Pühkijat

Pühkijat is a Finnish term that broadly refers to a broom or a sweeping tool. Its primary function is to clean floors and surfaces by collecting dust, dirt, and debris. Traditionally, pühkijät were made from natural materials like twigs, straw, or horsehair, bound together and attached to a handle. These older versions were effective for sweeping rough surfaces and in outdoor areas.

Modern pühkijät come in a variety of materials and designs. Plastic and synthetic bristles are common, offering durability and a wider range of stiffness for different cleaning tasks. Some pühkijät are designed with angled bristles for reaching corners, while others are wider for covering larger areas more quickly. They are essential tools in households, businesses, and public spaces for maintaining cleanliness. The act of using a pühkijä is known as 'pühkimine'. The term can also be used metaphorically to describe someone who cleans up or tidies a situation, though this is less common.