Besides the fact that I am attempting to replace all store bought, chemical laden cleaners with more natural alternatives, I hate the waste and expense of tossing out disposable pads every couple days. Luckily it very easy to make your own. Now, you can pull out your sewing machine, finish off the edges, and make them look fancy, but if your thought process is like mine…”I already have a 1,000 things to do today, and they are for scrubbing peanut butter and wiping dog hair off the floor, do they need to be fancy?” If you use fleece it is thick and the edges will not unravel and leave strings all over the place, it is also inexpensive. So we have easy no sew pads, and I am going to also give you the easiest, and yummiest scented solution to use with your homemade swiffer pads.
How to Make Homemade Swiffer Pads and Solution
Ingredients for solution:
- 1 cup water
- 1 cup vinegar
- 2 drops dawn dish soap (or your favorite)
- 10 drops lemon essential oil
- 10 drops basil essential oil
Directions:
Combine all ingredients in a glass container with a tight fitting lid, use a funnel to pour.
The reason I use glass is because citrus oils can eat away at most plastics, if you are going to use it all immediately you are fine though. I upcycled this glass olive oil jar because it has a small spout on it that makes it easy to pour out just a bit on the area of the floor I am mopping.
To make your swiffer wipes simply cut out your fleece 1″ longer and 5″ wider than the head of your mop.
Tuck the pad into the grips the same way you did the disposable pads, and it is ready to use.
More Natural Cleaning Tips
How to Make Homemade Furniture Polish
DIY Rosemary and Lemon All Purpose Scrub
How to Make Homemade Air Freshener
7 Tips for Cleaning Your Home Naturally
Lisa says
Can I reuse the fleece by washing it, or is it a throw away?
Alea Milham says
Yes, you can reuse the fleece by washing it.
Katherine says
Thank you so much for this hint, I was using old towels and sewing the sides up. Well next time I go to Walmart I will get me some fleece.
IrisCamp says
check out thrift stores. they often have fleece scraps for mere pennies
Nikki Frank-Hamilton says
You are a lifesaver!! I still have my swiffer, but I quit buying the pads they are too expensive, this is the best! I love having it ready to use for quick cleanup, you’ve saved the day. I never would have thought of fleece!!! Pinned! Thanks.
Ganece says
I just recently decided to use fleece on my Swiffer. I will cut my old sweat pants to fit!
Anna says
Do you think it’s possible to make the solution and let the cloth soak in them till I am ready to use? Just like the actual wet Swiffers? I still have the box that I was going to reuse.
Alea Milham says
I think it is worth a try!
Phyllis says
I just recently started using microfiber cloths, from an inexpensive source, to use in the swifter for regular floor dusting. Use it and throw it in the wash and replace with another one.
edie says
can you use this in lamitate and wood floors
Theresa says
Are the lemon and basil oils for scent only or do they contribute to the cleaning? I ask because I am almost out of stiffer solution and would love not to buy more and I don’t have the oils.
Alea Milham says
They are primarily for scent.
Lauren says
Yes, but most essential oils are antiviral, antifungal, and antibacterial, so they definitely contribute to the cleaning factor!
MaryEllen Smith says
I have read that essential oils can be toxic to cats.
Pat says
Yes! many essential oils are toxic to pets because their bodies do not metabolize them properly and it can destroy their liver. I would research essential oils before using them anywhere pets are living. Even diffusing oils is a dangerous practice until you know for sure which oils are toxic.
Judy Whisenant says
I love this idea. I was thinking of using the dry pads and my own solution because the Swiffer pads seem to leave my floor sticky. I love the idea of recycling the pads though.
Tina says
Microfiber clothes fit the swiffer pad perfectly also. Thanks for your fleece suggestion.
Diane says
I use dryer sheets after they are used in dryer. They fit my swifter exactly, then toss
Deborah says
Doesn’t microfiber work better? I would think fleece would leave more on the floor.
Angel says
I have been making my own fluid for a bit, excited to try your recipe though! I never thought to use fleece!! That is a wonderful idea, and it will stick to the Velcro on the bottom of the head. Thank you for sharing!!!
Laura says
Are you spraying the solution on the floor or soak g the cloth in the solution prior to mopping?
Alea Milham says
I prefer to spray the cloth.
JessicaMartinson says
Obsessed ! You’re brilliant! Thank you !
Carla says
These are wonderful ideas that I can
put to use ASAP!