Inexpensive Homemade Swiffer® Cloths

by Reader Contributors

Swiffer cloths are convenient but they are also pricey. Our frugal readers offer inexpensive alternatives to the high priced original.

Dear Dollar Stretcher,
Do your readers have any good ideas for “homemade” Swiffer cloths? These cloths are quite remarkably effective for floors and dusting, however expensive. I’d love to be able to make my own.
D M.

Swiffer from Facial Tissue

For years I’ve used Puffs Plus facial tissue during cold and flu season for sore noses, but because of the oils in the tissues, they’re great for dusting, too! (They’re also much cheaper than Swiffers!)
Jennifer V.

Homemade Swiffer and Water

Use a very slightly damp dust cloth. Buy a bunch of cotton cloth diapers. Wash them once before initial use. Dampen ever so slightly, a little water in a plastic bag, add several diapers, let sit a while to distribute dampness. You can safely dust anything with these cloths. They aren’t wet or even very damp, just “humid”.

Switch cloths as they become soiled. Drape over a floor mop to get the “swiffer” effect. Wash them with your laundry when you have a lot of them. Reuse.

No extra agents except water is needed. They trap dust, hair, little particles like a dream. Will last for years. Very basic. Very cheap.
Ian C.

Diaper Liner Swiffer

Gerber diaper liners are made of material similar to the “Swiffer” cloths, but MUCH cheaper! They are also sized nicely to fit on the Swiffer tool.
Beth S.

Dryer Sheets to Homemade Swiffer

Believe it or not, you probably have a version of these in your home already, namely dryer sheets! The electrostatic that makes these Swiffer cloths so great is what helps the dryer sheets eliminate static cling. I always use these for dusting, and they leave a nice fresh smell too! When the Swiffer first came out, all they were doing is marketing an already available item under a new name and for a lot more!

I use dryers sheets for dusting everything, especially computer monitors and other really things like blinds. Stick them with some tape on the end of a ruler or broom/sponge mop, and you have an extendable version for higher spots. When you’re finished, though, don’t throw the dirty sheet away. Put it in the bottom of your garbage can to help eliminate odors.
From a Frugal University Student

Related: Natural Homemade Room and Fabric Deodorizers on the Cheap

Secret Swiffer

When I was in the military, we had to sweep our hall over and over and over again. The military, of course, doesn’t supply one with any sort of specialty floor cleaner, so what we used was a pair of old pantyhose wrapped around a big industrial broom like you’d find in most people’s garages. It picked up dirt when you didn’t think there was anything there.

We used to then throw the pantyhose away (no time allowed for cleaning unauthorized materials!), but I imagine you could easily wash and re-use them. When I saw the commercial for the Swiffer, I thought how I used to do the same thing with my old pantyhose!
P.

Related: Frugal Homemade Floor Cleaner Recipes and ‘Ready Mop’ Alternatives

Mom’s Homemade Swiffer

I showed my husband the add for the “Swiffer” and he told me that it was nothing new. His mom used to spray “handi-wipes” with Pledge for the same effect.
Cyndi

Related:

• Homemade Disinfectant Wipes: Cheap, Effective Recipes
• Make Your Own Cleaners and Save
• 10 Ways to Cut the Cost of Cleaning

Reviewed June 2022