Whiskbroom

Whiskbroom, also spelled whisk broom or whiskbroom, is a small handheld broom with short, stiff bristles used for sweeping dust and small debris from confined spaces or for dusting delicate surfaces. The head is typically compact, with a short handle made of wood or plastic, and the bristles are bound by wire, string, or a ferrule to hold them in place.

Construction and materials commonly include natural bristles such as broomcorn (sorghum), palmyra, or tampico, though many modern whiskbrooms use synthetic nylon or polyester bristles. The bristles are cut to a uniform length and arranged in a dense cluster to form a firm but flexible sweeping edge. Handle design varies from simple stick handles to ergonomic grips, and some models feature a curved head or a hanging hole for storage.

Uses of whiskbrooms are primarily for cleaning small areas and delicate surfaces. They are well suited for sweeping crumbs from tabletops, dusting shelves and electronics, cleaning keyboard crevices, and removing debris from upholstery or corners where a full-size broom would be impractical. They are common in households, offices, and workshops, and can be used in crafts or model-building tasks where precision dusting is required.

Care and maintenance involve keeping the bristles clean and dry to prevent mold or odor. Lightly tapping the broom to remove loose debris, washing natural bristle heads with mild soap and water when necessary, and air-drying thoroughly are common practices. Proper storage with the bristles protected helps maintain shape and longevity.