7 Great Swiffer Alternatives

Swiffers are everywhere. They’re light, easy to use, and honestly kind of addictive when you first start zipping them across the floor. 

But here’s the catch - those little disposable pads and cleaning bottles add up fast. It gets expensive, and all that plastic waste isn’t exactly great either.

The good news? You don’t have to stick with Swiffer to keep your floors clean. There are plenty of Swiffer alternatives that work just as well, sometimes even better. 

Some are cheaper, some are eco-friendly, and some just give you way more cleaning power.

In this post, we’ll show you some of the best alternatives to Swiffer.

#1 Microfiber Mop + Spray Bottle

This is the classic “DIY Swiffer” setup. 

You grab a flat microfiber mop, toss on a washable pad, and fill a spray bottle with your cleaner of choice. That’s it. Spray, mop, repeat.

The best part is you’re not tied to buying expensive disposable pads or refill bottles. 

Microfiber pads can be washed hundreds of times, and you get to decide what solution you use. 

Vinegar and water, store-bought cleaner, or even just plain water if you want something super simple. It’s flexible and budget-friendly.

On top of that, microfiber grabs dirt like crazy. It clings to dust and pet hair instead of just pushing it around. So you get a cleaner floor without wasting a bunch of throwaway supplies.

swiffer substitute

Also Read: Floor Cleaners That Smell Good

#2 Reusable Mop Pads

If you already own a Swiffer, you don’t need to ditch it to save money. You can swap out the disposable pads for reusable ones instead. Tons of companies sell microfiber versions that fit right onto a Swiffer head. 

And if you’re into DIY, old towels or T-shirts cut to size work surprisingly well.

You just toss them in the wash when you’re done, and they’re good to go again. 

That one simple change cuts way down on waste. 

Plus, you stop buying endless boxes of replacement pads. It’s a nice middle ground for people who like the Swiffer design but don’t want the ongoing cost.

#3 Bona Hardwood Floor Mop

Now, if you’ve got hardwood floors and want something a little more professional, the Bona mop is a great Swiffer alternative. 

It looks and feels similar to a Swiffer WetJet, but it’s sturdier and built to last. The pads are washable, and the cartridge can be refilled.

Bona also makes floor cleaners that are safe for hardwood, so you’re not risking damage with harsh chemicals. It’s kind of the “next level up” if you like the convenience of a spray mop but don’t want a flimsy tool. 

People with a lot of wood flooring really like how gentle but effective it is.

Also Read: Can You Use Swiffer Wet On Hardwood Floors?

#4 O-Cedar EasyWring Spin Mop

Sometimes you need more scrubbing power than a flat mop can give. That’s where the O-Cedar spin mop shines. It’s a classic string mop, but with a microfiber head and a bucket that does the wringing for you. 

Step on the pedal, and the bucket spins out the extra water so you don’t end up soaking your floors.

It’s awesome for stuck-on messes or for cleaning up after kids and pets. The mop head gets into corners, and the microfiber strands pick up dirt really well. 

And because the head is washable, you can keep reusing it instead of tossing pads in the trash.

It does take up more space than a slim spray mop, but for deep cleaning days, it’s hard to beat.

alternatives to swiffer

#5 Shark Steam Mop

If you like the idea of sanitizing your floors without chemicals, a steam mop is a good Swiffer alternative.

The Shark steam mop uses hot steam to clean, so you don’t even need soap. Just fill the tank with water, let it heat up, and go.

The steam loosens dirt, kills germs, and makes the floors feel fresh. It’s especially nice if you’ve got pets or little ones crawling around since there’s no residue left behind. 

Plus, the mop pads are washable, so you’re not creating extra waste.

The only thing to keep in mind is it works best on sealed floors. If you’ve got delicate wood, check what your floor can handle. But for tile, vinyl, and laminate, it’s a great choice.

#6 Rubbermaid Reveal Spray Mop

Think of this as the sturdier cousin of the Swiffer WetJet. 

It’s a spray mop with a refillable bottle and washable microfiber pads. You don’t need special cartridges or disposable cloths. You just use your own cleaner and toss the pad in the wash when you’re done.

The handle and frame feel more solid compared to a Swiffer, so it’s good for frequent use. 

People who clean daily or have big areas to cover often prefer it because it holds up better long term. 

It’s a simple, straightforward tool, but sometimes that’s exactly what you need.

Also Read: Can You Put Cleaner In A Steam Mop?

#7 E-Cloth Mop

The E-Cloth mop is another great eco-friendly Swiffer substitute. 

It’s super lightweight, and the microfiber pad is designed to clean with just water. No chemicals needed. The fibers lift up dirt and grime, and you just wash the pad afterward.

It’s kind of amazing how well it works considering how basic it looks. If you like the idea of minimalism and reducing plastic waste, this is a solid option. 

It won’t handle big, stuck-on messes like a spin mop, but for daily dusting and quick cleanups, it’s more than enough.

Bottom Line

Swiffers are handy, but they’re not the only game in town. 

Microfiber mops, reusable pads, steam cleaners, and spin mops are all solid alternatives to Swiffer. Some are cheaper, some are greener, some are just tougher on dirt.

Here’s the thing to remember:

  • If you want cheap and simple, go microfiber mop plus spray bottle.

  • If you want eco-friendly, try reusable pads, E-Cloth, or Bona.

  • If you want heavy-duty cleaning, grab an O-Cedar spin mop or Shark steam mop.

No matter which route you take, you’ll save money in the long run and cut down on waste. Plus, your floors will still look just as fresh.

So don’t feel locked into buying endless Swiffer refills. Try one of these alternatives, and you’ll see how easy it is to clean your floors without spending a fortune.

Ellie HaydenComment