Regular brooms are fine for cleaning up small messes indoors, but if you need to sweep up debris in a large area or brush away caked-on dirt on a deck or driveway, a push broom is the way to go.

Push brooms are made from more rugged materials than standard brooms and often feature wider heads. The Libman 801.0 Push Broom is one such example. With a 24-inch resin block head and synthetic bristles, it can stand up to plenty of use and is ideal for warehouses, workshops and large garages.

One of the first things to consider before buying a push broom is whether you plan on using it inside or outside. Those who want a push broom for cleaning their deck or sweeping debris off their driveway should look for a model with thick, stiff bristles. These are better at moving debris across rough surfaces. They also work better for caked-on dirt, which you’ll most likely experience outdoors.

If you plan on using your push broom indoors, choose an option with soft bristles. These work better on the fine dust and small debris found indoors.

Most people subject a push broom to more abuse than their average home broom. This means they need to be made from durable materials if you want them to last for a long time. This is especially true if using a push broom outdoors or in a commercial setting. Strong handle and head materials, locking pins and brackets at the handle-head junction all contribute to a push broom's durability.

When looking at the head of a push broom, consider both the size and material. Most push broom heads measure 12-36 inches in width. The wider a broom head is, the quicker you can clean large areas. The downsides to a very wide head are that it requires more storage space and can be difficult to maneuver around obstacles.

Push broom heads are most often made from wood, plastic or a resin material. Of these, plastic is the least durable and most likely to break, though it’s also the most affordable. Some push broom heads have additional features like support brackets, locking pins and angled edges that either add to their durability or make them more convenient to use.

The tasks a push broom is designed for and how well it sweeps up debris is mostly determined by the stiffness and material of the bristles. If you prefer an eco-friendly option, there are push brooms with bristles made from natural materials. It’s important to note that these are usually softer, shed more and they aren’t as well-suited to wet scrubbing as synthetic bristles.

Synthetic bristles come in soft, medium and firm options. Soft bristles are best for sweeping up small debris, dust and dirt on smooth, dry surfaces. Medium bristles can handle larger debris and work well on varying kinds of wet and dry surfaces. Stiff bristles work well for large debris and scrubbing off caked-on dirt and grime on wet or dry surfaces.

As with the bristles, push broom handles come in several materials. The most common are plastic, wood and metal. Again, plastic is the least durable and most affordable. Wood is a good choice for brooms that will be used in wet conditions or stored outdoors. Metal broom handles may be aluminum or steel, with the latter being stronger and less likely to bend under pressure.

Small push brooms intended for home use cost from $15-$25. Larger models and those made with more rugged materials cost $20-$40.

A. Many, but not all, push brooms can also be used for wet scrubbing. Those with synthetic bristles work best for this because they're resistant to mildew and can better handle exposure to cleaning solutions.

A. For basic cleaning after each use, simply knock the head of the brush against a hard surface a few times to remove excess dust and debris that has collected in the bristles. You can also wipe your hand through the bristles a few times if you prefer not to knock the head against a surface. Make sure to wear gloves if you've swept up anything that could potentially be sharp.

For more thorough cleanings, let the head soak in a bucket of warm soapy water for 30 minutes. While it’s soaking, wipe down the handle with a disinfectant. After removing the head from the bucket, rinse the bristles with warm water, shake them out and then leave the broom to dry in the head-up position.

Libman 801.0 Push Broom: available at Amazon

Our take: A reliable push broom with soft bristles and a wide 24-inch head, the Libman 801.0 is a good choice for regularly tackling large piles of debris on smooth surfaces.

What we like: It has a locking pin to keep the brush head from swiveling during use. Plus, it's made with partially recycled materials, making it an eco-friendly option.

What we dislike: It doesn't work well for scrubbing off stubborn dirt and grime.

Akoma Lightweight Push Broom: available at Amazon

Our take: This affordable option features stiff bristles that work equally well for sweeping up debris as scrubbing out stains.

What we like: Its unflagged bristles work well on rough surfaces. The small head makes it easy for most people to store too, especially when combined with the convenient hanging hole in the handle.

What we dislike: The handle is a bit short, which can make it uncomfortable to use for long periods of time.

Yocada Push Broom: available at Amazon

Our take: This heavy-duty push broom is ideal for outdoor use on rough surfaces or in small industrial spaces like workshops where it may be subjected to a lot of abuse.

What we like: The handle is telescopic, so you can adjust it to fit your height, yet it still feels strong and rigid.

What we dislike: It has a small head that isn't practical for cleaning up large areas.

Brett Dvoretz is a writer for BestReviews. BestReviews is a product review company with a singular mission: to help simplify your purchasing decisions and save you time and money.

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