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
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DIY Rosemary and Lemon All Purpose Scrub
How to Make Homemade Air Freshener
7 Tips for Cleaning Your Home Naturally
Lisa says
August 19, 2015 at 10:42 pmCan I reuse the fleece by washing it, or is it a throw away?
Alea Milham says
August 19, 2015 at 11:42 pmYes, you can reuse the fleece by washing it.
Katherine says
August 26, 2015 at 9:52 pmThank 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.
Nikki Frank-Hamilton says
September 1, 2015 at 9:18 pmYou 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
May 10, 2016 at 11:22 amI just recently decided to use fleece on my Swiffer. I will cut my old sweat pants to fit!
Anna says
June 14, 2016 at 10:00 pmDo 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
June 14, 2016 at 10:57 pmI think it is worth a try!
Phyllis says
August 14, 2016 at 4:36 pmI 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
October 14, 2016 at 2:22 pmcan you use this in lamitate and wood floors
Theresa says
November 10, 2016 at 8:43 amAre 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
November 10, 2016 at 9:37 amThey are primarily for scent.
Lauren says
February 2, 2018 at 7:02 amYes, but most essential oils are antiviral, antifungal, and antibacterial, so they definitely contribute to the cleaning factor!
MaryEllen Smith says
December 22, 2016 at 10:21 amI have read that essential oils can be toxic to cats.
Pat says
January 24, 2018 at 6:47 amYes! 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
December 29, 2016 at 9:19 amI 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
January 8, 2017 at 5:00 pmMicrofiber clothes fit the swiffer pad perfectly also. Thanks for your fleece suggestion.
Diane says
November 15, 2017 at 5:26 amI use dryer sheets after they are used in dryer. They fit my swifter exactly, then toss
Angel says
May 10, 2019 at 7:19 amI 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!!!