Old brooms often end up discarded and forgotten once their bristles become worn out or the handle weakens. But before you toss that broom away, consider this simple, homemade trick that can give your old broom a new lease on life and turn it into a surprisingly useful tool around the house.
This article shares a practical and eco-friendly method to repurpose your old broom, saving you money and reducing waste while enhancing your cleaning routine.
Why You Should Keep Your Old Broom
It’s easy to discard an old broom when it no longer sweeps effectively or looks worn. However, many brooms are made with sturdy handles and bristles that can still serve useful purposes even when they’re no longer suitable for regular sweeping.
Repurposing old household items like brooms is a great way to minimize waste and be environmentally responsible. Plus, a little creativity can transform something old into something surprisingly useful.
The Golden Homemade Trick: Transforming Your Old Broom
This trick involves refreshing and reinforcing your broom so it regains cleaning power or turns into a versatile household tool. Here’s how to do it:
Step 1: Clean the Broom Thoroughly
Start by cleaning the broom bristles and handle.
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Remove any debris, dust, or hair tangled in the bristles. Use a comb or your fingers to pull out stuck dirt.
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Wash the bristles in warm soapy water, then rinse thoroughly. Let the broom dry completely before proceeding.
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Wipe the handle clean with a damp cloth and check for cracks or splinters.
Step 2: Trim and Shape the Bristles
Over time, broom bristles splay and lose their shape, making sweeping inefficient.
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Use sharp scissors to trim the bristles evenly, removing frayed ends and restoring a flat, uniform edge.
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You can also trim the bristles into a specific shape depending on the cleaning task — for example, angled or rounded edges for corners or narrow spaces.
Step 3: Reinforce the Handle (Optional)
If the broom handle feels loose or weak, reinforce it for durability.
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Wrap the handle near the bristle base with strong tape or cord for extra support.
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For wooden handles, apply wood glue to any cracks or loose parts and clamp until dry.
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Sand any rough areas to prevent splinters.
Step 4: Apply Homemade Conditioning Solution
To restore flexibility and cleanliness to the bristles, use a natural conditioning mixture:
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Mix equal parts of warm water and white vinegar with a tablespoon of olive oil or natural conditioner.
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Dip the bristles briefly in the mixture or spray it on generously.
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Let the broom dry fully in a well-ventilated area.
This treatment helps soften the bristles and reduces static, making the broom more efficient at picking up dust and hair.
Step 5: Repurpose Your Old Broom
Once refreshed, your broom can serve multiple purposes beyond just sweeping floors:
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Outdoor cleaning: Use the sturdier bristles for patios, decks, or garage floors where tougher debris accumulates.
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Cobweb remover: The long handle and bristles are perfect for reaching high corners and ceiling cobwebs.
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Garden tool: Use the broom to sweep leaves or light debris from garden paths or patios.
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Pet hair remover: Brush pet hair off carpets or upholstery with the broom’s conditioned bristles.
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DIY tool: Cut the handle down to make a handheld brush or use the handle for crafting projects.
Additional Tips for Extending Broom Life
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Store your broom hanging or bristle-side up to avoid bending or deforming the bristles.
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Regularly clean and condition the bristles to maintain performance.
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Rotate between multiple brooms if possible to reduce wear on a single broom.
Environmental and Cost Benefits
Repurposing your broom rather than throwing it away has clear advantages:
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Reduces landfill waste: Household items like brooms often end up in landfills, contributing to environmental harm. Repurposing helps reduce this impact.
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Saves money: Avoid buying a new broom frequently by extending the life of your current one.
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Encourages sustainable living: Small habits like this promote a more eco-conscious lifestyle.
Final Thoughts
Your old broom still has plenty of life left if you know how to care for and repurpose it. This golden homemade trick not only revitalizes your broom but also broadens its uses around your home and garden. Instead of discarding your worn-out broom, try these simple steps to save money, reduce waste, and make cleaning easier.
Give it a try—you’ll never look at your old broom the same way again!