When was the last time you got excited about brooms? Let me guess: Never. 😂 Because in the life of a pet parent, “sweeping excitement” usually refers to Fido's latest antics—not the broom in the closet.
But hold onto your dustpans, and don’t go anywhere just yet!
This topic is particularly relevant in the quest for a clean (and fur-free) home. So join us as we navigate different broom types and guide you to the best for your daily needs.
Your options
It's not slim pickings! Luckily, there's no need to resort to trial and error. 😅 We've summarised critical details before you add to cart.
Traditional corn broom
This is what immediately comes to mind when you think of a broom. (And witches.) These guys are long-handled, made of natural materials—sorghum or millet for bristles—bundled and stitched together.
Pros:
- A durable, solid body with thick, rigid bristles makes them sturdy cleaning companions.
- A budget-friendly choice for indoor and outdoor use (although premium-grade Japanese ones can cost a mind-boggling US$10,000! 😵)
- Classic corn brooms are biodegradable.
Cons:
- Hairs can get tangled in coarse and wiry broom fibres; they are often less effective at capturing fine particles like spilt sugar.
- They’re challenging to clean and prone to mildew if allowed to stay wet!
- Bristles soften over time.
Best for: General surface cleaning of dry messes, preferably outdoors on uneven or ragged surfaces where a quick and rough job suffices.
Asian straw broom
These are wide-based brooms—often hand-crafted—made from eco-friendly materials like tiger grass and bamboo. Their bristles are typically soft with a fan-shaped head.
Pros:
- Lightweight and safe to use on all floor types.
- Long, soft bristles allow you to get into corners and easily manoeuvre around furniture.
- Useful indoors and outdoors.
Cons:
- They shed bristles, come undone, or lose shape over time—and they can kick up, rather than attract, pet hairs as you sweep.
- The short body means hunching over and straining your back.
- Dry sweeping only and definitely not for carpets.
Best for: Indoor sweeping of dry dirt and debris, especially on scratch-prone floors and surfaces.
Rubber broom
This is the workhorse of the broom family. There are many variations with bristles made from synthetic materials like nylon, polypropylene, or PET (recycled materials).
Pros:
- Modern bristle technology is particularly efficacious against pet hair and dander.
- Equally effective on dry and wet surfaces, indoors and outdoors, without compromising bristle integrity or product performance!
- Easy to clean and disinfect.
Cons:
- Product quality varies significantly.
- Some designs can be clunky.
- If poorly-built, removable broom heads and/or telescopic handles can fall off during use or fail to screw on tightly.
Best for: Pet parents, pet groomers, and hairdressers seeking a versatile, all-around broom perfect for carpets and diverse surfaces; ideal for everyday maintenance and deep cleaning.
Whisk broom
A small, short, and stiff-bristled broom.
Pros:
- Sturdy and long-lasting.
- Handy, compact, and ideal for tight spaces—including storage purposes!
- Available in different materials.
Cons:
- Depending on the bristles, they can snag against sensitive fabrics.
- Inappropriate for sweeping up heavy debris.
Best for: Quick and light cleaning tasks, to brush clothing, fabric upholstery, and window screens, or for cramped spaces like couch crevices, cupboards, and cars.
Reminders
Driven by convenience or the lure of a bargain, we often overlook what matters most: Matching broom to purpose! Here are 5 reminders to keep you on track.
- Assess your floors: Different floor types need different broom bristles.
- Check the mess: Know what you'll be using the broom for.
- Ergonomics matter: Consider weight, height, and design.
- Evaluate hygiene: Fibres should be durable and easy to clean.
- Storage: Find a sleek broom with built-in features (like a squeegee and detachable head).
The best broom for everyday pet parenting
Each type of broom has its merits, but none match the practicality of a rubber broom. And, in the realm of rubber brooms for pet parents, none will win your heart quite like ours. 💚
Consider the case of Hannah and her pup, Gary. She used to vacuum every day—until she discovered the PetLab Rubber Broom!
Here’s how our broom stacks up against the rest.
✨ Designed for pet parents: A team player that adapts to the diverse challenges (in all shapes, sizes, and consistencies) that come with fur babies.
✨ Versatile: From scattered kitty litter to wet spills—this broom never leaves you high and dry in your moment of need.
✨ Engineered for comfort: Glides through your home (like greased lightning) for strain-free cleaning. Because we've truly got your back!
✨ Universal: Gentle on hardwood, uncompromising on tiles, and robust in a jungle of fur-ridden carpet fibres.
✨ An ally against allergies: Captures hair and dander for a spotless, healthier home.
Maybe brooms can spark joy after all! 😉 So why wait to transform your daily cleaning routine? Sweep up your very own PetLab Rubber Broom today!
