The Swiffer is a handy and quick way to keep your floors clean. However, buying the extra pads or other refills, can really add up. This is a guide about saving money on Swiffer pads and mops.
Don't throw away those used dryer sheets, there is yet another use for them. I finally bought a Swiffer for my floors, because my knees won't allow me to clean on all fours, but I'm not spending money on refill cloths, wet or dry.
I use 2 used dryer sheets, tucked in just like Swiffer sheets. It picks up all of our lost hairs, the dog hairs, dust and whatever comes in on our shoes.
And if I'd like to wet mop, an old t-shirt or towel cut to size and moistened in hot soapy water does the trick. Then you can rinse the floor with another piece of scrap cloth moistened in cold clear water. These cloths can then be washed and reused too.
I've also used clean used dryer sheets on the Swiffer to "dust" along where the walls and ceiling meet. Why buy a special tool?
Another good time saver, is to tuck in several layers of the dryer sheets at one time, alternating one end after the other. Then while cleaning, just peel off one when the head is full and continue cleaning until you need to peel off another one full of "stuff".
My floors are clean and shiny, my cob webs are gone, and my knees thank me.
By Kathy from Wisconsin
When I use the disposable Swiffer type cleaning cloths, I flip them over to use the clean side before tossing them in the trash. This works well with the dry dust mop cloths. It doubles the use of each cloth. The wet ones does ok, but not as well. They seem to tear and pull out of the base when flipped.
By Priscilla from Lawton, OK
To save on purchasing those disposable paper Swiffer cloths, or if you've run out of them, simply slide an old white sports sock onto the head of your Swiffer. (tube or crew socks work well). You can dust your walls, reach cobwebs, clean ceiling fan blades, lamp shades, etc., then throw away the sock, or launder and reuse! This saves time and saves money. Those odd socks that are left over when the washing machine eats the matching sock now can be re- purposed!
Source: I found an odd sock in the laundry chute, saw a dust bunny and my swiffer had no refills left in the box; so I improvised! It works very well and I'll wash and re-use that handy white sock!
By hilary from Exeter, NH
I have found using dryer sheets works great for doing my blinds and dusting. Since doing this, I have discover a great way to save money. If you have seen Swiffer dusters or have one in your home, there are a couple ways to use the same idea without spending the money on those expensive replacement pads.
I use the same rod for dusting the floor as well as mopping. For dusting, you can use the dryer sheets (used or new). They attract the dust great. Mopping, I put a microfiber cloth in the holes where you would attach a replacement pad. When it needs wrung out, I just take it out and rinse it in my vinegar solution. Works so much better then the residue left behind by other products.
Putting a microfiber cloth or even a sock on the end of the pole works great for base boards and spider webs. You don't have to break your back or climb up on something to reach those corners.
By Luana M. from San Diego, CA
I have the swiffer handle and I cut down a cleaning cloth that is used for absorbing messes. the orange ones. put it on my swiffer and dust then wash then dry my floors it saves me money time and space.
By Carolyn from Chilliwack, BC
Refresh your used swiffer cloths by first hand washing to remove the inside dirt. To remove the particles stuck to the outside, it needs to be in a container to allow it to float. I do this in the bath tub.
Simply allow it to suspend on top of the water while taking a scrub brush ( older is better) and gently brush across the top, in a sweeping motion, catching the particles in the brush. Flip and do the other side, then squeeze and hang dry. They will be fluffier than new and can be done dozens of times.
By Ceil
I use both sides of my Swiffer dry cloths before I throw them out. I purchase the dollar general brand which is 20 for 2.00. I saw Save-a-Lot has a 20 pack for $1.00, but I haven't tried them yet. My mom does the same thing!
By Lydia
I bought a Swiffer regular floor sweeper when they first came out. It worked great and picked up even more dirt after I vacuumed. When I saw the price of the clothlike refills, I decided not to pay the high price. So when I was at the Dollar store, I saw a package of Swiffer like cloths. I got 20 cloths in the package for a dollar. When I got home I dusted the floor. I took off the cloth and was going to throw it in the trash when I noticed the other side was clean. So now I turn the cloth over and get double duty.
By Nancy from Peabody, MA
Any one have any hints on how to save money on Swiffer mops? Both the cleaner and the mop heads.
Gen from Kansas
Somewhere I saw that you can use used dryer sheets in place of swiffer sheets. I can't seem to find the detail on this, can you help?
I have a plain old Swiffer and I didn't want to pay for the cloths that go on it. I went to the Dollar store and got similar cloths.
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By David Harsh (Guest Post)
