Why There's Simply No Need For A Swiffer Mop Anymore

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When Swiffer hit the scene in 1999, the Trap and Lock technology that allowed the mop to hold on to single-use pads completely revolutionized the floor cleaning game. ("You mean we don't have to lug a mop bucket around anymore?!") Two years later, the Swiffer Wet mop joined the party — with its built-in spray bottle of cleaning solution — and folks were over the moon. The mop pads even won the 2002 Visionary Award from The Association of the Nonwoven Fabrics Industry. A quarter-century later, however, people are starting to think twice about grabbing a Swiffer to clean their home. Luckily, we can rejoice in the fact that there are now plenty of options that are non-toxic and significantly more eco-friendly than their predecessor.

There are a few reasons to be wary of how your cleaning supplies affect the environment. For one, in your personal environment, chemicals used in cleaning supplies like Swiffer Wet can pose a threat to the health of your home's inhabitants, both human and non-human. The single-use pads and plastic bottles are also categorically non-biodegradable, causing an abundance of frivolous forever trash (though Swiffer does now offer a mail-in recycling program for most of its single-use pads through TerraCycle). But with a resurgence of reusable cleaning pads and natural cleaning products underway, you can clean sans cumbersome mop bucket whilst remaining kind to your body and the planet. 

If you're ready to ditch or upgrade your Swiffer in favor of something more eco-friendly, you've got options. For folks who have already got a Swiffer and don't want to invest in a whole new mop, try replacing the single-use wet and dry pads with reusable microfiber cloths. Not only do they excel at dusting, with a spray bottle of your favorite natural cleaner, but they can work as a wet mop, too! Try it out with Turbo Microfiber microfiber mop pads. Simply spray, mop, repeat, then toss the cloth in the washer when you're done. Your Swiffer Wet Jet Bottles can also be refilled over and over with a natural, fresh smelling alternative that consists of water, vinegar, and essential oils.

If you don't have a Swiffer, but like the general idea, you can buy a lightweight flat mop that comes with washable cloths: E-Cloth's deep clean microfiber mop, for example, can be used much the same as the Swiffer. If you're looking for something a little more traditional, there are also washable microfiber mop heads like those that come with O-Cedar's easy wring spin mop. Both of these alternatives can be used in concert with your favorite natural cleaner. 

Steam mops with microfiber cloths are also a great eco-friendly option for ceramic and porcelain floors (they generally aren't recommended for hardwood floors), and work to sanitize floors without any cleaner at all. And if you had been using Swiffer up to this point and have a bunch of empty Swiffer boxes piled up, don't worry — there are plenty of smart ways to reuse empty Swiffer containers around the house.