Washing & re-using Swiffer WetJet& Clorox ReadyMop pads - anybody do this?

[Mono~rail]

OK, I confess. . . I adore the convenience of using my Swiffer Sweeper Vac & Clorox Ready Mop, but I don't like how expensive the supplies are (not to mention the environmental impact of throwing the pads and bottles away).

I've tried washing the Clorox ReadyMop pads in my front load washing machine on gentle cycle

but they fell apart.

Today I bought a Swiffer Wet Jet ($5 coupon combined with $5 Dollar General rebate) and the pads look much sturdier. I'm thinking they can withstand a gentle cycle then hang to dry.

Someone mentioned in another thread (where I asked if anyone had seen the Wet Jet on sale this week) that they wash the swiffer sweeper cloths and re-use them.

I happened to see on eBay auctions for non-disposable mopping pads for each, but before I make an investment like that I'd like to try re-using the disposables. Frugal Living suggests cutting up an old pair of sweats for use with the Clorox Ready Mop.

Oh, and the cleaning solutions are fairly pricey. . . anybody have a recipe to make their own and re-fill the bottles? I found this page with some recipes http://www.stretcher.com/stories/03/03nov17a.cfm . A poster on Thrify Fun said the Swiffer WJ bottles can't be refilled unless a hole is cut in the top of the bottle and the homemade cleaner put in with a turkey baster!

Anybody have experience or better ideas to share?

 

[cancer_survivor_06]

How will you get reuse out of them if you wash them it defiets the purpose of disposable and if its environmental and bugdet friendly that you want to be then just stick to a mop and find out about making your oun environmentally friendly mopping solution. I have just the plain swiffer and only use the wet wipes when I don't feel like moping up a spill from my dd6 which is rare. I am not trying to be mean I just saw and episode of Oprah that talked about stuff like this recently and it was not healthy for people to do things like this, so please don't take my post as being mean or rude its just MHO.

Have a Magical Day!

 

[renessa]

This would be too frugal for me....too much work. I also think that part of the appeal is the ease and convienence factor... and attempting to re-use is counterproductive to me.

 

[disneygals]

http://www.florstor.com/Sh-Mop.html?source=mop-1&gclid=CMfT_pSRpYoCFSMhYQodA373sg

The sh-mop is great...washable terry covers. I use a spray bottle with vinegar and water.

 

[i3utterfli82]

I would not reuse...might as well use a mop!

 

[Mono~rail]

 

[pearlieq]

Orange Glo makes a great re-usable microfiber Swiffer Pad. They're $5 at Wal-Mart and you can use them wet or dry. When you're done just toss in the washer (no fabric softener) and air dry.

We're really happy with them and think they do the floors better than the disposable pads.

 

[zippeedee]

Orange Glo makes a great re-usable microfiber Swiffer Pad. They're $5 at Wal-Mart and you can use them wet or dry. When you're done just toss in the washer (no fabric softener) and air dry.

We're really happy with them and think they do the floors better than the disposable pads.

Yup! I got a few on clearance at Target and they work better on my Pergo than the paper Clorox pads.

 

[Mono~rail]

Thanks pearlieq and zippeedee. I'll look for those at Target or WM next time I go.

 

[arminnie]

A poster on Thrify Fun said the Swiffer WJ bottles can't be refilled unless a hole is cut in the top of the bottle and the homemade cleaner put in with a turkey baster!

I had to use pliers to get the top off the Swiffer WJ the first time, but after that it was simple to just unscrew. I tried refilling with a funnel before I figured out how to remove the top.

I use a combo of vinegar and water which I actually like better than the cleaning solution they provide.

 

[Mono~rail]

I had to use pliers to get the top off the Swiffer WJ the first time, but after that it was simple to just unscrew. I tried refilling with a funnel before I figured out how to remove the top.

I use a combo of vinegar and water which I actually like better than the cleaning solution they provide.

Awesome tip, arminnie!

 

[Plantlady]

I also use the orange glo reusable pad with my swiffer wet jet. I plan on trying the vinegar/water combo the next time I run out of my wj solution.

Does anyone have recommendations of the ratio to use?

For people that suggest just sticking with a traditional mop, rather than try to find a way to make the wetjet more environmentally friendly...

the Wetjet is so easy, without having to bend over so much.. it uses the perfect amount of solution, no messy buckets. It is much EASIER than a mop. I would just prefer to find ways that are more environmentally friendly. Taking the good in one product... and making it better.

 

[rapmarks]

How about the Scrubbing Bubbles Automatic shower cleaner Refills? Has anyone tried refilling those bottles? What did you use?

 

[Mono~rail]

Saving money on Swiffer Mops had someone post to use 1 part vinegar to 1 part water.

Someone on that page also suggested strapping cloth baby diapers to the Clorox Ready Mop! I think that is a great idea and I'm planning to pick some up next time I go to a thrift shop I frequent that has a basket full of them at all times for 10 cents to 25 cents.

My mom sews so I'm planning to pick up some velcro strips and have her sew a strip to a few of the cloth diapers so they will go on my Swiffer Wet Jet.

What is too frugal to some is not to others. . .

I'm never too embarrassed to avoid wasting money or being friendlier to the environment.

 

[Mono~rail]

How about the Scrubbing Bubbles Automatic shower cleaner Refills? Has anyone tried refilling those bottles? What did you use?

Try these links

http://www.associatedcontent.com/article/55091/7_ways_to_clean_your_shower_on_the.html

http://www.instructables.com/id/ED6KEYAX7HET9K5VO8/

 

[luvsmickeymouse]

I use face cloth size rags on mine with vineager and water. It is easier than a regular mop to clean. Just take off the rag and throw it in the washer. I like the velcro idea to keep them on. I used elastics, did the trick. I hate buying those disposable cloths to put on the mop itself.

 

[Mono~rail]

I have to give a to the re-usable Orange Glo pads on the Swiffer Wet Jet! I picked up 2 at Wal-Mart the other day. The Orange Glo pads clean better than the disposable SWJ mopping pads!

A box of 12 disposable SWJ pads cost $5.86 at my local Wal-Mart and the re-usable Orange Glo pad cost only $4.86 each!

 

[maggiew]

I'm so glad this was bumped up. I was trying to remember the name of the reusable pads for the swiffer!

Maggie

 

[disneymom3]

I love the washcloth idea and am going to have to try that!! I use vinegar and water to clean a lot of stuff and it is great. My kids do a lot of chores so I didn't want to have them using harsher chemicals and found that the vinegar is just as good anyway. My boys clean the shower and tub using vinegar and water and once in awhile we throw in some baking soda(which is an excellent cleaner too) and it's a science experiment in the tub!

 

[Lassie Lynne]

DISCLAIMER: I have never used a swiffer wetjet nor have ever tried this tip..but.......


I read on another board that a lady used her unused but not needed anymore femanine pads in place of the swiffer mop pads and they worked fine. Now, I am not sure just how "frugal" this is, but for her, it was frugal since she was going to throw them away.