BROOM STYLES

We have three basic broom styles, tied on to many types of handles.

The traditional round, untrimmed broom was the common domestic broom style before 1800. Sweeping was done using the side of the brush; a technique that enabled one to sweep a large area very quickly. As the ends are soft and nonabrasive, this style is useful for smooth, hardwood floors and decks, and is fun to use. Round, untrimmed brooms are still commonly used in many countries today.

The traditional round, trimmed style is an old-time answer to more specific sweeping trim the ends off and reach into the cracks and crannies! These brooms are able to stand freely on their cut ends, which is very handy for grasping when needed.

The Shaker flat broom is the most modern style, being introduced by the Shakers in the eastern U.S., around 1800. It is fanned out to cover more area than a round, trimmed broom and is a natural partner to a dustpan. As our cut brush varies from Iong and soft (for finely finished floors), short and stiff (concrete, etc.) and many lengths in between, one can select a broom according to the intended use.


WHAT ARE THEY MADE OF?

A North Woven Broom will last many times longer than an 'ordinary' corn broom, because our brooms are made with only the best quality raw, unprocessed broomcorn. Raw broomcorn is left natural, with no dyes to compromise the inherent strength and durability of the fibre. Its natural green colour will turn golden with time.

Unprocessed broomcorn has the stem left intact, and is tightly woven onto the broom handle to add to our distinctive look.

Broomcorn is a variety of the species Sorghum Vulgare, an annual grass resembling Indian corn. The seed tassel from the top of the 10 -12 foot tall plant is the fibre used in corn brooms. It is harvested before the flower matures into seed. Once commonly grown in the United States, most broomcorn now comes from the Torreon region of Mexico.

Our brooms are constructed with care and attention, ensuring a long lasting, high quality broom. Each broom is unique.



BROOM HANDLES

Our handles include dowels, manila rope, ironwork and crooked natural branches. We use natural branches of manzanita, yew, fruitwood, local softwood, birch, among others. The ironwork comes from Kootenay Forge, of Crawford Bay.



BROOM CARE

These brooms will give you many years of use. Untrimmed and flat brooms should be hung on a hook, in order to keep the brush as straight as new. In a dry climate, setting the broom in a bucket of water for 15 minutes every six months will replenish the brush. Because the broomcorn is raw, it will absorb water. In a wet climate, hanging the broom inside allows for the best long-term use. If left outside in a damp climate, a solution of bleach and water scrubbed into the fibre will remove and inhibit the growth of black mildew.