Today, bristles can still be made of these plant-based fibers, but most commercial brands use synthetic fibers due to their low cost and high durability. Bristle Type and Brush Angleīroom bristles are traditionally made of stiff, all-natural fibers, including twigs, cornhusks, and plant fibers like yucca, rattan, and ixtle, a fibrous plant native to Mexico.

Push brooms are most helpful outdoors when cleaning large swaths of decking, driveways, and walkways. In contrast, push brooms have wide block heads with medium-length bristles that you push away from you. Lobby brooms are mostly used indoors or for light-duty workshop and garage clear-ups. They have long bristles and shallow heads that you pull toward you, rather than push away from you. Lobby brooms are what we typically think of as a traditional broom. Keep the following considerations in mind as you navigate the available options. What to Look for in the Best Broomīuying a broom isn’t always straightforward. Brooms-particularly those with sturdy synthetic bristles-are better equipped than dust mops to clean rough surfaces like stone, concrete, cement, and brick. However, if you only have space for one, a broom may prove more versatile-especially if it’s a broom intended for both indoor and outdoor use. Many people like to have both a dust mop and a broom on hand. Brooms do require a dustpan unless you intend to sweep debris out the door or into the yard. Microfiber, in particular, is excellent at picking up dust, pollen, and even bacteria from hard surfaces, often without needing to use additional cleaning products or a dustpan. Long-handled like a broom, a dust mop’s flat head is covered in cotton or microfiber cloth, not regular broom bristles. While brooms are the go-to for sweeping hard floors, dust mops are popular for their ease of use and additional dusting applications. Photo: Which Works Best: Broom or Dust Mop?ĭust mops and brooms are easily confused with one another, but they serve different roles in cleaning.

Outdoor broom for leaves