean and well-maintained.
The Best Brooms for Carpets
Carpets require a different approach to cleaning than hard floors. You need a broom with bristles that can effectively agitate the fibers and loosen embedded dirt without causing damage. The length and stiffness of the bristles are important considerations, as they affect how well the broom can penetrate the carpet pile. We’ve tested several brooms to determine the best options for carpets, considering their bristle length, stiffness, and overall effectiveness at removing dirt and debris.
The O-Cedar PowerCorner Pet Pro Broom & Step-On Dustpan
While marketed for pet hair, the O-Cedar PowerCorner Pet Pro Broom & Step-On Dustpan is a surprisingly effective option for cleaning carpets. Its angled bristles are designed to reach into carpet fibers and dislodge embedded dirt, and the step-on dustpan makes cleanup easy. The 46-inch handle provides good reach, and the overall construction is sturdy and well-made. This broom is particularly effective at removing pet hair and other debris from carpets, leaving them looking clean and refreshed.
The Libman 211 Broom
The Libman 211 Broom can also be used on carpets, although it’s not specifically designed for this purpose. Its stiffer bristles can effectively agitate the carpet fibers and loosen dirt. However, use caution when sweeping carpets with this broom, as the stiff bristles could potentially damage delicate carpet fibers. It’s best suited for high-traffic areas or carpets with durable fibers.
The Original Broombi All-Surface Broom
The Original Broombi All-Surface Broom can be used on carpets, but its silicone bristles might not be as effective at dislodging deeply embedded dirt compared to traditional bristles. However, it’s a gentle option for maintaining carpets and preventing damage.
Other Good Brooms for Carpets
Here are a few other brooms that perform well on carpets:
The Swiffer Sweeper XL
The Swiffer Sweeper XL is a convenient option for quick cleanups of carpets. Its microfiber cleaning pads are designed to trap dirt and debris, and the lightweight design makes it easy to maneuver. However, the pads can be a recurring expense, and the broom head itself is not reusable. For regular maintenance, the Swiffer Sweeper XL can be a practical choice.
The Bona Handheld Multi-Surface Sweep
The Bona Handheld Multi-Surface Sweep can be used on carpets for spot cleaning and maintaining specific areas. Its microfiber cleaning pad is gentle on carpet fibers, and the handheld design makes it easy to reach tight spaces. However, it might not be as effective as stiffer bristles for removing deeply embedded dirt.
Tips for Sweeping Carpets
To effectively clean your carpets with a broom, follow these tips:
- Sweep in the direction of the carpet pile: This helps to ensure that you remove all the dirt and debris.
- Use short, overlapping strokes: This prevents the bristles from getting tangled in the carpet fibers.
- Avoid applying excessive pressure: Let the bristles do the work.
- Sweep regularly: Frequent sweeping prevents dirt and debris from building up and damaging the carpet fibers.
- Consider using a vacuum cleaner for deeper cleaning: A vacuum cleaner is essential for removing deeply embedded dirt and debris from carpets.
By following these tips, you can keep your carpets looking clean and well-maintained.
