I receive a lot of questions from readers about all sorts of topics, and I do try to answer as many of those emails as I can! But when I start getting a similar question from several different readers, it’s a good indication that I ought to address the question in a blog post! And recently, I’ve had quite a few people email me asking about a cheaper, greener alternative for the pads and cleaning solution for Swiffer products. So that’s what I’ll be addressing today! :-)
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Did you know that since Procter and Gamble introduced the Swiffer in 1999, it has grown to become one of the most recognized and successful brands in American history, with retail sales at over a half billion dollars??!! That’s a lot of “swiffering!” :-) It’s obviously an idea people like… a LOT!
But constantly buying the refills for your Swiffer Sweeper or Wet Jet can add up fast! So today I’m going to show you how to save yourself some money AND save resources by making your own REUSABLE cleaning pads and cleaning solution. These “hacks” are so simple you’ll be smacking your forehead (like I was!) and uttering that familiar phrase…”Why didn’t I think of that?” I’ll cover both the Swiffer Sweeper and the Swiffer WetJet, starting with the Sweeper.
Sweeper Hacks
Reusable Sweeper Pads
Rather than using the pricey disposable sweeper pads, here’s a DIY alternative that’s infinitely reusable – a fuzzy sock!
Just slip the sock onto the base of your Swiffer, and use it just like you normally would. The fuzzy material works like a charm for picking up dust, dirt, and hair. When you’re done sweeping, you can wash the sock with the rest of your laundry, and use it again and again!
WetJet Hacks
Reusable WetJet Pads
Since I don’t actually have a WetJet at home, I haven’t explored many alternatives for WetJet pads personally. But for the purpose of this post, I wanted to find some alternative options for those of you who do own and use the Swiffer WetJet.
You could try using a fuzzy sock just like with the Sweeper, but for larger mopping jobs you’ll probably need something that’s more absorbent. I think that a microfiber cloth could be a great solution!
So I did a bit of searching, and I actually found a couple of companies online that sell reusable microfiber cleaning pads for the Swiffer WetJet. (I found a 3-pack of reusable cleaning pads for about $15 on Amazon. Sounds like a pretty good deal to me, considering the cost of the disposable ones!)
But the cleaning pads are only one part of the WetJet equation. What about the pricey bottles of cleaning solution? Read on for a homemade substitute for that cleaning solution, along with instructions for getting it into the special WetJet bottle!
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Homemade WetJet Cleaning Solution
Ingredients:
- 1 cup white vinegar
- 1 cup water
- 3-5 drops dish soap
Directions:
Stir all ingredients in a small bowl and set aside.
To get your homemade solution into the original WetJet solution bottle, you’ll need to loosen the cap with hot water first.
Bring a small pot of water to a boil on your stovetop, then turn off the heat. Submerge the cap end of the WetJet bottle completely in the hot water, and hold it there for about 90 seconds.
When the soaking time is up, remove the bottle from the water and place a towel or rag over the cap. Twist the cap, and it should come right off!
Pour the vinegar, water, and soap mixture into the bottle, then replace the cap. Shake the bottle gently to make sure everything is mixed up, and you’re ready to get mopping!
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how would i make it for wood floor
Here’s a post all about a wood floor cleaner: https://jillee.co/2A340Jb :-)
Better yet, instead of a Swiffer Wet Jet, I think it’s O’Cedar that makes on that you use with your own choice of cleaner – no need to refill the Swiffer bottle!
I just bought a Swiffer wet jet and it’s wonderful but I was thinking it would cost a fortune to maintain and then I found Jillian who just saved me a LOT of money and I just want to say thank you for your fabulous idea; I will of course be using it.
Thanks Shirley!
Not sure why people are having a problem w the vinegar bottles. I have had the same one in my kitchen for at least seven years. no problems. Vinegar won’t break down the finish. What brakes it down is everyday wear. Especially on cheaper flooring.
I have used windex to clean my floors for at least 20 or so years. Works well, gets grease up. Does not harm the flooring!
I tried the solution you mentioned, but after a while, the floor feels a bit sticky.
I did, however, just use half vinegar and half window cleaner (like windex) which works wonderfully and there is no rinsing and it cleans any grease of really well. When i have run out of vinegar, i just used windex. It cleans, no rinsing and gets up everything.
Use caution when cleaning wood floors with vinegar. It breaks down polyeurethane finishes. Otherwise great hacks!
The new ones have the spray element in the flat part so a sock won’t work anymore , do u have any solutions for this ,?
I just cut a small hole in the sock :-)
These idea’s are awesome, however if you have the Swiffer-wet-jet that has the little spray holes in the front of the pad – using a home made sock, etc to clean with won’t work – it covers up the little holes for the liquid cleaner to spray out of!! Hmmm??
That’s true. Then you pour the cleaning solution into a hand held spray bottle, aim , and fire away!
PERSONALLY I USE THE DUSTERS, BUT THE SWIFFER I DO NOT LIKE! THE LIQUID WAS STICKY AND I KNEW IT HAD TO BE LEAVING A BUILD UP ON FLOORS! IT HAS A STICKY FEELING TO IT, NOT IMPRESSED!!
Thanks for sharing this. I was just cleaning my kitchen and ran out of swiffer solution. You not only saved me money but also time since I didn’t have to run to the store to get another bottle. I’m glad to see I’m not the only person who felt the swiffer solution left the floor tacky. I’d get out my steamer and go over the just mopped floor to get rid of it so this gets bonus points for being a time saver.