In general, it is best to remove scotch broom as soon as possible, before it takes over an area. Scotch broom has become so pervasive on some public lands in the Pacific Northwest that there have been efforts to control it. In addition, it can produce copious amounts of hard seed that remain dormant until a fire or other disturbance has disrupted the soil, aiding it to spread. Scotch broom can also increase soil erosion due to its shallow root system, which leaves the soil more vulnerable to wind and water erosion. It is a highly competitive species, out-competing native plants for space, light and nutrients. Scotch broom is a perennial shrub that grows up to 10 feet tall and can form dense thickets. It was introduced as an ornamental plant in the Pacific Northwest of the United States and Canada for erosion control, but it has spread quickly and aggressively throughout much of the United States and Canada. Note that some dustpans feature a rubberized lip, which helps dirt stay in place once it’s been swept up.Yes, scotch broom is an invasive plant. Outdoors, you may not need one if you are comfortable sweeping dirt and debris into the yard or street. Dustpans are most often necessary indoors. Some brooms come with long-handled dustpans that enable you to gather up dust without bending over, while others are equipped with a detachable dustpan. Their extra-wide brush heads can be especially helpful when sweeping driveways and walkways free of pine needles, grass clippings, and other yard debris. A push broom is typically best for outdoor use. Angled lobby brooms are mainly used indoors and in garages and workshops. Indoor or Outdoor Useīrooms are usually intended for indoor use, outdoor use, or both. These brooms can get into corners and under furniture and can rid hard surfaces of hair, dust, and food crumbs. Since the tips won’t get clogged and matted together, consider an unflagged broom for your kitchen, bathroom, or garage.Īlso, a note on angled brushes: Broom heads of this type feature bristles-either flagged or unflagged-that are cut on a slight diagonal. Unflagged bristles are not split at the ends, and are best for rough surfaces, moist areas, and heavier debris.You can use a flagged broom to great effect on hardwood floors and other smooth flooring surfaces, like stairs, bedrooms, and hallways. Flagged bristlesare split at the ends, creating a frayed surface that sucks up fine dirt and dust.The synthetic types of material most commonly used are PET (a type of plastic), PVC (polyvinyl chloride), and polypropylene, as well as proprietary synthetic blends.īoth natural bristles and synthetic bristles come in two main types: flagged and unflagged. 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.
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