Wednesday, May 27, 2009

WFMW—DIY Swiffer WetJet Refill

WFMW blog I’ve had my Swiffer Wet Jet for a long time (hence, the photo of the old model). It has not replaced my steam mop, but it’s great for spills or a quick once-over. They want you to believe that the solution bottle is not refillable and that you must buy a new one every time you run out.swiffer2 But we are not that gullible, are we? No, we are not. Just take a vise grip to the white cap and wrench it off (or have your hubby do it, which is how it works around here). Then fill it up with your choice of solution. I use Armstrong floor cleaner, which is what I used to use for mopping before I got my steam mop. I believe the ratio is about 1/8 cup of the cleaner and then fill the bottle up with water. Next time I run out of Armstrong, I’m going to try Dr Bronner’s Sal Suds.

Once the bottle is refilled, just screw the cap back on tightly and use as before. One precaution: I noticed that for some reason if you store the Wet Jet with the reused solution bottle in it, it tends to evaporate. I solved this problem by just taking the bottle out when I’m done Swiffering, and storing it upright.

Have you noticed that so many times thrifty is green(er)? Works For Me! Next, perhaps I'll try to figure out a reusable cleaning pad.

Visit We Are THAT Family for more tips.


23 comments:

Cathy said...

I just got the Swiffer and I am still on my first bottle but I really like it. I really like the swiffer liquid it makes the floors squeaky clean.

Unknown said...

Being the impatient person I am, I have the Clorox ReadyMop instead. Wanted the Swiffer, but the store was out that day and I didn't want to wait. Wish now I had. The ReadyMop is okay, but doesn't have the scrubby pad. Thanks for the tip about refilling--that should save me some money, always a good thing.

Amanda @ Serenity Now said...

Good tip! I have the Clorox Ready Mop too...

Angela said...

I do this!! yay! Love it. I have only tried my own solution of vinegar and water, and have not noticed that it evaporates, but may have to pay closer attention. I have tried old rags for the dry swiffer for sweeping floors, but haven't figured out a good solution for the wet jet. i'd love to find one though!!

Carrie said...

I use reusable microfibre mop head system that looks a lot like a swiffer. I carry around a squirt bottle of cleaner/water combination and squirt the floor as I go. I just throw the microfibre mop heads in the washing machine. The handle and a mop head were about $10 at a department store. Saves me from buying the swiffer pads over and over.

Sarah said...

Hooray! I love my swiffer wet jet, but hate buying the refills. And taking it out inbetween would probably help.
Thanks!

Sewing-Chick said...

Great idea! I'm going to have to try this :)

Kasey said...

Thanks so much for posting this. I'm going to have to do this today. I ran out and I knew there was a home made refill out in the blog world somewhere!

Mandi @ Sweetly Home said...

Swiffer Wet Jet changed my life. I have three dogs who are often muddy and very messy so my Wet Jet comes in handy. I tell my hubby that we ought to buy stock in Swiffer bc we buy the stuff so much. Thanks for the ideas on reusing the solution. I've only had to buy one bottle new (it's a fairly new purchase). I'm excited to give this a try!

Heather said...

Oh - thanksforposting this... I hate buying those refills...

Kara said...

THANK YOU - I'm so bitter every time I have to go buy the Swiffer refills. Before I was married, my roommate had the clorox version, and we'd refill it ourselves.

Dena said...

I bought a sham-wow, as seen on tv :), cut it into pieces to fit my wet jet and voila..problem solved. I do wet the sham-wow before putting on the swiffer. Sham-wow's work best when damp. Throw the sham-wow in the wash, not the dryer, and I save $$$.

Kristy Tillman said...

Great idea taking off the lid and refilling! I am making my own swiffer cleaner now to go with the wetjet pads I make. Work so much better than paper pads!!
www.TheDaisyCo.com

Mrs. U said...

I LOVE my WetJet!! I just got it last week and it's AWESOME!! And THANK YOU SOOOO MUCH for the tip about making my own refill! I'm definitely going to do that! Not only is it too expensive, but the smell is WAY too strong for us!

Thank you SO much!

His,
Mrs. U

BellaViva said...

Awesome! Thanks! i have been wasting money for years on thee refills - no more! Guess it takes a tight situation to quit blowing money! Anyway, wanted to say that i am also now using a microfiber cloth on my swifter instead of expensive pads. I can throw it in the wash and it even sticks on to the velcro holder type grooves (could even get some velcro and attach that way if wanted. The stem mops use microfiber and it just did a great job for me!

Anonymous said...

I have been using the commercially made washable fiber micropads made by: wiljer71 ebay user, which sells for $5.75 (reusable, washable and high quality). Also, instead of having to take off the cap off with a wrench each time, you can buy a cap that screws on and never have to use the wrench again. Ebay seller: innovativelabs32, for $3.99 (seems like a good price for 2 of them and never having to mess with a wrench again).

Connie said...

What a great idea.

Do you know if you can use those cleaners - like Armstrong or the other one you mentioned, on laminated wood flooring. I usually use vinegar and water in a separate spray bottle - but I'm finding that streaks.

Thanks for the tip!

Mrs. U said...

Hi there!!
I know I commented already on this post and I'm still LOVING my wet jet!! However, I'd love to know more about your steam mop!! What brand is it? Does it clean super well??

His,
Mrs. U

Holly said...

I have a Bissell steam mop, and I like it very well. They sell the newer model at Walmart's website.

Anonymous said...

i was wondering if anyone knows if the old wet jet swiffer can use the new ones that are out now(refills i mean)

Anonymous said...

thanks so much for the tip! i will have to save my bottle this time and try some water and vinegar.
i found some replacement mop heads on etsy.
www.etsy.com
work great and wash and dry in the machine.

Anonymous said...

I made the swiffer bottle into a refillable easily - if you buy those chicken stock or soup boxes they have a little plastic tab with a twist cap. Pull one of a used box then drill or punch a hole in the other end of the swiffer bottle and then hot glue the "new" refilling cap onto that end. Works great. (it is easy to get the actual swiffer end of by running it under hot water and then twist off with pliers but why bother doing that each time).

Sharon C. said...

Ok I'm assuming 1/8 cup of sal suds to the rest water fit refill? Sorry having a moment