Keeping your Libman broom clean is essential for effective sweeping and extending its lifespan. The most effective way to deep clean your broom involves a simple soak in warm, soapy water after clearing initial debris.
1. Initial Debris Removal
Before any wet cleaning, ensure you remove as much loose debris as possible from your broom's bristles. This preliminary step makes the deep cleaning process much more effective.
- Shake It Out: Vigorously shake the broom outdoors or over a large trash can to dislodge dust, hair, and larger pieces of dirt caught in the fibers.
- Utilize Dustpan Teeth: If you own a Libman Step On Dustpan, make full use of its built-in teeth. These are specifically designed to comb through the broom fibers and effectively remove embedded debris like pet hair, lint, and strings, preparing the broom for a deeper clean.
2. Deep Cleaning with Soap and Water
This method is recommended at least once a month to keep your broom hygienic, efficient, and prevent dirt from accumulating and spreading.
Supplies Needed
| Item | Purpose |
|---|---|
| Large Bucket | To hold the cleaning solution and soak bristles |
| Warm Water | To create an effective cleaning solution |
| Mild Dish Soap | Gentle yet powerful cleaning agent |
| Clean Cloth | For wiping the broom handle (optional) |
Step-by-Step Cleaning Process
- Prepare the Solution: Fill a large bucket with warm water. Add a generous amount of mild dish soap to the water, then swirl gently to create suds.
- Soak the Bristles: Submerge only the broom's bristles into the soapy water. It's important to avoid soaking the handle, especially if it's made of wood, to prevent potential damage like warping or deterioration. Let the bristles soak for at least 30 minutes; for heavily soiled brooms, an hour might be more beneficial.
- Agitate (Optional): While soaking, you can gently swish the broom around in the water or use your hands (wearing protective gloves) to work the soap thoroughly into the bristles and help dislodge stubborn dirt.
- Rinse Thoroughly: Remove the broom from the soapy water. Rinse the bristles under a steady stream of clean, warm water until all soap residue is completely gone and the water runs clear. Thorough rinsing is crucial to prevent the bristles from becoming stiff or attracting more dirt due to residue buildup.
- Dry Completely: Shake off any excess water from the bristles. Hang the broom upside down or stand it upright with the bristles off the ground in a well-ventilated area to air dry completely. Ensure the broom is fully dry before storing or using it again to prevent mildew growth or bristle damage.
- Tip: Drying outdoors in sunlight can help sanitize the bristles and speed up the drying process, but avoid prolonged direct sun exposure, which can degrade certain bristle materials over time.
3. Maintaining Your Broom's Cleanliness
Regular maintenance significantly extends the life of your broom and reduces the frequency needed for deep cleaning, making your overall cleaning routine more efficient.
- After Each Use: Give your broom a quick shake outdoors or over a trash can to remove surface dust and debris. If you have a Libman dustpan with teeth, a quick comb-through is highly beneficial for dislodging trapped hair and lint.
- Proper Storage: Store your broom by hanging it up or standing it upright with the bristles off the floor. This prevents the bristles from bending, flattening, or deforming, which can significantly impair sweeping performance over time. For more tips on maintaining your cleaning tools, consider resources like The Spruce's guide on how to store a broom.
- Spot Cleaning: For small spills, sticky residues, or specific dirty spots on the bristles, a damp cloth with a little dish soap can be used for targeted cleaning without needing a full soak. For general best practices in keeping your cleaning tools in top shape, refer to guides such as Martha Stewart's cleaning tool maintenance tips.
By following these simple yet effective steps, you can keep your Libman broom clean, hygienic, and ready to tackle any mess, ensuring it remains an effective and long-lasting tool in your cleaning arsenal.
