Swiffer Dusters: 14 Common Questions Answered - pur-home.com (2023)

FAQs

Do Swiffer dusters actually clean? ›

Of course, Striemer suggests Swiffer dusters but that's because they really do work. They're specifically designed to trap and lock up three times the dust compared to traditional feather dusters.

To save a little money and keep things green, think twice before tossing your dirty Swiffer dusters. They can be washed and reused with a quick rinse under the faucet.

We recommend dusting before vacuuming, this is because dust particles usually get moved around the room when you dust, meaning all your hard work will go to waste. A top tip is to wait at least 2 hours after dusting to get the vacuum out.

For best results use a damp, clean, microfiber cloth. To dampen the cloth, hold the cloth by a corner and lightly mist it with clean water from a spray bottle. You want the cloth to be damp enough to pick up dust without leaving moisture streaks behind on surfaces.

If a Swiffer WetJet isn't spraying, but you can hear the motor running, the nozzle is clogged. This is easy to fix with a few simple products. However, if the Swiffer isn't spraying and you cannot hear the motor, the motor pump motor may be clogged, rusty, and may need to be lubricated.

To unclog them, put the Swiffer over your sink and spray the nozzles with a directed stream of water. Make sure not to submerge the pump or the Swiffer's batteries. You can also try spraying the nozzles with a hose outside.

A gentle swipe with a microfiber cloth usually does the job, while a soft, long-handled microfiber duster will collect dust from crevices. Be sure to vacuum dust from around cords and vents because, along with pet hair, it can clog machines or outlets.

Microfiber Mops

These mops are very similar to the Swiffer, but instead of single-use refill pads, they clean with a washable microfiber pad head. Pair yours with a DIY or store-bought eco friendly spray and you're golden. Also, it's imperative that you wash your microfiber mop pads WITHOUT fabric softener!

Sweep often — at least once a week. By sticking to this routine, you can clean your floors before dirt has time to collect on the surface.

Because Swiffer dry pads pick up dust, dirt and hair using an electrostatic charge, you can actually use them for longer than you might think. After a cleaning session, you can pull large clumps of dirt or lint off the pad, then use the pad again next time.

Does Swiffer Duster have chemicals? ›

Ever take a big whiff when you bust open your new package of refillable Swiffer wet pads? Well, sorry to be the bearer of bad news, but those flowery and attractive smells contain fragrances and other harmful ingredients, which often carry phthalates, asthmagens (1) and other chemicals of concern.

Navas recommends you wipe a damp microfiber cloth over the affected surface to collect the stray particles. For a more thorough job, to cover more surface area, or to get to harder-to-reach areas, you can use the dusting tool or hose attachment on your vacuum.

The science behind why damp dusting is more efficient than a dry cloth comes from the fact that a damp cloth introduces capillary force to the dust particles. In short, the damp cloth draws the particles in and lifts dust from the area instead of moving them around.

Bathrooms and kitchens are known as 'wet areas'. These often take the most time to clean. That's why they should be first in the order you clean your house. Once you've done step 1 and 3, dust everything and then get down to work in your bathrooms and kitchen.

White vinegar – White vinegar is an amazing natural cleaning hack as it helps to naturally clean surfaces and removes grease, grime, and dirt buildup. It's ideal in a dusting spray because vinegar not only disinfects but is believed to repel dust as well as kill dust mites.

1. Turn on your HVAC systems fan. Kick up dust without lifting a finger. The fan gets the air in your house moving, until eventually it makes its way to the intake where your air filter can trap and store dust.

White distilled vinegar is a great (and inexpensive) solution to get rid of dust. Because the vinegar cuts through grease and grime, it can also help to naturally lift off more dust. Plus, vinegar adds disinfecting benefits to the surface that you sprayed it on.

Response from Swiffer:

The run time gradually reduces if you only use the device for a few minutes before recharging it. It will take 4 to 8 hours to recharge your Sweeper Vac, and with a full charge, it will run for about 12 to 14 minutes.

When purchased new, the Swiffer SweeperVac can operate on battery power for approximately 10-12 minutes after 16 hours of charging. Ensure you are charging it for at least 12 hours to maintain optimal battery life.

Expect to replace a Swiffer WetJet once every 2 years. You can stretch it to 3 years if you do not use the spray mop often and take the time to unclog the spray nozzles and lubricate the motor.

Can I use vinegar in my Swiffer? ›

Include 3 cups of white distilled vinegar as your Swiffer disinfectant. Finish the homemade solution with 1/4 cup of liquid dish soap. Mix all of the ingredients together and transfer them to your old container. Place the bottle in the Swiffer and begin cleaning as you normally would.

Attach a dry sweeping pad to the Swiffer by wrapping it around the flat mop head and pushing the edges of the cloth into the four flexible grippers on the top of the mop head. Go over the floor to capture loose dirt, dust, and hair. Remove the dry cloth and dispose of it properly.

Indoor dust originates from pet dander, hair, cooking, bedding, clothing and in-home work projects. Outdoor dust is typically carried by dirty air that manages to find its way inside your home via sources such as leaky air ducts, open windows and small exterior cracks.

A buildup of dust in your home is often the result of poor airflow. A combination of poor airflow and infrequent cleaning can lead dust and dust mites to settle comfortably into several areas in your home. “Dust mites live in mattresses, pillows, and upholstery,” Dr. Cajigal says.

The general concensus is somewhere between once a week and once a month for a dust, and every few months for a deep clean / dust. The difference in time frames is due to the factors listed above. If you have a lot of furniture or live in a dry climate, you might need to dust more often.

One sheet of a paper towel perfectly fits a Swiffer Sweeper. For less than a penny, you can do vitually the same job a Swiffer sheet does. Now that's living cheap. One sheet of a paper towel perfectly fits a Swiffer Sweeper.

Overall, the microfiber dusters are far superior as Swiffer alternatives – financially, environmentally, and for better cleaning and hey, keeping my head dust-free too.

Microfiber cloths

For general dusting like wiping down the table, counter, or another smooth surface, a microfiber cloth works wonders. While other cloths simply move dirt and dust from one place to another, the tiny fibers in microfiber cloths collect and trap more dust than cotton cleaning rags.

Whether it's the wet cloths or the Swiffer Jet, “they're not effective, and floor ends up sticky,” Hoffman said. I've found the same. Instead, if I'm looking for an alternative to the bucket and mop, I love the O-Cedar Microfiber Spray Mop.

A: The dry Swiffer is mainly for picking up dust, hair, webs and things like that. I use the dry Swiffer before using the wet one. The wet will clean the floor. Helpful?

How often should you clean your shower? ›

Generally, routine bathroom cleaning in which you scrub the tub and shower walls should take place at least once a week. However, there are some parts of the bathroom that need to be addressed more frequently than every seven days.

Based on the size of your house and the severity of the mess, it could be 2 – 3 hours out of your day dedicated to cleaning. That's why most cleaning experts recommend daily cleaning.

Swiffer is designed not to leave a residue and should provide a great clean on virtually any floor in your home.

Attach a dry cloth to the Swiffer's rectangle end and swipe it along the wall to pick up dust, cobwebs and dirt and more. Then press an edge of the rectangle end along window and door trim to pick up dust that tends to collect quickly in those areas.

Swiffer^® Unscented Dry Dusters & Sweepers have become the first dry-dusting cleaners to be Certified asthma & allergy friendly™ by the Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America (AAFA) Manufactured by P&G, the Swiffer Sweeper is designed to trap and hold dust from a variety of floor types including wood, ceramic and ...

Feather dusters only need replacing if the feathers begin to fall out. Once you have finished using it, always shake it outside to remove any dust and dirt. The same goes for cloth dusters: they should also last a long time, but don't forget to clean them regularly.

Swiffer dry cloths are made of polyester and polypropylene and work well to pick up dust and grime from most surfaces, but so does an old-fashioned wool dust mop. The natural lanolin in wool attracts and holds dust.

Dust before vacuuming

We recommend dusting before vacuuming, this is because dust particles usually get moved around the room when you dust, meaning all your hard work will go to waste. A top tip is to wait at least 2 hours after dusting to get the vacuum out.

The dust will fall to the floor, where you can later vacuum it away. Feather dusters work well only when used to maintain a basically clean home. If your home hasn't been dusted in a while, you must remove the accumulated dust with a vacuum or by wet-cleaning with a cloth.

Do swiffers clean as well as mops? ›

Overall, microfiber mops have more pros than Swiffer mops. Microfiber mops can be used as a two-in-one to both sweep and mop at the same time. However, a Swiffer mop can typically only clean after the sweeping has already been done.

Not only is a feather duster a much quicker and easier way to remove dust from those smooth and shiny surfaces, it also works wonders on surfaces of every shape, size, and texture! You can use your feather duster to easily remove dust build-up on things like faux greenery, and even rough, rustic wood or stone surfaces.

Whether it's the wet cloths or the Swiffer Jet, “they're not effective, and floor ends up sticky,” Hoffman said. I've found the same. Instead, if I'm looking for an alternative to the bucket and mop, I love the O-Cedar Microfiber Spray Mop.

All you need is vinegar, olive oil, and a touch of soap to recreate my grandmother's dust-repellant spray recipe. The coating the spray leaves helps more dust propel off surfaces and onto the floor, which means you'll have to clean those hard to dust places a little less.

A feather duster unfortunately just flings and swirls dust around, without actually picking anything up. Instead, grab a high-quality, microfiber cloth. Your microfiber cloth is reusable and inexpensive and one of the best cleaning tools you can purchase for your home.

Feather dusters need to be made from high-quality ostrich down feathers to be effective and often will only push dust around unless proper technique is practiced. Microfibre cloths are the smarter choice since they are cheap, easy to use, and require little to no product to actively pick up dust.

Sweep often — at least once a week. By sticking to this routine, you can clean your floors before dirt has time to collect on the surface. Unlike carpeting that collects allergens* and keeps them around, hardwood floors can be easily wiped clean of dust and allergens*.

“And the floor can end up sticky and even dirtier because their cleaning solvent tends to dry very fast, leaving a sticky residue if not cleaned fast and well.”

If you're working with low-quality cleaning equipment, it might be the cause of your sticky floors. Mops that don't properly absorb water and cleaner are common and, in cases of sticky flooring, can often be the cause. If you're still using that decades-old mop, consider switching it out.

Is it better to dust with a wet or dry cloth? ›

The science behind why damp dusting is more efficient than a dry cloth comes from the fact that a damp cloth introduces capillary force to the dust particles. In short, the damp cloth draws the particles in and lifts dust from the area instead of moving them around.

The downside was that if one wanted to clean a large area, say several rooms, the refill pads are quite expensive to purchase frequently. Plus, the pads get dirty quickly so unless you change them often, you'll just be moving the dirt around.

A: The dry Swiffer is mainly for picking up dust, hair, webs and things like that. I use the dry Swiffer before using the wet one. The wet will clean the floor. Helpful?

Do not use Swiffer wet cloths on unfinished, oiled or waxed wooden floors, non-sealed tiles or carpets. If you have any questions about cleaning your particular floor, contact the manufacturer of the floor or test the cleaner in a hidden area of the floor. Was this helpful?