Cleaning
None of this is expert advice. It's what people worked out for themselves, usually the hard way — what actually helped, and what they'd tell someone standing where you are. Take what fits and leave the rest.
If you only read a few
Bang Swiffer dusters against a porch rail to remove dust.
You can remove about 75% of the dust this way.
- Do not wash them in water because they leach plastic particles.
- Wind changes may blow the dust cloud into your face.
one person who lived it
Cut off the frayed ends of broom bristles to restore sweeping effectiveness and extend the broom's life.
It makes the broom good as new.
one person who lived it
Use unscented dryer sheets to de-static cats in dry weather.
A vet confirmed it was fine.
- Only use unscented sheets; scented ones are unnerving for cats.
one person who lived it
Use a non-name brand steam mop with washable cloth pads to avoid ongoing costs for refills.
One user reported no extra cost over four years.
one person who lived it
Use an O-Cedar EasyWring spin mop for efficient cleaning.
One user stated it changed their life, and another called it the best mop available.
2 people, independently
Buy reusable Swiffer pads from the dollar store instead of single-use packs.
They are cheaper than a pack of one-use pads.
one person who lived it
- Buy off-brand or generic Swiffer pads instead of name-brand ones.2
- Buy a knockoff Swiffer from home improvement stores that includes reusable microfiber pads and a refillable tank.1
- Use blue shop towels from hardware stores as durable Swiffer pads.1
Buy large jugs of cleaner from hardware stores like Lowe’s to save money and reduce plastic waste.
It is cheaper and creates less plastic waste.
one person who lived it
Purchase a quality mop handle separately from replaceable heads to save money long-term; wash the heads in a pillowcase and replace them every few years.
This approach is more frugal than buying complete mops.
one person who lived it
- If purchasing new equipment, buy a mop designed to be refillable with washable cloth pads instead of hacking disposable systems.1
Use a Vileda spin mop and bucket to lighten the workload and keep hands dry.
It is lightweight and allows you to finish big jobs in a fraction of the time without touching water.
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Avoid using microfiber on iPad screens if dirt might be trapped in the fibers, as this can cause scratches.
Dirt trapped in fibers can scratch the screen.
one person who lived it
Buy commercial-grade cleaning tools from the commercial section of stores like Lowe’s for better quality and longevity.
One person reported having three brooms from this section for 10 years.
one person who lived it
- Buy commercial-grade mops and cleaning supplies instead of department store brands for large living spaces.1
Insert fuzzy tea towels, washcloths, cut-up old t-shirts, hand towels, or dollar store washcloths into the Swiffer head as a reusable alternative.
They fit well, do not rip like paper towels, and allow you to use your own cleaning supplies.
7 people, independently
- Make reusable, washable Swiffer duster replacements from cotton flannel sheets, pajamas, or shirts.1
Buy a high-quality cordless vacuum to make cleaning easier and more frequent.
Removing the hassle of cords and storage encourages more regular use, which better protects floors and rugs.
2 people, independently
Replace disposable mop sheets by turning a sock inside out, dampening it with solution, and stretching it over the mop head.
It cleans just as efficiently.
one person who lived it
Use fleece blankets or cloths as Swiffer duster replacements.
One user reported they lasted for 5 years and saved money.
one person who lived it
Try using a Cuban mop as a simpler alternative to disposable systems.
It is simpler.
one person who lived it
Use 16-inch circular knitting needles for making Swiffer pads.
They provide flexibility like two short needles connected by a cable.
one person who lived it
make crocheted Swiffer pads slightly smaller than the head so the stretchy stitch keeps them secure
stitch is very stretchy
one person who lived it
If the smell of vinegar is objectionable, try using Citra Solv or Pine Sol for cleaning instead.
Vinegar causes gagging for some people.
one person who lived it
Use a construction vacuum cleaner to clean dust, sawdust, and liquids, especially in cases where cordless vacuums fail.
It handles obstructed pipes and mixed debris that would damage or disable a standard cordless vacuum.
one person who lived it
Use 70% ethanol for disinfecting instead of 100% alcohol.
70% ethanol works better than 100%.
one person who lived it
Use baby wipes to remove makeup at night as a cheaper and more effective alternative to marketed face wipes.
One person found them waaay cheaper and more effective.
one person who lived it
If you sew, make custom microfiber pads with Velcro for a Libman Freedom Spray Mop to save money compared to Swiffer.
One user found this approach more economic than buying disposable Swiffer refills.
one person who lived it
Use Vileda microfiber mop heads if you need durability through repeated washing.
A former house cleaner found they stood up to heavy use better than other options.
one person who lived it
Replace disposable floor wipes with Shammy shop towels for better absorbency and washability.
They are more absorbent and washable.
one person who lived it
Use only a small amount of liquid detergent and skip dryer sheets.
one person who lived it
Use vinegar, lemon, or Dove bar soap from Dollar Tree as effective cleaning alternatives.
one person who lived it