I have a theory about cleaning: no matter what you’re cleaning, the process needs to be as simple as possible (Simpler. No, simpler…) or most of us won’t do it. Take cleaning floors for example. If it requires me to find the floor wash, fill up a bucket, measure the soap, get the mop—you get the picture—I’ll find something far more important, like watching Floribama Shore repeats, to do with my time.
And while I’ve always loved my Swiffer for its simplicity, I don’t love the cleaning solution itself. It smells toxic to me and I avoid it like the plague. Then I discovered that you can actually make your own Swiffer pads and solution. Not only are they reusable but they’re gentle on floors and they smell amazing. Um, bingo!
How to Make Your Own Swiffer Pads and Solution
I’ve been making these reusable Swiffer pads for a while now and I can’t even begin to tell you how much time and money they’ve saved me. The secret is to use kitchen rags or dish cloths that are already the size you need so there’s no trimming or sewing required (simple, remember?).
I found some 12”x12” Clean Life multipurpose cleaning cloths at the grocery store and I’m obsessed with them. They’re soft, super absorbent and made from recycled materials so they’re eco-friendly.
They’re also easy to clean when you’re done. Just toss ‘em in the washing machine on warm to get rid of dirt and grime picked up from the floors. Then put them back in your Swiffer pad container so they’re ready to go for next time.
As for the solution itself, there are lots of floor-safe recipes floating around, but my favorite is a simple mix of water and distilled white vinegar. It dries without leaving streaks or water spots and it’s gentle enough for almost all floor types (for laminate floors, use this tried-and-true solution).
It also disinfects and naturally gets rid of tough odors. If you’re not a fan the smell of vinegar (trust me, it dissipates as it dries!) you can add essential oils to mask it. Lemon, sweet orange and lavender oils are safe to use around kids and pets, plus they’ll leave your house smelling fresh.
Since I have the Swiffer Sweeper, I just wrap the cloths around the base and tuck them in. But if you have the Wet Jet, I’ve heard of people using chenille socks instead of terry towels. Slip one over the Swiffer’s base and cut two small holes where the solution sprays out.
And speaking of solution, to refill the Wet Jet’s bottle, submerge the cap in an inch of boiling water until the plastic softens (it should take about a minute). Then use your hands or a screw driver to gently pry off the cap. Refill the bottle with this homemade solution and screw the cap back on. Voila!
DIY Swiffer Pads and Solution
Supplies
- 4-5 reusable cleaning cloths (I used these 12×12” ones from Clean Life)
- 1 cup water
- 1 cup white vinegar
- 3 drops dish soap
- 5 drops orange essential oil
- Plastic container with lid
Instructions
- Fold the towels and place inside the plastic container.
- In a small bowl, combine water, vinegar, dish soap and essential oils.
- Pour solution over the towels so that it coats them evenly.
- Wash the floors as usual. When you’re done, toss the cleaning pad into the washing machine and reuse.
Hope says
They sell the Clean Life cloths at the Dollar Tree for $1.25 which is way more cost effective.
Daria Patrunjel says
Thanks for the tip!
Kaj says
Just a heads up, if you use essential oils around cats and dogs you have to keep your furry friends away from that just-cleaned area until it is dry. If they get oils on their paws and ingest it (they clean themselves with their tongue, after all), there could be problems. I learned this awhile ago when I first got my diffuser! No kitty in the room while it is on. Always better to be safe than sorry since we can’t undo things.
Cathy says
I’m so thankful I found this article yesterday. I was waiting to pick up something and there happened to be a dollar store there. I popped in and saw those exact Clean Life microfiber towels! I was so excited and it was such a deal 🙂
Debra Wilson says
Picked up 3 really great tips I will be using. I enjoyed. Thank you. Debra wilson
GUADALUPE GUTIERREZ says
Use microfiber rags and do the same thing put it into solution and just put them on the Swiffer mop and punch them to the holes that have thex’S after you mop just wash the microfiber rags they would do the same thing as the the wet Swiffer towels this is Lupe from Lupe’s cleaning service I’ve been doing this for 35 years and that works good almost the same as using a old fashioned mop
Tracy Tee says
I love this idea. How long can they be stored in the container?
SuzeeF says
I have been using microfiber cloths in mine. Cheap and they really do get the dirt up way better than those paper Swiffer pads.
Jen says
Hi! This sounds so brilliant & easy. Is it ok to store several rags in this solution in my old Swiffer disposable wipe plastic container? (until I’m ready to use them)
Jen says
Wondering the same thing! Did you try it?
Barbara Wilson says
How do you keep the cloths from falling off the swiffer holder?
Name says
Great idea. I hate the fake fruit, nature smells in the store-bought pads.
Thanks
Marie-Josee Lheureux says
Brilliant idea. I like using my Swiffer but I don’t like the idea of non-reusable pads.
Susan says
Washcloths that are at least 11 inches square also work well as the pads and do not fray! I always use white wash cloths so they can be bleached and sanitized in the wash.
Spirit says
I was also wondering how you kept the cloths on the swiffer