Reusable Swiffer Pads – Green Cleaning Kit
Chemical Free, Waste Free Cleaning
I love the convenience of my Swiffer, but I do not love the cost of the replacement cleaner and disposable pads or the effect using disposable pads and chemicals have on the environment. My solution was to create some eco-friendly and budget friendly cleaning alternatives.
Let’s face it, we all hate cleaning but we love having a clean house. The convenience of these use and toss products makes it easier but there is a way you can have the best of both worlds.
Here is the pattern for reusable Swiffer pads, paperless paper towels and reusable Scrubbing Bubbles Fresh Brush pads. For the total cost of $3 you can save about $500/year on cleaning supplies and chemicals and reduce your carbon footprint at the same time.
Reusable Swiffer Pad
Materials:
2 balls Bernat Craft Cotton (50g)
5mm (H/8) crochet hook
2 buttons
Note: I make my pad 1″ longer on each side. This gives me really good edge cleaning abilities. Better than the disposable pads. If you want to add “scrubbing” abilities, try adding some jute twine with your yarn for the center 4 rows. This will make an abrasive strip. (kind of hard on the hands when working up though)
Instructions:
Ch 40, dc in 3rd ch from hook and in each ch across.
Ch 3 turn, dc in each dc across.
Repeat last row till 17 rows have been worked.
Fasten off.
Sew one button 2 1/2 inches from edge on each end of one long side.
Put the pad on the Swiffer stretching to button around the head.
Grab a spray bottle with 1 part vinegar to 2 parts water or refill your wet jet bottle with the vinegar solution and you are all ready to go. Spray the floor and mop with your new Swiffer pad. When you are done just toss the pad into the washing machine in cold water and hang to dry. (If you want to be able to use hot water and dry in the dryer you will need to make the pad larger to allow for shrinkage)
Tip: To refill your Wet Jet bottle, you will need to soak the lid in boiling water for at least 1 minute. Then grab a cloth and wrap around the lid and pull off. Fill with the vinegar and water solution.
If you can’t get the lid off, another alternative is to leave the bottle on the Swiffer, drill or cut a whole in the bottom of the bottle, fill with a funnel and place a cork in the hole.
Reusable Scrubbing Bubbles Fresh Brush Pads
Ch 10, dc in 3rd ch from hook and in each ch across.
Ch3 and turn, dc in each dc across.
Repeat last row till pad is 8″ long. Fasten off.
Fold the pad in 3 and clip into your fresh brush. Dip in full strength vinegar. Flush the toilet and pour a few cups of vinegar in bowl as it is filling. Scrub under the rim with the pad and full strength vinegar, scrub sides of the bowl. Squeeze the pad against the side of the bowl to wring it out a bit. Pop the pad off right into the washing machine. There, now you have the convenience of a “no touch” clean with no waste or chemicals.
Paperless Paper Towels
Use the balance of your yarn making two different sized cleanup cloths.
Cloth 1
Ch 20, dc in 3rd ch from hook and in each ch across.
Ch 3 and turn, dc in each dc across.
Repeat last row till 12 rows are worked. Ch 10, sl st into corner stitch to form a loop for hanging. Fasten off.
Cloth 2
Ch 16. Dc in second ch from hook and in each ch across.
Ch 3 and turn, dc in each ch across.
Repeat last row until you run out of yarn.
Now you are armed with all you need to clean your house chemical free and environmentally friendly. I make a ton of these cloths in all different sizes and keep them hung on a cup hook inside my cupboard under the sink. Small ones are great for counter top cleanups and small spills.
I even make some of these and use at the table in place of paper napkins or serviettes. The kids each have their own color. Then just wet them to wash their hands and face and toss in the wash when dinner is done.
If you like these patterns please leave me a comment. Or if you have another “green” pattern or eco-tip please leave it for other readers. If we all do our part we will be happier, healthier and greener.