Best Broom Heads in the UK: A Complete Guide to Choosing, Buying, and Maintaining the Right Head for Every Floor

Why the right broom head changes everything

Think a broom head is just a boring block of bristles? Think again. The right broom head can make sweeping feel less like a chore and more like a quick win. A good broom head picks up hair, crumbs, and dust in one sweep, reduces the number of passes you need to make, and protects delicate floors from scratches. If you want faster cleaning sessions and better results, swapping out a worn, floppy head for a purpose-built one is one of the smartest, simplest upgrades you can make.

Types of broom heads and when to use them

Not every broom head is made the same — and that’s good news. Different designs and materials suit different jobs, from quick kitchen touch-ups to heavy garage duty. Here’s a breakdown of common types so you can match the head to the mess.

Synthetic bristle broom heads

Synthetic bristles, often made from nylon or polypropylene, are the go-to for wet and dry debris. They resist moisture, dry quickly, and are ideal for kitchens and utility rooms. They’re usually affordable and come in widths ranging from about 8 inches for small sweeps up to 18 inches for broader coverage.

Natural fibre broom heads

Natural broom heads use materials like plant fibres or tampico and are excellent for fine dust on hard floors. They’re gentle on wooden floors but can be less effective in damp environments because wetting weakens natural fibres over time. If you pride yourself on natural, low-plastic choices, these are great — just keep them dry.

Angled broom heads

Angled heads are built to get into corners and along skirting boards without you having to contort the handle. These heads often measure around 10–14 inches across and are a brilliant choice for living rooms, hallways, and places with lots of edges.

Push broom heads

Push broom heads are heavy-duty, wide heads — commonly 24 inches or wider — meant for garages, patios, and large hallways. They move big debris and cover a lot of ground fast. If you’ve got a big shed or workshop, a push broom head is a time-saver.

Rubber broom heads

Rubber broom heads are a secret weapon on carpets and pet hair. The rubber grabs hair and lint rather than just pushing it around. They’re also good for wet floors because they don’t absorb water and can be rinsed off with a hose or in the sink.

Dust mop heads and microfibre options

For fine dust and polishing hardwood, microfibre mop-style heads are unbeatable. They trap microscopic dust and can give a near-polished finish to floors. Sizes vary, but 12–18 inches is common for household use. These heads are washable and reusable, reducing waste and expense over time.

Top UK stores to buy broom heads (and what each does well)

Looking to buy a replacement head or try something new? The UK market has plenty of options. Below are reliable retailers that stock a wide variety of broom heads, from budget picks to premium brands.

Argos

Argos is a go-to for quick purchases and a broad selection. You’ll find household brands, angled heads, and universal-fit options. If you want to compare a few styles in one place and pick up the part the same day, Argos is convenient and familiar.

B&Q

B&Q is strong on DIY and heavy-duty cleaning gear, including wide push broom heads and robust outdoor heads. Their range typically covers sizes suitable for patios and garages, and they often stock replacement heads that suit long-handled poles used around the home.

Wilko

Wilko focuses on value without sacrificing utility. Expect basic broom heads, natural fibre options, and microfibre mop heads at budget-friendly prices. If you’re replacing a worn head on a tight budget, Wilko often has practical, wallet-friendly choices.

Homebase

Homebase stocks both indoor and outdoor cleaning heads, and they usually carry a selection of branded heads for specific tasks — like stiff bristles for rough surfaces and softer heads for floors. Their range is ideal if you’re balancing indoor finish with outdoor toughness.

Screwfix

Screwfix is geared to tradespeople and those needing tough, reliable equipment. Their broom heads tend toward heavy-duty and commercial styles, which makes them a great place to buy push broom heads and long-lasting replacement blocks that can take a beating.

Tesco and Sainsbury’s

Major supermarkets like Tesco and Sainsbury’s stock everyday broom heads and household cleaning kits. They’re perfect for quick replenishment alongside grocery shopping and are often priced competitively for simple domestic needs.

Amazon UK

Amazon’s massive marketplace gives you almost every brand and every style under the sun, from specialist microfibre heads to retro natural bristle versions. Customer reviews make it easy to find what actually works in homes like yours, though you should watch shipping and seller reputation when choosing.

Lakeland and Robert Dyas

Lakeland and Robert Dyas offer curated household ranges, including innovative broom head designs such as compact fold-away systems or hybrid heads that combine rubber and bristles. If you’re after clever solutions or compact storage designs, these shops are worth a browse.

Brands to trust: features and strengths

Brands matter because they invest in design, testing, and material quality. Here are a few names you’ll see again and again, plus why they’re worth considering.

Vileda

Vileda is synonymous with smart cleaning products. Their broom heads are often designed for ergonomic use and dust capture, with microfibre options that clean finely and last for many uses. They frequently introduce designs that solve common sweeping problems.

O-Cedar

O-Cedar’s heads are known for durability and performance on a variety of floors. Their angled and rubber heads especially get high marks for hair pick-up and for working well on textured flooring.

York and Addis

York and Addis are solid budget-to-mid-range brands. York often offers stiff-bristled, industrial-style heads, whereas Addis leans into household-friendly designs with easy-fit handles and replaceable heads.

Leifheit and other premium makers

Leifheit focuses on well-engineered heads and mop systems, particularly microfibre pads for fine floors. If you’re willing to spend a bit more for better ergonomics and long life, premium brands like Leifheit are worth considering.

How to choose the right broom head: a simple checklist

Choosing a broom head doesn’t need to be overwhelming. Use this quick checklist to match the head to your needs — it’s like a dating profile for cleaning gear.

1. Match the material to the floor

Hardwood and laminate do best with soft or microfibre heads to avoid scratches. Tile and concrete handle stiffer bristles. For carpets or rugs, rubber heads or specialized carpet sweepers work best.

2. Consider width versus maneuverability

Wider heads (18–24 inches) cover more ground but struggle in tight spaces. Narrow heads (8–12 inches) are easier for apartments and small rooms where maneuverability matters more than speed.

3. Check the handle fit

Many heads fit standard threaded poles, but some use clips or proprietary fittings. If you already have a handle, ensure the new head matches the connection style to avoid buying both parts.

4. Look at bristle stiffness

Soft bristles trap fine dust, medium bristles are versatile, and stiff bristles move heavy dirt and debris. If you’re unsure, pick a mid-stiffness head for everyday chores and a stiff or rubber one for outdoor use.

Keep broom heads working longer: care and maintenance

Longevity is about a little TLC. With simple care, a broom head can last months or even years, saving money and reducing waste.

Cleaning the head

Shake out loose debris after each use. For deeper cleaning, rinse synthetic or rubber heads in warm water and a mild detergent, then air dry bristles pointing down or hanging to avoid misshaping. For microfibre heads, follow washing instructions; most are machine-washable.

Storing correctly

Store broom heads hanging up or with bristles off the floor to prevent bending. Avoid leaving heads in damp basements or outdoors; moisture can warp bristles and promote mildew, especially on natural fibre heads.

Refreshing bristles and small fixes

If bristles splay, trim frayed ends with scissors for a neater sweep. For rubber heads, a quick rinse can bring them back to life. If the head won’t attach firmly, check the threaded insert or clip — sometimes a new insert is cheaper than a whole head.

Eco-friendly and budget-friendly choices

If sustainability matters to you, there are ways to keep cleaning green without spending a fortune. Natural fibre heads are compostable if kept dry, and microfibre pads reduce chemical cleaner use because they lift dirt with water alone. Buying replacement heads instead of entire broom units reduces plastic waste and often saves money — especially if shops like Lakeland or Argos sell compatible spare heads.

DIY hacks and clever uses

Want to squeeze extra value out of broom heads? Try these practical tricks.

Convert a broom head into a scrubber

Stiff outdoor heads can double as scrubbers for rough surfaces like concrete or decking. Use a firm bristled head with a little detergent and you can clean large areas without bending over.

Use a rubber broom head for upholstery

Rubber heads are excellent at removing pet hair from sofas and car seats. A few strokes and the hair clumps together for easy pickup with a dustpan or vacuum attachment.

Create a multi-purpose kit

Keep two heads on the same handle — a microfibre head for daily indoor work and a rubber or stiff head for tough jobs. Swapping heads is quicker than changing tools and keeps you prepared for any spill or mess.

Where to find bargains without sacrificing performance

Sales, seasonal clearances, and multi-packs are your friends when hunting for value. Supermarkets and high-street chains often rotate household ranges, and online marketplaces like Amazon let you compare hundreds of reviews before buying. If you’re after a long-lasting, premium head, check trade suppliers like Screwfix for durable options that may cost more upfront but last longer in heavy-use situations.

Conclusion

Choosing the right broom head is a small decision that pays big dividends: faster cleaning, fewer strokes, and floors that look better for longer. Whether you prefer the gentle touch of microfibre, the grit-moving power of stiff bristles, or the pet-hair magic of a rubber head, UK retailers from Argos to Screwfix and specialist brands like Vileda and O-Cedar make it easy to find the perfect fit. Take a moment to match material, width, and handle type to your home — and you’ll wonder why you didn’t swap earlier.