Wednesday, February 27, 2008

WFMW: Socks as Swiffers

I decided to stop fighting the "dirty-bottom sock war" and just go with it. Now, instead of wasting spending money on Swiffer disposable cloths, I just use a sock. You know the one . . . . the lonely sock that manages to survive its ride in the washing machine while its partner has disappeared into the laundry abyss.

I found ankle socks work best for the Swiffer mop head. Instead of the Swiffer Mitts, you can use a tube sock to dust - they're great to slip on your hand for getting the baseboards and stair banisters clean. I know socks don't have the "static effect" the Swiffer cloths do, but they still do a nice job of picking up dirt and dust. You can always buy a microfiber cloth and wrap it around the mop head instead. Most microfiber cloths can be washed multiple times and still maintain their charge.


I think this is a win-win situation all around. Socks are more eco-friendly than disposable cloths. When you are finished just throw them in the laundry to use again later. Chances are you have a lot of "single" socks you can re-purpose. Use a mixture of vinegar and warm water to clean hardwoods. You don't have to worry about toxins causing damage to your family's health or your floors!


Learn about more ways to "Hack Your Swiffer" at TreeHugger.



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9 comments:

Mandy said...

That is such a cool idea...and way cheaper than buying those cleaning pads for them.

Anonymous said...

great idea! i'm sick of buying the refills too. i have found that having everyone remove their shoes when the come in makes you have to clean less often too, and I'm all about cleaning less!

The Proverbs Wife said...

Great idea. I haven't used my swifer in two years because I refuse to buy more pads.

But recently my trusty mop broke, so this will work great. Thanks for sharing.

Michie said...

This amused me - I might have to give it a shot! I always have unmatched socks! :)

Jodi said...

This is a great idea! I have way too many hole-y socks that I've been saving for something. This would work perfect.

Anonymous said...

Great idea, I use socks for dusting but didn't think about putting them n the swiffer.

Heart of Wisdom said...

This is gotta be one of the best tips I ever heard! With 11 children over 30 some years I have gone though a LOT of lone socks. I'm also cheap and hate buying swiffer replacements.

Super duper tip. Thanks
Robin
http://heartofwisdom.com/heartathome

Tempest Knight said...

Great idea! I'll have to try it. :)

Anonymous said...

I used my husband's sock-real big- with a hole in the heel, lined it up with the part that attaches to the handle
Instant swiffer pad-almost as good as the original and FREE. it picked up the dust. that is the point, and its Free.
I almost dont mind my husband going thru pairs and pairs to socks
now