Best Broom For Hardwood Floors. Which Is Best For You?

Helen Skeates
Helen Skeates
31 min read

A broom is a common first step in a quick clean-up. Pet hair and crumbs from crackers or a fallen plant can shine brightly on otherwise spotless hardwood floors. Brooms for hardwood floors should have soft bristles to prevent damage to the surface, but they should also be able to pick up dust, debris, and even pet hair. They also keep dust out of the air, allowing the wood’s natural luster to shine through.

There are a lot of things to keep in mind when purchasing a new brush, and here are some of the best ones for hardwood floors that we’ve found.

Features to Look for When Choosing the Best Broom for Hardwood Floors

A wide variety of brooms exist, each with a specific function to aid in cleaning. Broom bristle materials and design components have an effect on how well a broom performs on different surfaces, with some performing better on hardwood than others. The following are some of the most significant considerations to keep in mind while deciding on a new broom to purchase.

Best Brooms in 2022 | iMore

Bristles

If you’re looking for a broom that isn’t too stiff, you can get one with a variety of different bristle types on it. Stubborn bristles are excellent for picking up larger pieces of debris, but they can create minor scratches on hardwood floors. Fine dust is easier to remove with softer bristles.

As for broom bristles, you can choose from a number of different sorts such as flagged or unflagged or cloth/mop or rubber.

  • In order to properly sweep, trap, and collect small dust and particles, flared bristles feature splintered ends. Brooms with marked bristles are ideal for cleaning hardwood floors because they catch the tiny dust that can be easily visible on the surface.
  • Brushes equipped with unflagged bristles remove heavy, damp debris with straight ends. This sort of bristle can be found on outdoor brooms, bathroom brooms, and even kitchen brooms. They’re prone to scratches because they’re too stiff for hardwood. Only a small percentage use hard materials.
  • Microfiber “bristles” on cloth or mop brooms accumulate more dirt than they push or sweep. In terms of hardwood floor dust removal, these mop brooms are great. Dry sweeping and wet mopping heads may be included in some models, but this is not always the case.
  • Instead of resembling regular bristles, thick rubber bristles resemble thin rubber fingernails. These bristles are great for getting rid of pet hair from carpets and hardwood floors because they attract, push, and draw it out. To eliminate any remaining pet hair, just wash the broom head in warm, soapy water. Rubber bristles, on the other hand, are ineffective at removing dirt and debris from wood floors. They’re there to collect pet hair, and that’s all they’re good for.

The angle at which the bristles are arranged can have an impact. Straight bristles can’t go into tight spaces like corners or behind cabinets like angled bristles can. Straight and angled cuts are available for both flagged and unflagged bristles.

Materials

To determine the weight, type of dirt it can sweep, and surface on which it operates best, the handle and bristle materials of a broom must be taken into consideration. Natural and synthetic materials are the two main divisions, although even within these divisions, there is a wide range of options.

To keep synthetic fibers out of their homes, some people choose natural bristles. From soft horsehair to hard straw, natural bristles can be found. Broomcorn, Tampico, yucca, and palmyra are more alternatives. Many brooms are made with a combination of natural and synthetic bristles. Broomcorn and yucca, for example, are sometimes used together to create an all-purpose broom that can remove both huge debris and fine dust.

PVC, polypropylene, microfiber, and PET are all examples of synthetic bristles. Synthetic bristles, like natural ones, come in a variety of hard and soft varieties, including microfiber and flagging variants of various plastics.

The three most popular materials used to make broom handles are plastic, metal, and wood. If the broom is going to be exposed to high or low temperatures or humidity, it’s better to use plastic or metal than wood. However, despite the fact that all of these materials may be found in lightweight versions, the best lightweight handles are rigid and do not bend under strain.

Handle

The length, thickness, and style of broom handles can all vary significantly from one another. To avoid back pain and get more leverage while sweeping, long handle lengths are recommended.

Using brooms with adjustable handles in multi-user houses is a good idea because each person may adjust the length to their own height. A telescoping handle or one or two extension parts are common on some types.

To reduce the amount of power you can apply to the broom, it is possible to weaken several adjustable joints. To prevent the handles from bending or breaking, look for joint locking devices, robust joints, and sturdy handle materials.

Weight

Sweeping a large room with a heavy broom can be exhausting. The broom’s weight is kept to about a pound thanks to the use of plastic and synthetic bristles. Lightweight brooms often have aluminum handles.

Brooms made of wood typically weigh between 2 and 2.5 pounds. Natural hair brooms function best with wood, therefore the extra weight is sometimes worth it for the improved effectiveness. When you’re sweeping an entire house, even those seemingly insignificant weight variances add up.

The broom’s weight distribution might also affect its performance. For example, push brooms with wood handles and larger broom heads can be bottom heavy, moving the center of gravity closer to the ground. The broom is now much easier to push as a result of this modification.

Sweeping with a normal broom makes it easier to handle a higher center of gravity. Brooms with lightweight synthetic bristles have a lower center of gravity and are therefore more suited for this task.

Storage

Choosing the right broom may also be influenced by how much storage space a house has. Most brooms don’t take up a lot of space in a pantry or closet with a lot of vertical storage space.

A wall-mounted broom is a great solution for tiny homes and limited storage space because of features like hanging hooks, loops, or brackets and bracing. For more compact storage, some brooms feature detachable broom heads that clip onto the handle.

In many cases, the dustpan is used to store the broom’s head. In some cases, the dustpan can be attached directly to the brush, making storage more efficient.

Dustpan

Having a dustpan attached to a broom is a big plus. So that users don’t have a game of hide-and-seek to discover the dustpan when they need it, most dustpans are attached by the broom handle.

Because dustpans that come with broom heads tend to fit better than dustpans that are purchased separately, this is a factor to consider. The broom’s width and depth are matched by the dustpan’s width and depth for better performance. Finally, purchasing the broom and dustpan together can save you money.

Cleaning can be made easier with the use of dustpans. Brush “teeth” or a rubber lip assist particles fall into the dustpan rather than under it on some versions. Long-handled dustpans with mechanisms that lock them open make it possible to clear the final dust pile without stooping to the floor or bending over.

Our Top Picks

Some of the best brooms have dustpans connected, while others have microfiber heads or rubber bristles on their heads. A wide range of options and exceptional performance make these brooms stand out. Others can be used as an all-purpose broom for hardwood floors, while others have more specialized purposes.

TreeLen Broom and Dustpan

The broom’s flagged bristles are soft and flexible, so they won’t harm your hardwood floors. With their feathery ends, the bristles collect debris, preventing it from falling back to the floor. They are all connected at this point by an ultralightweight plastic broom and dustpan. When not in use, the entire set can be stored on a broom handle hook or stowed away on a shelf.

SANGFOR Dust Pan and Broom Set

To store the broom, it is attached to the dustpan via a snap-on clip. In addition to standing, the dustpan’s flat bottom enables for hanging storage, as does the broom handle’s hook. Their combined weight is only 2.4 pounds, thanks to their plastic construction.

Swiffer Sweeper Dry Mop

It is a common choice for hardwood floor owners to use the Swiffer Sweeper. It’s easy to pull out, and it glides over any hard surface with ease.

In the crevices of the floor, the dry cloths pick up tiny dust that has settled there. To get a shining result, use a damp cloth instead of just a dry one.

One of the many things homeowners like about the Swiffer is how easy it is to assemble. Everything is included to get started right away.

Swiffer Sweeper Dry and Wet Starter Kit Dust Mop in the Dust Mops department at Lowes.com

The Pros

Thick Cloths

The Swiffer’s ease of assembly is one of its numerous appeals to homeowners. Everything you need to get started quickly is included.

Easy Assemble

Convenience is a big selling point for Swiffer, and it’s little wonder why. Getting started has never been easier.

Wrap a dry cloth around the head and secure it in place with your hands. You may simply remove and replace the cloth if it gets filthy.

If you want a more thorough clean, use a moist cloth.

Large Supply of Dry Cloths

With this kit, you’ll receive a total of 14 dry cloths. The “starting kit” in this case is perfect for getting a feel for the various pads. There are also five wet pads included in the package.

Swiffer is acquiring new admirers every day because to the starter kit, which many customers were pleased with.

Works on Multiple Surfaces

It’s best to use ultra-soft dry cloths on delicate hardwood floors. They’re also perfect for tile flooring, and may even be used on wooden surfaces like cupboards and countertops.

Unfinished wood or oiled or waxed floors should not be cleaned with the wet pads.

The Cons

Cloths Won’t Last

Because to its design, this item will need to be thrown away. The “body” of the sweeper will last, however the cloths need to be replaced frequently..

The wet pads should only be used once before being thrown away. In the long run, this could prove to be costly. However, a few people have devised ways to create the same look with different, more affordable, fabrics.

JinClean Industrial Class Cotton Dry Mop

When it comes to cleaning hardwood floors, a fast sweep across the surface can save time and effort. I love using this dry mop for this type of cleaning. It’s made of fine cotton threads that draw in dust and hair.

The added benefit of being able to sweep a larger area with the larger sweeper head is obvious. The broom is simple to assemble and the cotton sleeve may be attached in a matter of minutes.. The adjustable height makes it easier to access hard-to-reach spots.

The Pros

Gentle Cotton

Hardwood floors benefit greatly from cotton, one of the gentlest materials available.

Using a dry mop head, you may sweep across the floor and remove all of the tiny dust particles.

You may simply wash the pad with warm water and detergent if it becomes too soiled.

Quick Cleaning

Sweeping the floors is a chore that many people dread — and many parents simply do not have the time to perform. Fortunately, the 24-inch mop head helps you to cover a larger area in a single sweep. It also removes dust and shines the floors, so there’s no need to use water afterward.

Easy Assembling

You insert a metal frame into the mop sleeve to hold it in place. Using the easy-lock method, you can then attach it to the pole.

Height Adjustable

Sweeper height can be adjusted by telescoping wand. It may be changed from 34 to 59 inches in length.

This feature was highly praised by customers, who said it made the mop suitable for a wide range of people.

It’s Versatile

If you have numerous types of flooring in your home, you know how difficult it can be to locate the perfect cleaning gear. This dry mop is designed to easily transition between different types of cleaning. For hardwood, tile and even cement floors it can be utilized.

The Cons

Doesn’t Swivel

A single motion of the mop is all that is possible. Getting around obstacles like furniture and corners might be difficult.

Pole Collapses

The pole started falling as customers were cleaning it. They had to take a break and re-adjust, which was inconvenient.

O-Cedar Fast ‘N Easy Angle Broom

SWOPT Premium Smooth Surface Straight Broom Head

However, the entire weight of the broom is dependent on what kind of handle is attached to it. Hanging storage is available with all handle configurations.

OXO Large Upright Sweep Set

Using the dustpan that comes with this broom is more easier because of the longer handle, which measures 36 inches. The dustpan has a rubber lip that prevents dirt from getting under the dustpan when it is open on the floor for simple sweeping. Remove hair and other debris from bristles by combing the top of the dustpan. It weighs 2.2 pounds, and the broom features a plastic handle and a plastic dustpan. For storage, they can either stand or be hung.

O-Cedar Dual-Action Microfiber Sweeper Dust Mop

Despite the lack of an adjustable handle, the broom’s 49.5-inch handle is strong, making it easy to maneuver around and under furniture legs and cabinets. This variant has a removable head that gathers trash for machine washing. Replacement of the head is normally required after about 50 washes.

TreeLen Dustpan and Broom

The TreeLen is a convenient brush with a built-in dustpan that’s easy to use. Cleanup is a breeze, and it’s also easy to store. The two parts snap together so that you can store it upright, which saves some space.

For further sturdiness, the item is constructed of high-grade plastic. It is effective on both hardwood and carpeted surfaces. You won’t have to worry about scratching your hardwood floors thanks to the gentle bristles.

The Pros

Adjustable Length

This is an excellent alternative for tall or small people alike. The broom may be extended to a total length of 52 inches by using the provided extension pole. Because of its extended length, it’s ideal for those with mobility limitations or back trouble.

Maximum Cleanup

Among its soft bristles is a scraper and set of teeth. Cleaning up pet and human hair has never been easier thanks to this feature! Because the dustpan has a flexible lip, you don’t have to worry about the dirt and debris slipping under its lip when you sweep it into the pan.

Ease of Use

There is no need to worry about installing this broom and dustpan when it comes. So you’ll be able to go on with your day in no time. Additionally, this is a breeze to work with. Customers appreciate the ease with which they can sweep their floors.

The Cons

Broom Head Size

Many customers complain that the broom’s head is too small and suggest that it be increased in size. While this method works well for squeezing into tight spaces and nooks, it will take longer to sweep a wide floor surface.

Evriholder Furemover Squeegee Broom

When you have a pet, you have to deal with hair all of the time. Without the proper tools, it might be difficult to keep the fur at bay.

A special head on this clever broom attracts fine hairs and dust particles. With its telescoping wand, it may be used at various heights. In addition, it can be applied to a variety of surfaces.

The broom comes with an additional feature that makes it easier to clean up wet messes and spills.

The Pros

Pet Hair Eliminator

Every time you see pet hair on the floor, you’ll have to drag out a bulky vacuum cleaner. This broom, on the other hand, is easy to use and can remove a lot of hair in a single sweep.

They’re made of soft rubber, which glides over hardwood floors without causing any damage to them.

Broom and Blade

Use the broom’s blade to clean up damp messes by turning it over. This mat won’t leave stains on your flooring because it is composed of natural soft rubber.

It’s safe to use the blade on glass, windshields, and even pool decks.

Can Be Used on Multiple Surfaces

Hardwoods, tiles, and carpets are all easily interchangeable. Pet hair, dust, and dirt are easily removed with the squeegees’ ability to glide over carpets. Flat and curved surfaces can also be utilised.

Telescopic Wand

To accommodate everyone in the family, the telescopic wand extends from 36 to 60 inches. When cleaning windows or other high spots, it comes in handy as a ladder extender.

Easy to Clean

As a bonus, it’s a breeze to clean and maintain. The head should be washed whenever you feel the need to. However, the frequency with which you wash it will be determined by the amount of hair you pick up.

The Cons

Weak Handle

The head of the squeegee works perfectly, however the handle is a bit flimsy. Customers have reported having to use a wooden broomstick in its place.

O-Cedar PowerCorner Angle Broom

Tight corners are best handled with the O-Cedar PowerCorner broom. If you own a pet, you are well aware of the frustration that comes with finding pet hair in unexpected places. In addition to dust, food, and other material that accumulates in corners throughout the day, this broom is ideal for cleaning.

In order to remove fine dust and grime from difficult-to-reach areas, the angled design is essential. Every nook and cranny of your house will be spotless from now on.

PowerCorner® Max Angle Broom with Dust Pan | Household Cleaning Products Made for Easy Cleaning | O-Cedar®

The Pros

Double Bristle Technology

The bristles of this broom are arranged in two rows. The black bristles on this brush are strong, and they work hard to remove dirt from crevices. Afterwards, the gray bristles, which are semi-soft, catch and move dirt so that you may quickly sweep it up. According to the term “memory bristles,” these brushes don’t bend or lose their shape.

Picks up More Dirt

This is a wonderful option if you’re fed up with your brooms leaving behind shards of dirt and debris. Using the flare tips, even the tiniest particles of dust and hair are caught. As you sweep the floor, the twin bristle technology keeps a firm grip on it.

Clicks Together

With one click, the broom and dustpan are attached. Secure and convenient storage is provided by this. Your dustpan will never be lost again! This new feature is hugely popular with customers. In addition, it frees up a small amount of storage space.

The Cons

Not for Outdoor Use

For obvious reasons, having an all-purpose brush comes in handy for just about everyone. The O-Cedar broom, on the other hand, isn’t built to survive the elements. When a customer tried to use it on patio bricks, the pressure shattered the broom. So this isn’t the broom for you if you’re looking for something that can do everything.

Dustpan Disappointment

With the dustpan, many people have no problem picking up dirt. For this reason, the rubber seal is designed to be permanently affixed to the floor. The rubber seal, on the other hand, isn’t reliable for certain clients. Because of the way it bends in the middle, dust collects beneath the pan rather than on top of it.

Simple Steps for Cleaning and Caring for Hardwood Floors

Hardwood floors are a stunning element in any home, whether they are coupled with rugs or left alone. To maintain a floor’s luster, it’s important to keep it clean and free of stains, dust, footprints, and other blemishes. Why not? That’s why we’ve compiled a list of basic suggestions on how to care for hardwood floors, including how often to clean, what to use, and what to avoid.

Tips for Caring for Hardwood Floors

  • Wood floors should be swept often with a fine-bristle broom.
  • Remove dirt and sand using a vacuum at least once or twice a week. To avoid scratching, use a brush attachment with a soft bristle.
  • If you want to keep your wood floor in good condition, make sure you don’t let it sit in any water. Use soft towels or a wet/dry vacuum to quickly remove any liquid spills, and then completely dry the area.
  • When mopping polyurethaned wood floors, use a very dry damp mop to prevent water from seeping into seams and ruining the floor.
  • Think about installing carpet runners over wood flooring in high-traffic areas.
  • So that dirt doesn’t get sucked into the weave and harm the wood underneath, vacuum your area rugs and runners on a regular basis.
  • If possible, avoid wearing high heels or heavy shoes on hardwood floors.
  • Do not drag anything across a wood floor, even furniture. If you don’t have time to completely clean the floor, use “gliding” furniture pads to help the piece slide across the surface.
  • Ensure that you don’t bring in dirt from the bottoms of your shoes by installing floor mats at each door.
  • It is critical that you treat flooring scratches and dents in accordance with the manufacturer’s instructions. It may be tough to repair a water-damaged portion of the finish.
  • Under the legs of tables and chairs, as well as the feet of dressers and armoires, insert furniture pads to absorb shock. You can get them from your neighborhood hardware store or home improvement center.
  • Some flooring may need to be waxed and buffed on a regular basis. Consult with the manufacturer to find out the best practices for your particular floor.
  • For high traffic areas, use area rugs.
  • Always clean up any spills as soon as they occur. Be careful not to allow excessive amounts of water to accumulate on your floors.
  • Find out from the manufacturer what kind of cleaning and maintenance is required for your particular floor.

How Do You Sweep Hardwood Floors?

Get organized and stick to your plan. Sweeping should be done at least twice a week, if not more frequently.

The best way to dust is as follows:

  1. Begin by dusting the ceiling and the windows, then work your way down. This is to prevent any dust from returning to the area you just swept through.
  2. Divide your room into sections that run from one side to the other, all the way to the door. You don’t need any tools to do this, but simply your thoughts.
  3. Invest on a good broom with one-direction, soft bristles.
  4. Keep to your parts as you sweep the farthest away from the entrance. In comparison to random mobility, it will save you time and energy.
  5. Sweep each mound of dirt into a dustpan using quick strokes.
  6. You may want to take appliances and furniture off the floor and move them to the other side of the room if possible. Some dirt and debris will be left behind when you dust around them.
  7. After you’ve finished sweeping, wash and dry your broom with soap and water before storing it.

After you’ve swept, it’s a good idea to use a damp-dry mop to clean the floor. With this, even the tiniest dirt particles that could not be swept will be removed.

It will also freshen the air in your home. Using a vacuum cleaner on a weekly or monthly basis, and either steam cleaning or mopping with your preferred cleaner, deep clean your home.

Is It Better to Sweep or Vacuum Hardwood Floors?

Compared to sweeping, vacuuming is a much faster and more efficient way to dust a hardwood floor. Using a vacuum cleaner, you can clean the tiniest specks of dirt and hair that can’t be swept away.

HEPA filters are used in high-tech vacuums to remove allergens.

For hardwood floors, cordless vacuums come equipped with additional attachments that allow you to clean in places that other techniques cannot.

Some of the dust is dispersed in the air when traditional brooms are used to sweep. Allergy sufferers may have to deal with this.

Fortunately, modern brooms come in a wide variety of styles and purposes, so you won’t have any issues utilizing one on your hardwood floors.

There are many different types of vacuum cleaners, and the improper one can end up damaging your floor. Vacuums with beater bars should not be used on wood floors because they could damage the finish.

Robotic vacuums are commonly used in households to keep wood floors clean. Their clever control and navigation functions make them extremely convenient.

Wi-Fi and an app on your phone allow you to control them while you’re away.

Tips for dusting a hardwood floor

  • Maintain a regular cleaning routine, such as once a day or once a week for thorough cleaning.
  • Regular cleaning with a soft, fine-bristle brush or dust mop is recommended, as is cleaning before mopping.
  • Once a week, use a vacuum to remove fine dirt and pet hair. Avoid scratching by using a brush attachment with a soft bristle.
  • Wet spills, such as water, should be damped off with a dry cloth and then vacuumed up dry.
  • In order to keep the polyurethane surface dry, use a damp-dry mop when mopping.
  • If you have rugs in areas that see a lot of traffic, you should vacuum them more often.
  • To avoid scuffing your shoes, don’t wear them while walking.
  • Objects such as furniture and appliances should not be dragged across a wood floor.
  • To prevent soil from being brought in by shoes, install floor mats at the entryway.
  • Install padding under the legs of your furniture to protect it from minor scratches.
  • On a regular basis, replace the filters in your vacuum cleaner.
  • Maintain your wood floor in accordance with the manufacturer’s instructions.

FAQs About Brooms for Hardwood Floors

Keeping hardwood floors clean may become a hot topic thanks to new innovations in cleaning gear. Answers to frequently asked questions regarding utilizing brooms to clean hardwood floors can be found here.

Q: What is the best way to sweep hardwood floors?

Starting at the room’s edge and working your way in, is the ideal method for sweeping hardwood floors. Every so often, if not more frequently. If you have a pet, you may need to sweep more frequently than if you don’t. If you live in a house with a lot of traffic, twice a week may suffice.

Q: Is it OK to use a broom on hardwood floors?

On hardwood floors, brooms are a great tool for cleaning. To prevent hair, filth, and dust from settling on the floor, be sure to pick a broom with soft flagged bristles.

Q: How often should you change your broom?

The frequency and manner in which a broom is used determine how long it will last before needing to be replaced. They will naturally wear out more quickly if used on a hard surface like a pavement or a concrete floor. Keeping a broom in constant use will also shorten its lifespan. Depending on how frequently you use the broom, you may need to change it every few months, once a year, or once every few years.

Examine closely for evidence of wear like cracked or twisted bristles. Whenever the broom begins to fail, it’s time to buy a new one.

Helen Skeates

Helen Skeates

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