Brooms Across Cultures: A Green Cleaning Tradition

Near my home in Jamaica, we had a coconut tree that we would always look forward to picking when the coconuts were ripe. The water from the coconut was milky white and sweet, the flesh soft and so slippery it seemed to just melt in our mouths. But for us, coconuts were not only good for eating. The husk could be dried and turned into a brush to polish our brown tile floors.

It meant going on our hands and knees to go over every inch of the floor with wax and brush, but when we were done the floor shined.  We didn’t have a vacuum cleaner or an electronic polisher. What we had, we obtained from nature. As for other cleaning tools, we simply used recycled materials. We would use old rags and towels as well as sponges to clean. As for what we used to sweep the floor, well we had our own delivery man for that.

Occasionally “The Broom Man,” as we called him, would pass by our house, which was at the bottom of a steep incline, and we would buy “straw” brooms to sweep the floor. The brooms, which were made from the dried fronds of coconut palms and a type of coarse grass or straw, were always tightly bound and sturdy. They would last for a while, but eventually they would begin to shed, and we had to buy another one.

I never used a vacuum cleaner until I came to America and in truth, I swept the floor first when there is heavier debris then vacuum. And when a vacuum stops working while I was on the job (which was often enough to make having a broom a requirement), I returned to using the trusty broom.

The broom is an essential tool that has been used for cleaning in households around the world for centuries. And the demand for them is steadily increasing in both homes and workplaces such as hotels, hospitals and offices, according to a 2025 broom market report.

While their designs and materials may vary, the core function of brooms remains the same: to sweep away dirt, dust, and debris.

As we move towards sustainable and eco-friendly living, understanding how brooms were historically used in different cultures can offer insights into green cleaning practices. In this blog, we’ll explore how brooms were utilized in various cultures and how they have adapted to modern green cleaning practices.

The Origins: The First Sweepers of the Ancient World

The broom is one of the oldest tools used by humans, with its roots dating back to ancient civilizations. Early brooms were made from materials that were both locally sourced and biodegradable, making them a precursor to today’s environmentally conscious cleaning tools.

In ancient China, for example, brooms were made from bamboo, reeds, twigs ─ materials that were abundant and sustainable. These brooms were effective for cleaning both homes and streets and are still used in traditional cleaning methods in many rural areas today. By choosing materials that were renewable and readily available, ancient cultures practiced a form of “green cleaning” long before it became a modern movement.

In ancient Egypt, people used broom-like tools crafted from bundled palm fronds, while the Greeks and Romans developed their own versions made from twigs and animal hair. These early brooms were essential for sweeping the dirt floors of homes, palaces, and public spaces.

European Brooms: From Witchcraft to Eco-Friendly Innovation

In Europe, brooms have a rich cultural significance, often associated with folklore and rituals. The traditional “witch’s broom” was a symbol of witches flying on their broomsticks, but the broom itself was primarily a practical household item. In medieval times, brooms were typically handmade from bundles of twigs, often sourced from locally available trees such as birch or willow. These twigs were tied together to form a functional, sustainable cleaning tool.

The use of natural materials for brooms in European cultures highlighted the resourcefulness of communities long before the industrialization of cleaning products. As people began to prioritize more sustainable options in the 20th century, the shift back to using these materials like wood, straw, and palm for brooms became part of the green cleaning movement.

Native American Traditions: Sacred Brooms and Sustainable Practices

Indigenous cultures in North America also utilized brooms, but their use extended beyond mere cleaning. Many Native American communities made brooms from bundles of dried grasses or corn husks, materials that were not only effective for sweeping but were also considered sacred. The design of these brooms was a testament to the respect for natural resources, as every part of the plant was used efficiently, leaving little waste.

For Native Americans, the broom was not just a cleaning tool ─ it was part of a larger ethos of sustainable living. Today, this tradition of using natural, renewable materials in cleaning tools aligns perfectly with the principles of green cleaning, emphasizing the importance of reducing waste and living in harmony with the environment.

Brooms in African Traditions: More Than Just Tools

In many African cultures, brooms are far more than cleaning tools—they carry deep symbolic and spiritual meaning. Traditionally handwoven from natural grasses or palm fronds, these brooms are often used in rituals to cleanse spaces. In parts of West Africa, for example, handcrafted brooms made of grass or palm fibers are often used in rituals to sweep away negative energy or evil spirits, symbolizing a fresh start. These brooms are sometimes beautifully decorated and passed down through generations, highlighting their cultural importance. In Some rural communities, a broom's design can even signify the region or tribe from which it originates. They are often crafted with care and passed down through generations. These brooms represent respect for the home, community and ancestors - and they are deeply ties to cultural identity.

Jumping the Broom: A wedding Tradition With Roots

Many have heard the phrase "jumping the broom" in relation to weddings. This tradition, with roots in African and African American heritage, symbolizes the sweeping away of the old and the start of a new life together. During the ceremony, couples jump over a broom laid on the ground to celebrate a moment of joy, unity and remembrance - honoring ancestors who used the custom during times when legal marriage was not permitted to enslaved African Americans. Today, "jumping the broom" has been reclaimed and celebrated in many weddings as a way to connect with heritage and love's enduring strength.

Asian Influences: Sustainability and the Art of Sweeping

In Japan and other parts of Asia, brooms have long been used for both cleaning and maintaining harmony in the home. The Japanese broom, known as the “houki,” is traditionally made from straw, bamboo, or palm fronds. These materials are not only sustainable but also light and flexible, making them ideal for sweeping fine dust and debris.

In addition to their practicality, the act of sweeping itself holds deep cultural significance in many Asian cultures. In Japan, for example, there is a spiritual element to cleaning, with the belief that cleaning purifies the home and mind. This practice of sweeping with a natural, eco-friendly broom aligns well with green cleaning principles, focusing on simplicity, mindfulness, and sustainability.

The Evolution: Industrialization and the Standardization of the Broom

By the 16th century, brooms had become more standardized. In Europe, broom-making techniques were refined, and brooms began to be crafted more efficiently. This period saw the introduction of new materials, such as corn husks and broomcorn ─ an ideal plant for creating the bristles of a broom. This shift marked the beginning of the broom’s evolution into a more recognizable, functional tool that could last longer and withstand repeated use.

However, the 19th century marked a major turning point in the broom’s evolution. As industrialization took hold, mass production methods revolutionized the way brooms were made. Instead of laboriously handcrafting each broom, the machine could mass-produce brooms quickly and efficiently. This mechanization also marked the dawn of synthetic bristles, including artificial materials like horsehair and later, plastic bristles. These materials were not only more cost-effective to produce but also more durable and able to withstand heavy use. By the 20th century, plastic brooms had become widely available, and the broom had firmly planted itself as a household staple.

But as the world moved toward synthetic materials, the environmental impact of plastic became a growing concern. Brooms with plastic bristles, while effective in cleaning, were non-biodegradable and contributed to growing amounts of waste in landfills. As environmental awareness spread, it became clear that the broom’s evolution had to align with the world’s increasing demand for sustainability.

The Green Revolution: Brooms Made for the Environment

In response to this demand, the broom underwent yet another transformation, one that focused on reducing environmental impact while maintaining the broom’s primary function: sweeping dirt and dust.

Enter the sustainable broom, which is crafted from biodegradable, renewable materials. The eco-friendly broom’s handle is often made from bamboo, a fast-growing, renewable resource that is strong, lightweight, and naturally resistant to moisture. Bamboo handles are not only a more sustainable alternative to plastic or wood, but they are also incredibly durable and long-lasting.

The bristles of modern brooms have also seen a shift toward natural materials. Many green cleaning companies now offer brooms made with natural fibers such as corn husk, coconut husk, and palm leaf fibers. These bristles are biodegradable and perform just as well as their synthetic counterparts. For example, corn husk, which has been used for centuries, is still one of the most common materials for broom bristles today. It is tough enough to collect dirt, yet soft enough to use on delicate floors without causing damage.

Another eco-friendly development is the rise of recycled plastic brooms. While these brooms may still feature plastic bristles, the material used to create them comes from repurposed plastic waste, often sourced from ocean cleanups or post-consumer recycled plastic. This innovative approach helps reduce the amount of plastic waste entering landfills and oceans while still providing a long-lasting, effective cleaning tool.

Additionally, some companies have focused on designing zero-waste brooms, which feature replaceable heads. This allows users to keep the broom handle for much longer while swapping out the worn-out bristle heads, reducing unnecessary waste and extending the lifespan of the tool.

Brooms in the Commercial World: Hotels, Restaurants, and Green Businesses

The green cleaning movement is not just limited to residential cleaning. Many businesses, particularly hotels, restaurants, and commercial cleaning services, have embraced eco-friendly brooms as part of their commitment to sustainability. These brooms are being used not only to minimize environmental impact but also to promote healthier, non-toxic environments for their employees and customers.

For instance, several eco-conscious hotels, such as The Viceroy Hotel and Resorts in Colorado and The Cliffs at Princeville in Hawaii, have adopted green cleaning practices that include using natural cleaning tools like bamboo-handled brooms with coconut husk bristles. These businesses understand that adopting green cleaning practices is essential to minimizing their carbon footprint while providing a cleaner, healthier environment for guests and staff alike.

Restaurants, too, are making the switch. Many sustainable dining establishments now use eco-friendly brooms in their kitchens and dining areas to sweep away food scraps and debris without contributing to the growing problem of plastic waste. In doing so, they are aligning their operational practices with the values of their eco-conscious clientele, further enhancing their reputation as sustainable businesses.

The Modern Green Cleaning Movement

As more companies and individuals prioritize zero-waste, biodegradable, and reusable products, the broom will likely continue to embrace new innovations in materials and design.

For example, the use of biodegradable fibers like hemp and sisal, which are strong yet gentle, could become more widespread. Additionally, as technology improves, there may be more options for making brooms from plant-based plastics and other renewable, environmentally-friendly materials. The eco-friendly broom may evolve into a tool that not only sweeps away dirt but also plays a part in reducing global waste.

Why Traditional Brooms Matter in Green Cleaning?

• Sustainability: Brooms made from natural fibers are biodegradable, reducing waste and promoting environmental responsibility.

• Healthier Homes: Traditional brooms don’t release harmful microplastics or toxins into the air, making them safer for people with allergies and respiratory issues.

• Resource Efficiency: Using locally sourced materials for brooms reduces the carbon footprint associated with their production and transportation.

• Aesthetic and Cultural Value: Natural brooms often have a handmade, artisanal quality, reflecting the cultural significance of sustainable practices.

Conclusion: Embracing Green Cleaning with a Nod to Tradition

As we continue to seek sustainable ways to live and work, it’s worth looking back at how different cultures used brooms throughout history. From the bamboo brooms of China to the twigs of medieval Europe and the sacred bundles of Native American brooms, traditional cleaning practices have long been tied to sustainability.

Today, as sustainability becomes increasingly important, the broom’s evolution serves as a reminder of the impact that even the simplest tools can have on the world. By using natural materials like bamboo, straw, and palm for modern cleaning, we honor the cultural wisdom of our ancestors while promoting a cleaner, greener world for future generations. Embracing green cleaning tools like these brooms ensures that we not only care for our homes but also for the planet, making each sweep a step toward a more sustainable future.

In conclusion, the broom is a symbol of cleanliness, tradition and cultural significance across the globe. From sweeping away bad luck to honoring age-old customs, its use has evolved in fascinating ways. Just as the broom is an essential tool in many households, so is Nature Kleen: The Green Cleaning Company in the pursuit of a cleaner, healthier environment. With their eco-friendly cleaning solutions, Nature Kleen ensures that your home remains spotless, while also being kind to the planet. Embrace the tradition of cleanliness in a sustainable way with Nature Kleen ─ because a cleaner home should also mean a cleaner world.