Sure, you've been sweeping floors longer than Cinderella, but you can still learn from a pro. Start at the periphery of the room (edges and corners), says Don Aslett, who runs a national commercial cleaning company, and "use quick, short, downward strokes" to minimize both your effort and the debris you kick up.

Step 1: Stand facing forward, holding the broom to one side with the broom head a foot behind your heel. Sweep forward.

Step 2: Once the broom head has reached your heel, leave the bristles angled down to keep the dust in place, step forward a foot, and repeat as you go around the room, directing dust to one or two central piles.