With two dogs who love to roll in the dirt, my Swiffer Sweeper is my friend. Most days, I feel as if I’m sweeping every chance I get. I start by using a regular broom and dustpan since it’s more effective at picking up larger particles like bits of leaves. Then, I pass over the same area with the Swiffer. I’m always amazed, and a little horrified, at how much dirt and dust it picks up even when following a thorough sweeping with the broom and dustpan. The Swiffer is also great for quick clean ups after the dogs, guests, or my husband and I, track dirt into the house.

Soon after I bought my Swiffer, I realized there was one major drawback. Though the broom itself is reasonably priced, it uses disposable cloths. With as much sweeping as I do, I can easily burn through one or two boxes of refill cloths in a week! Over time, it adds up. I found myself hesitating each time I went to pull the Swiffer out of the closet, asking myself if it was really worth using another cloth. I wanted the freedom to use the Swiffer anytime I needed it, without worrying about the cost. So, in an effort to save money, I began looking for a reusable replacement cloth.

Online, I found tips for DIY cloths using paper towels (though disposable, still cheaper than refills), washcloths, and socks. While these methods did cut down on the cost, they weren’t as effective at picking up fine dust and dirt as the Swiffer cloths. Then one day, as I was folding G’s clean cloth diaper inserts, I considered the microfiber insert I was holding. Microfiber inserts drive me a little crazy to touch because they seem to stick to everything. I wondered how it would do with sticking to dirt and dust. After all, I’d seen microfiber cleaning cloths at the store.

I decided to test it out with an extra insert and I was amazed at how well it picked up dirt. It seemed to do a better job than the Swiffer cloths! Of course, I couldn’t start sweeping the floors with G’s microfiber diaper inserts, but I knew I could easily find microfiber cloths that were actually made for cleaning.

Soon after, I found Zwipes Microfiber Cleaning Cloths on Amazon.com. I went a little crazy and bought the 36 pack without even testing them first. But at only $16, each cloth was less than fifty cents! I tried sweeping the floors with my Swiffer Sweeper and a Zwipe the moment they arrived and saw that it too seemed to do a better job than the Swiffer cloths! Now, I use my Swiffer Sweeper multiple times a day, and I haven’t bought refill cloths in weeks!

So how do you make DIY Reusable Swiffer Sweeper Cloths?

1. Buy Zwipes, or a microfiber cleaning cloth of choice (just make sure it’s at least 11 by 11 inches).
2. Attach to your Swiffer Sweeper.

Yep, it really is that easy. To see a demonstration of how the Zwipes fit, and how they work, check out the video below:

What about replacing the mop pads for the Swiffer Sweeper? Check out this post at healthytippingpoint.com. I prefer to do a combination of her method, and my Easy (and Frugal) Way to Spot Clean Floors. Instead of soaking the washcloths in the vinegar solution, I carry a spray bottle to spray down areas of the floor I want to clean.

What ways have you saved on cleaning items recently?

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