Funny, I just took the plunge and bought some Swiffer dusters. Like you, I feel as if they are kind of expensive to use. I certainly am not going to throw one away after one use, although it feels strange to put it back in the cupboard with dust on it.

I am pretty sure you can't wash them since they seem as if they would disintegrate in water.

I will use one until it is so filthy I can't stand it. I am just too cheap. I actually found some swiffer knock-offs at the Dollar Store that worked just as well at less than half the price. Unfortunately the Dollar Store is a bit of a drive from me and not on my regular route, so I haven't gone back. I am still using the handle that came with the cheapies.

I do love the way they pick up the dust and hold it rather than pushing it around. They are so convenient, too. My media center shows dust like crazy and I can be sitting there watching tv, notice the dust, go get the swiffer, quickly clean it off, and be back watching the show before the commercial ends.

Have you tried taking it outside and shaking the dust off like we do/did dust mops?

My whole house is either hard wood or tile so one use per paper cloth is all I get. It is amazing how much I pick up on those cloths even if I vacuum or use a dust mop first.

I am thinking of cutting and sewing one of the microfiber cloths to fit so I can wash and reuse it. I don't like using a lot of throw away things that end up in the landfill.
Clare

Clare, I done that with the swiffer sweepers. I just jam a microfiber cloth into the little holder holes and sweep with that. I've also used paper towels and spray with endust. You have to be careful not to make the floor slippery, though.

I love Swiffer dusters! I use one until it's totally beat down. I can dust the whole house, including floorboards and the few blinds I have with one. The dust doesn't shake off, that's why I like them. It picks up and keeps the dust, and gets around books and tchatchkes, etc.

I had forgotten that I had sprayed mine down with the hose to rinse the dirt out. Hung it outside to dry, shook it a little and it worked just fine. Didn't try washing with soap. I'm thinking if water alone doesn't hurt, a gentle wash in the sink won't either.

That's good to know, Pris. I'll have to try that.

Then I'll try washing one when it gets really dirty - and I'll also shake it outside to see if that gets rid of any of the dust.....doh!!

I've got dozens of cheapo blue terry wash clothes that I use in my swiffer mop and then throw them in the wash. Yep, they fit the mop just fine.

Thanks for your help,
Teresa

Therese, I bought a big package of cheap wash rags too and use them for the sweeper. They fit so good, poked into the holes.

Just recently I saw a pattern to make a cover for the swiffer duster. You can use fleece or microfiber cloths. I still have some dollar store covers to use up, then I'll make a couple. Btw, the dollar store covers I got were a bit...odd. LOL. They're kind of wild. The stuff kind of hangs off of them in places. But, they work and I bought them, so they'll get used.

Here is a link that might be useful: Swiffer duster cover pattern

Thanks for the link, coconut! I'm not sure if the fleece duster would pick up dust as well as the Swiffer replacements, but I have both fleece and cotton flannel fabric to make one and try it. I'll look at the $ stores to see what they have also.

Teresa

I think the microfiber cloths might work better than the fleece. I've used them pretty successfully for dust cloths. Flannel sounds good too. Come to think of it, these cloth covered ones might be good to use damp for things like the ceiling fan.

My sister tried to get me to use the swiffer - but I just can't rationalize the waste involved -- I'm back to my microfiber dustcloths that I can shake out and then wash when they get too dirty.

Teresa, I tried rinsing out a swiffer duster and it just disintegrated. Unless I can get swiffer-like dusters at the $1 store, I won't be using them. They are too expensive.

Thanks for the update, Pam. What I like about the Swiffer is that it picks up the dust instead of just moving it around. I'm trying to tell myself that since I wash/reuse almost all my zip bags, I can allow myself the luxury of the Swiffer refills. That's a good argument, right? LOL!

Teresa

Works for me! I don't smoke and I barely drink, so I figure I can waste paper towels. Gotta work on the swiffer angle.

dedtired, are we talking about the same thing? My swiffer duster looks like sheeps wool on a stick. Or maybe, poodle hair. Used for all things above the floor. Since originally posting, I've put mine in the sink with warm soapy water, rinsed in clear water and air dried. Still no problem. You do need to fluff it up a bit. Mine is not refillable that I can see.

I do realize some posters here are talking about the floor dusters and those refills cannot be rinsed or washed. Microfiber cut to size would be a very good substitute and a one time purchase.

Pris, yes I mean the "feather duster" thing. When I tried rinsing it out, all the dust (and a dead spider) stayed firmly stuck to it and the whole thing turned into a mushy mess. Maybe I should have left it dry? I'll try your way next.

I have had a swiffer duster, but I thought it was VERY expensive. Especially since I have a ton of dust in my house it doen't last that long. Fortunately, I went to the Dollar Tree and got a cheap duster with a REUSABLE cloth. So I can just toss it in the wash and have it clean the next day. I think it works great and I have had it for 1 year and it has held up wonderfully. Especially since I am harsh on it. If you would like one I got the one with the thread kind not the ones with the finger like one. I think it is better than a swiffer duster and I is MUCH cheaper because you can reuse the cloth. You don't have to replace it:)