Even in today’s high-tech world filled with smart vacuums and robotic mops, the simple broom remains a cleaning essential in many homes. It might not have sensors or Wi-Fi, but it’s reliable—and always ready to tackle dust in the corners. That’s why most households keep at least one trusty broom right next to the dustbin.
Some people believe you should get a new broom every year—not just for hygiene, but for energetic reasons. According to tradition, old brooms don’t just collect dirt, they also absorb negative vibes. And when you bring a new broom home, the old one should go straight to the trash. Having two brooms at once, they say, might even bring household discord—like having “two bosses under one roof.”
I still remember my grandmother’s broom—big, soft, and easy to sweep with. It felt oversized when I was little, but it really did the job. Looking back, it was probably homemade. In those days, people often grew their own broomcorn in the garden. They’d harvest, dry, and bind the best parts of the plant to make strong, long-lasting brooms by hand. The quality really came down to how skilled the maker was.
Of course, nowadays most people don’t grow broom-making plants in their backyard. Instead, we buy our brooms from stores. But even now, it’s worth taking a few moments to choose the right one if you want it to last.
When picking out a broom, inspect it carefully. The bristles should be thick and a little springy. The handle should feel sturdy but not overly skinny. The threads holding it together should be strong and durable—not fraying or weak. Also, check that the stems near the handle haven’t been crushed. If they have, the broom may start falling apart quickly.
But getting a good broom isn’t enough. How you prep and maintain it matters too.
Here’s a secret from the old days: before using a new broom, soak the bristles in boiling water for a few hours. This helps soften them and makes sweeping smoother. Once it’s dry, you’ll notice a real difference. Even if your broom isn’t new, giving it a quick rinse every so often will remove dust and grime, and stop the bristles from becoming brittle.
My grandmother had another clever idea—she used to cover her broom in an old stocking. Later on, she started using pantyhose, both regular and nylon. It didn’t look fancy, but it worked. The cover protected the bristles and helped trap dirt, cobwebs, and pet hair more effectively. Wetting the stocking before cleaning made it perfect for damp dusting too—especially useful for rugs and carpets.
Recently, I came across a modern spin on grandma’s hack—someone suggested storing new brooms in plastic bags to keep them clean. It may sound odd, but it makes sense! Why expose a fresh broom to dirt before it’s needed?
So, what do you think—was grandma onto something? Have you tried any of these old-school tricks? Let us know in the comments if you’ve found any clever ways to extend your broom’s life or make cleaning easier!
