I’m always so skeptical of infomercials, yet I fall for them on occasion. I wanted to try one of those One Sweep brooms, but never really got the gumption to order one. We moved into our new home several months ago, which has a lovely covered concrete patio and wood deck, but when it rains, sometimes the concrete gets pooled with water – right by the door. It takes forever to dry and using a regular broom just makes a mess.

The first time we encountered this, my mind went straight to the One Sweep. I told my husband I wish I’d ordered one. As luck would have it, he remembered seeing one in Walgreens. It was all of $10, and if it could squeegee the water off the patio, it would be worth every cent.

The One Sweep – AKA “Squeegee Broom”

The One Sweep is a unique contraption from the Invention Channel, resembling a small push broom that can be used on any type of flooring – wet or dry – without scratching. The 13-inch brush head is made of a hard, but still flexible polymer with thick bristles on one side of it, and a squeegee on the other.

Assembly of the One Sweep is literally a snap. Just screw the threaded section of the broom handle into the brush head, align the button locks on the pole sections, and you’re done. It can be unassembled by pressing in on the buttons and pulling the pole sections apart.

Using One Sweep

The One Sweep is an innovative solution for any floor chore – wood, ceramic tile, linoleum, carpet, concrete – wet or dry. The company claims it is even great for removing snow from cars without scratching. Living in East Texas, I haven’t had much of an opportunity to test that out.

Using the One Sweep is a different mindset from the average push broom. The secret is to pull the broom toward you, using short strokes. Don’t be fooled by the simplicity of the action… it is hard work and your arms will get a real workout. They never claimed it “glides effortlessly.” Granted, it is tons easier on the arms for wet cleaning, but on carpet, expect to feel the burn. No pain, no gain, right? The fruits of your labor will be evident, and if you tone up those arms in the process, it’s a bonus.

When you’ve finished cleaning, rinse the One Sweep in a little soapy water to keep it sanitary, and hang to dry.

The Test

The first thing we did with out One Sweep was what we wanted it for to begin with – squeegee water off of the patio. There was a lot of water pooled up, but it was complete gone and dry within 2-3 minutes after using the squeegee side. I know… a squeegee is a squeegee – hard to mess that up. We were impressed with it, nonetheless.

The true test of wet cleaning came when my mom stayed with us for a few days and brought her little dog with her, and a day into her stay, the poor little thing went into heat. Due to the stains she was making, we kept her in the kitchen and garden room areas where there is plenty of tile and room to romp and play. All that room still didn’t stop her from getting a little angry with us. In addition to her “periodic affliction”, she also tinkled in the floor. The tile isn’t a flat tile, and it was proving extremely difficult to clean the grout areas with a conventional mop. Even a Magic Eraser wasn’t doing the trick.

I decided I would crack out the One Sweep and give it a go. I put a little Mr. Clean in some water and just poured it on the floor. I started scrubbing with the bristles of the One Sweep and had what looked like a foamy nightmare all over the floor. I wasn’t sure I had done such a good thing until I flipped the broom over and began to squeegee it dry. I used an old towel to sop up the remainder of the water, which wasn’t really that much. To my surprise, the floor was dry, stain-free, odor-free, and cleaner than it was when we moved in, with no residue. 15 minutes, no rinsing, and that was it. I was hooked and singing praises.

I just had to try it on the carpet.

You know, I thought my Dyson could suck the chrome off a trailer hitch. Don’t get me wrong, it’s the best vacuum I’ve ever owned and it does get a lot more up than any other vacuum I’ve encountered.

To quote Anthony Sullivan in the One Sweep infomercial: “But wait… there’s more.”

After a good vacuum session, I pulled the One Sweep out. Using the suggested method of pulling the broom towards me with short strokes, I pulled up the biggest wad of fuzz and pet hair from the former occupant’s pet dander that you ever saw – in one small 6-foot strip. I was totally floored (no pun intended). The carpet pile stood high and pristine. That particular strip of carpet was certifiably clean. And yes, by the time I’d finished that room, I was feeling the burn. I’ll eventually get the rest of the carpets done… sure can’t do it all at once!

Final Thoughts

All puns intended, I’ve been swept away by the One Sweep. We use it to clean our garage and driveway of those nasty oil stains and it works like a champ. We also use it outside to clean the windows. As a matter of fact, we went out and bought another one. I’ll definitely use it on my tile and carpets again and again. I’m pretty happy with the muscle-building properties it seems to have on my arms, too. Aside from the workout, this broom can literally benefit your health; especially those with allergies to dust and pet dander. The One Sweep truly helps remove those allergens from the carpet.

This little broom may leave me tired, but I do enjoy the clean fruits of my labor. One Sweep get an enthusiastic 2 thumbs up!

Thanks for reading!

Donna Standridge
Copyright © 2006

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