We did it. After a few months of passively wishing that we were using reusable microfiber cloths to dust our house (instead of disposable Swiffer duster pads) we finally made the switch. We’re use-up-what-you-have-before-getting-something-new people, so we were counting down those last few Swiffer pads until the box was finally empty (here it is in our recycling bin)…
…and we could replace them with a five pack of white microfiber cloths (snagged for just $5 at TJ Maxx).
Why is this big news for us? Well since we were going through a few Swiffer duster pads a week (remember our detailed cleaning rundown right here?) we realized that if microfiber cloths are just as good at attracting dust and can easily be washable we can save around 150+ Swiffer pads, plus their packaging each year from landfills. And that might seem like a tiny upgrade to you guys, but every little bit helps. And just imagine if a few of you also make the switch to washable microfiber cloths (which are also great for polishing things, wiping down computer screens, cleaning up spills and even doing dishes in lieu of disposable sponges). All that reusing could really start to add up.
Plus we’d been meaning to make the switch for a while, and when a few helpful readers commented that microfiber cloths were their secret dusting weapon (back on our cleaning post) that was all that it took to confirm that we should go for it. And I must admit they’re pretty darn awesome. They definitely attract just as much dust as our old Swiffer pads did and they just feel like such a nice little upgrade since they’re plush and fluffy and not scratchy and disposable. Not that we rub our dust rags all over our bodies or anything, but you know what we mean…
So what do you guys think? Any takers? Anyone else making a simple switch like that around their house to save some pennies or reuse something wisely? We’re definitely sure there are other cleaning upgrades out there that we have yet to discover. Do tell.
Stephaine @ Geezees says
I use them all the time too!
Emma says
I converted to microfibre cloths a few years back and have been singing their praises ever since. I would also recommend the special glass/mirror cloth that you can buy with them as that works a treat to keep your shower screens clear and smear free, without any products at all. Just give them a quick wipe down after showering and our glass still looks brand new 2 years on.
Oh and they also work brilliantly on stainless steel appliances without any products whatsover, and on glass halogen hobs too. I could go on for hours!
Nina says
We’ve switched to microfiber cloths and washable dish cloths for all our cleaning needs, it feels much better to wash something and reuse it instead of tossing it away. Plus the cloths get softer over time so it’s much nicer for the hands!
Matt says
I’ve been thinking about making this switch for a while – your post convinced me. I’m really enjoying these eco-friendly cleaning posts, keep them coming!
Julie says
Kudos for switching!
I realized a few months ago how many paper towels we were wasting on day to day cleaning. So I bought a few dishcloths, and now instead of spraying down the counters and wiping with a paper towel I dampen the cloth and then rise it after I use it. I can already tell how much less paper we’re going through, and it was really easy to switch. Plus, think of all the trees it saves!
Carol from Indian Springs says
I have been using cut up t-shirts and diapers to dust with for years, just spritzing with a little water…that is what my mom has always used so it was just natural to me. I’m sure when I was a kid we did it because of saving money but it is funny how it is also considered eco-friendly now. And we haven’t purchased paper napkins in probably 20 years or more – we use cloth and besides not wasting paper, it just makes a meal at home feel more special. I even pack one in my lunch bag and bring real utensils and plates or bowls to eat from. So if I have to eat at my desk and work through my lunch hour at least it is a little bit nicer.
Katie says
plasic baggies and paper towels… two things that my mom only bought on occasion and I’m starting to understand why. They can both add quite a bit to the grocery bill (if used with reckless abandon) and to the trashcan.
I use old yucky washrags, dishrags, towels, etc and cut up tshirts in place of paper towels for cleaning- keeping a roll of paper towels under each bathroom sink for cleaning the toilet.
And instead of baggies in the kitchen, I use plasic and glass containers. Glass for anything that will need heated in the micro and plastic for everything else. And I try to reuse plasic bags as much as I can.
Currently, I’m trying to think of a way to do away with the millions of paper napkins we use. But nothing seems convenient and they’re pretty cheap so…
Ashley says
I recycle and re-use as much as possible around our house. I have switched to washing dishes with small knitted squares instead of wasting sponges, we use old t-shirts as rags too and I’ve always dusted with a towel and spray. My boyfriend had a swiffer wet jet in his studio apartment but I have since gotten rid of it. For floor cleaning I use a broom daily and if it needs a thorough cleaning I just get down on my knees and scrub (with a rag of course).
My latest find, and new love, are biodegradable ‘poop bags’ for pet waste. They were created for dogs but I use the large size bags for my kitty litter (which I’ve also switched to a natural non-clay formula recently). I feel much better about owning 3 cats now that their litter isn’t sitting in a dump for years. : )
Heather says
Great timing! We just made this switch about a month ago and I’ve been curious as to what the ‘average’ person uses. We too used the Swiffers and hated the waste (trash-wise and money-wise). We bought these at Target:
http://www.target.com/Evercare-Mircrofiber-Cloths-4-pk-Pastel/dp/B001QD8ZZ2/ref=sc_qi_detailbutton
And I LOOOOVE them!!! There is one for furniture, one for normal dusting, one for glass and one for bathrooms. It’s not only eliminated my use of Swiffer dusters, but it’s also cut back on my paper towel waste!
City Chic - Jamie says
Ok, you’ve convinced me. I will definitely look into a reuseable rather than the swiffers. We have two dogs and hardwood floors so I just need something that I can easily sweep up the pet hair each week or before guests come over. So I’ll definitely give it a try!
Kim@NewlyWoodwards says
I’m kinda yo-yoing with swiffers. I have an unhealthy addiction to them, and I find that when I try to use microfiber, they stick too much to the floor. I may have to try to pick up a different type of microfiber cloths (maybe flylady from the commenter above?) I like the concept, but I still have a soft spot for swiffers. So, I’ve tried to just phase them out and I have been buying them less and filling in with microfibers. =)
Leslie says
Hhhmm. I think I would have to start dusting in order to justify the purchase (kind of kidding; I don’t dust as mush as I should). Although, great idea. I just use a very damp rag to dust and then wipe off the excess water with dry rag. I have been wondering what items I could use to dust where the dust actually sticks to the cloth. Thanks for the tip. What I am secretly wishing fore is a maid for whom I could buy the microfiber cloths so he/she could dust. Pipe Dreams…(sigh).
Jennifer S. says
I gave up Swiffer last year and have been using an old fashioned duster to dust with. It’s made of lambswool and I got it at Home Depot. Also, I use old rags (tshirts, etc) to clean with and wash those or toss them if they were used to clean something particularly nasty. I have microfiber cloths, also, but tend to use the rags more.
amanda says
we just recently stopped using sponges to wash our dishes and invested in Scotch-Brite Greener Clean Natural Bamboo Cleaning Cloths. They’re washable and bamboo is one of the fastest growing plants (at least that’s what i hear) so it’s a natural and sustainable way to clean your dishes in the sink.
patti says
i’m in the process of switching over too (i’m also using up the last of the swiffer box) – and i’m so excited to try the micro-fiber on the stainless appliances – 2 small kids equals lots and lots of muck on them at the 3 foot level. :)
Erin says
We made the switch to microfibre and love them! :D A couple other things we’ve done is switched to using dryer balls (from Bed Bath & Beyond) instead of dryer sheets and started using ShamWow’s instead of paper towels and sponges.
liz says
I’ve been using them for years. If you avoid washing them with softner and keep them out of the dryer, they will work even better. I also really like the bar towls for everyday kitchen cleanup. They are really absorbent and are also lint free.
Steph says
I’m the same as you — the “use em up before you get something new” kind of person — a long time ago I was using paper towels for all of my cleaning (and things like Mr. Clean and Ajax! EGAD!) but I rummaged around the house and found some old rags to use instead. Now I have a basket in my linen closet with dish cloths and towels on one side and rags on the other that I use for cleaning. I also have two trusty bottles of vinegar and water (one for upstairs and one for downstairs because I’m that lazy :)) that I use for pretty much everything from windows, to sinks, to surface cleaning… I will be purchasing some of those lovely microfiber cloths as well I think because I’m finding there is a lot of dust in my house and I need a way to keep it at bay; vinegar isn’t so hot for wood surfaces…
Jen says
We use them too! I think the only thing that sorta bugs me is they can sometimes cause dust to get on the front of the shelves if you just wipe from front to back. Gotta catch all that dust (and we have a LOT)
I’m still trying to find a solution for my wood floors – I have a bona dust mop/mop combo that works okay, but I’d like to try something better. I might try buying my own microfiber fabric and making a little cover myself! Any suggestions?
AB says
One day we were in the car care section of Walmart, and they had a pack of 8 microfiber cloths for $5. They’re great for lots of things, including polishing faucets and mirrors. I have one that I use to attach to my floor swiffer to dust mop and then wet mop. I keep old towels and rags, too, for extra messy spills/issues. I will look into those bamboo cloths, too.
Jenny @ Making the Most of Money says
Awesome choice! We have those same towels, but in orange. They’re so easy to throw in the wash. Same with cloth napkins – we have maybe 10-12 that we just cycle through for every day use. They aren’t in the best shape, but for just the two of us it works a lot better. The only thing we use paper goods for cleaning are for really nasty messes that we don’t want going into our washing machine.
Melissa says
I have microfiber cloths that were made for Swiffer-type brooms. They are the same size as the Swiffer disposable dusters and they attach exactly the same way – you stick the edges of the cloth into the little grabbers on the back. They are awesome – I would definitely recommend to anyone who loves their Swiffer but wants to make the switch for environmental (and cost!) reasons.
I couldn’t find the ones I own online (I bought mine many, many years ago) but they are these cloths, only sized to fit the rectangular head of the Swiffer:
http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/ASIN/B0000AQOAP/ref=nosim/10191459-rg2507-00-20
You could probably find the bigger cloths in a Walmart or Target but if for some reason they don’t make them anymore, you could always use 2 of the smaller ones or even sew 2 together into the right shape, using the disposable Swiffer pads as a template.
christel says
i don’t use any paper products. i have super cute cloth napkins and tea towels which i just throw in the washing machine as i go and they get washed with whatever load of clothes go next. no extra laundry for me! i have had the same foil in my pantry for over 2 years. when people notice nothing paper or disposable (other than TP) in my house they are a little weird-ed out but i just tell them to add up money saved/spent and then tell me i am strange!
christel says
oh ya and i save paper napkins from take out and use them for some crazy gross mess which might happen that would ruin my cloth napkins/tea towels.
Lonna says
I keep a microfiber cloth in the glove box of my car. I can quickly wipe down my dusty mess super quick if I’m going to be giving someone a ride. Or if I’m waiting in the car and get the itch to clean!
Amy says
I have to comment about the microfiber re-usable clothes (as opposed to swiffer)- I don’t think they work very well. I find that dust and dirt just gets pushed around on the surface with the re-usable towels. The towels pick up alittle dust, but leaves alot behind too. Swiffers are better- and even better than that is just a damp paper towel. That’s just my experience.
Katie says
Silly question, but when you use the MF cloths as a Swiffer, do you shake them out before you wash them? It doesn’t seem like a great idea to put all that dog hair (in my case) in the washer…
YoungHouseLove says
Yup, you can give them a little shake or brush off any hairballs before tossing them in the wash quite easily. Hope it helps!
xo,
s
Viv says
I use Barmop cloths for dishcloths. You buy them in packs like your microfibre cloths. They are white terry and easily cleaned and although I never used sponges for dishes, much nicer to have a fresh one out daily.
Elizabeth says
Cloth diapers are great for more than just covering a baby’s bottom. They’re cheap–the non-fancy Gerber brand ones are a steal and can be found everywhere–and also super durable. Use them for dusting, mopping floors, cleaning mirrors, soaking up spills, etc. We don’t even buy paper towels anymore, we just keep a supply of cloth diapers in a kitchen cabinet.
Robbie Beth says
I use rags and cloth diapers on the swiffer too. Also gave up paper-towels and paper napkins. I find lots of cute (lightly used) cloth napkins at yard sales and Goodwill. We save the matching ones for company :)
Lindsa says
I did the same thing about a year ago. I was sick of buying and throwing away the Swiffer pads. I also don’t like to use Pledge, so I decided to use the microfiber clothes. I love them. Just dampen them a little bit and I’m ready to go. I own 3 of them and even let my 2 year old help! I’m teaching her young! :)
Chris A. says
I love microfiber cloths! Sam’s Club has a pack of 24 for $9.99. Use them to wash the auto’s, regular cleaning, etc. My Mom uses them to clean her windows without any cleaner, and she says there are no more smears or smudges.
I also picked up a Swiffer type (the kind with a handle and two prongs) duster at Walmart for $2.99 that has a microfiber head that you can take off and wash. I bought two of them so I could switch between the two.
Audria says
So glad you made the switch! I moisten a microfiber cloth with hot tap water and attach it to the Swiffer sweeper. It picks up everything and leaves my floors with a mirror shine! I bought mine cheap (6 for 9.99 but they are huge and I cut them into forths) from a cloth-diapering store http://www.cottonbabies.com with the intent of using them on my son. They are the best (most absorbent) I have ever tried. The secret to laundering them is to wash them by themselves or with fabrics that do not pill or produce lint. The microfiber will grab onto everything and ruin its cleaning power. Happy cleaning!
Carla says
I have used microfiber cloths for dusting for over a year now and I really like it but what i love it the rag I have for glass and mirror you can clean it without anything on the rag and it cleans well but for really dirty mirrors like the one where kids brush teeth I get the corner wet to go over the mirror and then just clean with the rag it is clean , and no streaks I love it. it shines all your faucets up great also.
Elle says
I am Mom to a very hairy almost-four-year-old Puggle, plus we have hardwood floors. It’s not fun, but I love my floors, so it’s worth the cleaning. Getting those cloths has been on my list for quite some time, but we are doing the same thing- using up the Swiffers before we buy anything else. I think everyone should do this! Why not, right? I’ll be adding some green tips to my blog as well. Lots of good tips!
http://elbowgreaseandstilettos.blogspot.com/
kate says
I loooooove microfiber cloths….They are THE best!!
I get a pack of five or six at the dollar store. And then just was them in the washing mashine when they look gross.
Sherene says
Just FYI for Costco shoppers – they carry a 54 pack of microfiber cloths for about $30. I can’t find it online, but a while back I also bought a large pack of white terry cleaning cloths there as well. Between those two purchases, I never have to use paper towels again.
Sarah Jones says
I have done the same thing! Felt bad about all the Swiffer’s. We have hardwood floors, so went thru a ton. I stocked up on micro fiber cloths from the Dollar Tree! I love them, esp great for flat screen tvs! I did buy a pack of Method biodegradable swiffer like cloths, but probably won’t buy more when they are out.
Erica says
I’ve been using cheap rags I bought at Value City a few years back to clean my floors. I have my mom’s old Swiffer-type thing (I think Clorox made it) that has the bottle built in the handle. I filled it with a mix of vinegar and water and used it to clean my kitchen floor. I just bought a new house, though, and refinished the hardwood floors in most of the rooms. Since vinegar isn’t a friend of hardwood floors, I bought a big pack of 24 microfiber cloths from Home Depot for $12 to dust the floors. I just get them a little damp and they clean up lots of dust on the floor without any waste! It’s so easy and cheap, and I don’t have to throw any Swiffer cloths away when I’m finished!
Jen H. says
You guys are inspiring me. I’m very addicted to using Jcloths in the kitchen, which are reusable but then must be thrown out after a couple of days. We still buy paper towels, as they are my husband’s addiction.
Two areas where I’ve stepped up the green factor though:
1. No more dryer sheets – I ran out of them one day and had to do several loads anyway, and didn’t notice any difference at all. So there’s less waste and fewer chemicals coming from our considerable laundry cycles.
2. No more clay pebble cat litter. I now buy the brand called Yesterday’s News, which is made of little pellets of recycled newspaper. It’s better for kitty, it contains the smell better, and it’s better for the environment.
jennifer F says
OK this may be a stupid question, but do you use any cleaner with microfiber clothes? Or do you just wet them and dust? Also, can you use them for other cleaning than dusting..like to actually clean the shower or wipe down glass tabletops, etc? And then do you use cleaners? Thanks! I’ve actually put clothes as well as mrs meyers cleanersw on my xmas list this year :-)
YoungHouseLove says
Hey Jennifer,
Just a bit of water, so they’re a smidge moist. Works like a charm!
xo,
s
Lisa says
A new-mom friend of mine knows I’m a treehugger gave me a set of flat-fold diaper cloths as a housewarming present. She said that lots of people use them as “cloth paper towels.” The more you wash them, the more absorbent they get. I’ve been using them for a couple of months now, and they’re wonderful! I highly recommend getting some! They’re so much better than paper towels. (I also use microfiber cloths when cleaning the house.)
Thanks for all of the cleaning product recipes. I definitely want to try some out. As a vegan, it’s dismaying to see how many of the commercial cleaners contain animal byproducts or are tested on animals. Dr. Bronner’s and all of the recipes you listed are totally cruelty free. Yay!
Bree H. says
My sister recommended that I check out your Blog since my fiance and I just got the keys to our new home this week. YAY!!!
I love it!! So much useful info and I really like that you are environmentally conscious as well. Keep up the good work!
kara says
ok, maybe I have some kind of tactile issues but I can’t stand the way these cloths feel….am I the only one? I just use a “regular” old rag.
Kelsi says
We’ve been using rags for dusting and everything kitchen lately. I had a TON of left over burp rags (cloth diaper style) and baby towels. I also use shirts that get holes in them and that can be made into anything else. These I use as paper towels or easy cleaning jobs. I went and bought a huge stack of large washcloths that we use in leu of napkins. Found some dishclothes at target on clearance (they have a net backing that is perfect for scrubbing dishes instead of sponges!) and can easily be thrown into the wash! Yay for you guys and making the switch!! It’s so easy-peasy once you take the first step!
Jennifer H. says
Our house has only 3 carpeted rooms, so I really wanted a Swiffer to use with my microfiber cloths. I was ecstatic when I found a Clorox Wet Jet mop with a new bottle of cleaner for only $1 at a garage sale! I brought it home and happily attached my microfiber cloths to it for cleaning my floors. Sadly, the mop stick hinge broke a week later and can’t be repaired. I’ve been wanting to find another cheap-o Swiffer-type mop to use and hadn’t found one yet. Chris A, thanks for your tip about the $2.99 duster at Walmart. I’ll have to check that out. :)
nancy locklear says
what exactly is a micro fiber cloth i hate to seem so dumb but there is so much out there , i personally like the shame wow and can’t wait to get the mop, but here is my tip on the old swiffer an old white sock spray some indust on it and u can clean ceiling fans and anything high , dont use on floor for flor i use a spray bottle and carry my wsiffer aand sock already loaded on it and i go to town , socks are also good for using for mittens to dust furniture , good luck hope u can use these few tip . nancy in SOUTH CAROLINA
YoungHouseLove says
Hey Nancy,
It’s just a term for a small dishcloth-like towel with little raised fibers that grab dirt and dry things quickly. The good news is that when you find them (anywhere from Target to Tj Maxx or Trader Joe’s) they’re usually labeled as “microfiber cloths” on the packaging. Hope it helps!
xo,
s
Amber Cleaner says
microfiber cloths are one of the best cloths you can ever clean with, i co run a cleaning company and we use this cloths everyday they are just amazing. Use them as a damp cloth it picks up all the dust and leaves no smear marks on anything. So if your not using them, you should :)
Connie M. says
Here’s recycling at it’s best. I sew, I sew a great deal and have LOTs of scraps of fabric. So when I got tired of using the Swiffer cloths on the sweeeper, I cut some rectangles of fleece (polar fleece type) the same dimensions and use those for dusting my hardwood floors. They are free, they are washable, and they work as good as the swiffer does. Just remember NOT to use fabric softener with fleece. In fact, while I have your attention ;-) Fleece garments should be washed with powedered detergent (for some reason it doesn’t like the liquid type) and hung to dry no matter what the label says. It is hydrophobic which means it reples moisture. That’s why it insulates when you get wet, the moisture moves to the outside and evaporates. So hanging it up for maybe 20 minutes is sufficient to dry it completely (unless there are other fabrics sewn to the garment. And of course, no static sheets or fabric softener because they ruin the wicking properties of the fleece. If you don’t sew, grab a yard or so at the fabric store when it’s on sale. Or even better, find someone who will share their leftovers. I often put a bag up on freecycle to get rid of the piles of fabric scraps I have.
YoungHouseLove says
Awesome tip Connie. Thanks so much!
xo,
s
Devil says
Pretty good post. I just came across your blog and wanted to say that I have really enjoyed browsing your blog posts. Any way I’ll be subscribing to your blog and I hope you post again soon!