How to Sweep 2

by Mary Ann Romans | More from this Blogger

13 Apr 2009 12:26 PM

Okay, so we have got the basics out of the way when it comes to how to sweep quickly and efficiently. Now here is more, including notes on technique and how to pick that dirt up.

Sweep this way

While sweeping may seem somewhat instinctive, you'll have better results if you hold the broom with one hand on top of the handle and the other hand toward the middle of the broom. Think of it as though you are holding a canoe paddle. To get a good sweeping done, push your hands in opposite directions. This will give you a powerful sweeping stroke.

Picking it up

After you are done sweeping, you will need to pick up the crumbs, dirt, dust, etc. A good quality dustpan can do the trick. Get one with a long handle so you won't have to reach down all of the time to pick up the dirt. One of the things that really annoys me about dustpans, though, is that line or dirt that you always get at the end. It seems that no matter how hard you try, that line never disappears. One way to combat this line of dirt is to choose a dustpan that contains a rubber edge. The rubber edge is flexible enough to help lead the dust right into the dustpan.

Another solution I have found is to skip the dustpan altogether and simply use a mini handheld vacuum, such as a Dustbuster. Our Dustbuster is placed conveniently in its charger in the kitchen to make it readily available.

Storing your broom

The best way to store a broom is with the handle down and the bristles up. This makes the bristles last much longer, protecting the bristles from getting bent during storage. It also makes the broom easier to find. Personally, I only half follow this advice myself. For our outdoor broom that doesn't get as much use, we store it handle down. For the inside broom, which gets used several times a day, the bristles are down because the broom is propped up in a corner where it can be reached.

Mary Ann Romans writes about everything related to saving money in the Frugal Blog, creating a home in the Home Blog, caring for little ones in the Baby Blog and now relationships in the Marriage Blog. You can read more of her articles by clicking here or subscribe to the blog using the subscription box on the right.

Related Articles:

Hiring a Professional Cleaner? Questions to Ask

Frugal Spring Cleaning: Taking Advantage of Nature

Spring Cleaning Tips

Spring Cleaning Time

Save Money While Spring Cleaning: Use What You Have

Low Cost Recipes

Best Frugal Food Ingredients 2

Frugal Homemade Seasoning Recipes

Helpful Household Tips

Helpful Household Tips 2

Learn more about Mary Ann Romans

Mary Ann Romans is a freelance writer, wife and mother of three children. She lives in Pennsylvania with her husband, the kids and a 16-pound cat.

View Full Profile | More from this Blogger