- Some TikTok users claim trimming your broom will expand its life.
- Cleaning experts reveal whether it's recommended, plus tips on how to store your broom.
Social media is full of so-called hacks and advice, especially when it comes to cleaning. #CleanTok — TikTok's hashtag for all-things-cleaning — has taken over feeds with everything from laundry tips to viral product recommendations and beyond.
While some of it might be helpful, it can be difficult to parse through what's not (and what might actually be causing more harm than good). As a home editor who has tested TikTok-approved products like the damp duster and electric cleaning brush, I always like to dig a little deeper before adding a hack to my cleaning routine.
When I scrolled past a few videos of users trimming their brooms with just a pair of scissors, I was skeptical. The idea is simple — trim off the frayed or uneven ends so that your broom lasts longer. But is it actually recommended?
To get to the bottom of the broom trimming debate, I spoke to a few cleaning experts. Read on for whether or not you should trim your broom, plus how to keep it in the best shape possible.
Should You Trim Your Broom?
The answer is both yes and no. According to Katie Konopka, senior product manager for brooms at O-Cedar, you should not trim your broom, particularly if it's made of synthetic fibers: "Most broom manufacturers, including O-Cedar, flag the ends of the broom’s bristles. Flagging means they split the ends of each bristle, similar to what you might imagine when thinking about split ends in your hair. Flagged bristles make the broom fuller, and therefore more efficient in each sweep, leaving less dust and debris behind. Unlike the split hairs on your head, you don’t want to trim these off of your broom, as you’ll lose sweeping performance."
However, that doesn't necessarily mean trimming is off limits for all brooms. Becky Rapinchuk, also known as Clean Mama, recommends the process only for natural fiber brooms. "Trimming removes damaged ends and helps maintain the broom's sweeping efficiency. A well-maintained natural fiber broom can last years longer with occasional trimming," says Rapinchuk.
Tips for Trimming
If you do choose to trim your natural fiber broom, keep these tips in mind before whipping out the scissors.
- Don't trim too much: Rapinchuk recommends trimming only uneven ends. "Trim straight across to maintain an even sweeping surface," she says.
- Use sharp scissors: For a clean cut, make sure to avoid dull shears.
- Rinse after trimming: Clean off any debris with a quick rinse. "Allow it to dry completely before using," says Rapinchuk.
How to Store a Broom
Although you shouldn't give synthetic fiber brooms a haircut, there are plenty of other ways you can keep them alive and thriving for longer.
"Store it in a way that avoids bending or flexing of the bristles. We recommend hanging it from its handle or storing it upside down (head up). Occasionally clean your broom by combing out tangled debris and giving it a wash with mild soap and water," says Konopka.
Laura Millar (she/her) is the assistant lifestyle editor for Good Housekeeping, where she covers home design. Prior to joining Good Housekeeping in 2024, she wrote for NBC's TODAY.com, where she covered everything from entertainment news to pop culture updates.
