Just in time for Halloween! Ha, ha! If the bristles on your broom are fraying, leaving more dirt than collecting it when you sweep, here’s a way to get it back in shape: soak the bristles in warm water for about a minute. Then, slip a rubber band around them. Store your broom upside down for 24 hours until it is dry. The rubber band squeezes the bristles back into shape so it will work like new again.