Who doesn’t hate paying money for the disposable, single use Swiffer cloths that you end up just throwing out? Seemingly convenient–yes. Money suck–yes. But we can do better!
Here’s a bunch of free patterns, tutorials and ideas for making reusable pads from fabric (many sewn) plus a nice variety of knit and crochet designs to whip up. So far there are over 50, so I think you’ll find just the right project that ticks all the boxes for you.
New Collection Update: June, 2022
Reusable pads are not only a terrific way to save money, they also cut down on household waste…and aren’t we all trying to cut that back at least a little bit?
Never mind the new reality we’re all coming to grips with the past couple years: supply chain issues. So even if you aren’t interested in using them on a regular basis, homemade pads are good to have at least as a backup.
The collection I’ve put together are super easy to make and can be custom fit to any brand or model (both wet and dry mops).
Some tutorials are made to fit dollar store models, others specify name brands such as Swiffer. Use whatever design you like no matter what type you have, all that will be needed is a simple adjustment in cutting measurements or tweaking foundation rows and stitches.
I also included a bonus collection of DIY dusters that use strips of fleece, terry or flannel that can then be detached and laundered with the rest of the household rags. You’ll like them for cleaning blinds, wiping down ceiling fans and other household jobs.
What Fabrics Can Be Used For Homemade Pads?
Before rushing out to buy material, look around the home for items to repurpose such as old towels (please don’t ever throw these away), blankets, faded dishcloths/washcloths and even cloth diapers or old socks. Money Saver + Waste Saver = Win Win.
Some good options include:
- fleece
- flannel
- bar mop towels
- terry toweling
- t-shirt fabric
- microfiber
What’s The Best Yarn To Use For Knit & Crochet Covers?
I find cotton ideal for wet mops (like Lily Sugar ‘N Cream) because they launder well. I’ve seen comments that acrylic yarns are nice for dry sweeping since they’ll generate some static while they are used and this helps attract dust.
I’ve also come across recommendations for mixing polyester scrubby yarn with regular cotton yarn (worsted weight) for extra tough jobs.
A couple quick crochet design notes before getting started:
- Make 2 granny squares of choice in size needed (3″ to 4″ square depending on sweeper). Stitch one on either end to crocheted or knit base–three sides only (these will be pockets for swiffer insertion). Ideas for granny squares here & base can be taken from here.
- Depending on the size of the mop head, you may need to stitch only partway (about 3″) across the top & bottom of the granny square to ensure easy insert & removal. Another option is to stitch across the front most of the way & then only halfway at the back. See images below for examples.
- For a touch of flair, take any of the patterns below that knit or crochet cloths in a single piece (with 2.5″ to 3″ extra on each end to fold over & stitch as pockets). Instead of using all one color of yarn, dig into your yarn stash and make contrasting color stripes down the center.
Are these a little fussy just for cleaning cloths? Sure, but they will make nice gifts for someone (say a Bridal Shower or even a housewarming gift). They’d also be appreciated when donated to the school or Church craft fair/fundraiser.
Best Ways To Clean Them:
After tackling the floors, shake out debris over the garbage can then toss in the hamper to launder with the rest of your household rags. Some folks also rinse them out first. They can go in both the washer and the dryer (unless fiber content labels instruct otherwise).
How Long Will They Last?
They should last for years if used for regular household maintenance so they’re well worth the bit of time and cost it takes to make them. They may become a bit cumbersome to work with after many uses (stretch factor), simply run a seam up one side to return it to a snugger fit.
Did You Know:
Some report good results for washing the disposable pads once or twice to reuse them? I haven’t tried it, not sure I will, but now you know! Also some people are figuring out how to reuse/refill the plastic cleaner jugs (for the wet mops). See this page on Instructables.
How To Make Reusable Pads
I organized the projects into three groups for easier browsing:
- Knitting Patterns
- Crochet Patterns
- Sewing Tutorials
Note: I didn’t separate the sweepers from the wetjets since you can tell from the pictures what’s going to work and what isn’t (to accommodate the jet sprays).
I also stashed a bunch of DIY fabric dusters at the bottom of the page (for blinds, ceiling fans and other household dusting jobs).
As always here on Tipnut, each of these patterns are provided hassle-free with no emails to submit or memberships to signup for. If that has changed for a particular project, please let me know in the comments area below so I can remove it.
Directions: Click on images to view project page, a new browser tab will open & save your spot here
Free Knitting Patterns
Ballband Cozy
This is one of the “OG” patterns posted to the ‘net way back in the day (2007) & it still holds its own amongst the newer designs that have come out since. Features a nice surface for scrubbing due to the ballband motif. She recommends worsted weight machine washable wool.
Source: greenmountainmama.blogspot.com
Sweeper Cover
The body is done in seed stitch so it has a nice, nubby work area. The sides come up & over (stockinette) with enough fabric to poke into the holes so it holds securely in place.
Source: sentbysarah.blogspot.com
WetJet – Ballband
Another ballband surface, this one’s designed for the Wet Jet. Four ties are made (i-cords) then attached to each corner. Two are tied together (diagonally) to hold in place. Another OG favorite.
Source: ddrbroderick.blogspot.com
Dry & Wet Pad Replacer
This covers the mop head completely then ties closed with a drawstring i-cord (woven through eyelets). Another ballband surface (it’s popular for a reason). Worked on circulars or a set of DPNs.
Source: hakucho.blogspot.com
Loom Knit
This design uses less than a ball of cotton yarn & is worked on a Blue Nifty Knitter. Pattern is available via free pdf download.
Source: kansasa.blogspot.com
Pocket Cozy
The length is knit a few inches longer so the ends can be folded over & stitched in place, leaving pockets on either side to slip the head through. She reports “streak free” results!
Source: missscarlett.wordpress.com
Another Pocket Cozy
Same idea as above except finishes a bit differently. She recommends washing the cover first so it fits snugly from the start.
Source: skullcharms.blogspot.com
Nifty Cover
The pattern is in the notes section at the bottom of the page, just a quickie with basic directions so this is better for Intermediate knitters.
Source: ravelry.com
Free Crochet Patterns
The “Swoofer”
Cute name, lol…she calls it the Swoofer because it does such a great job picking up dog hair. Cotton yarn is recommended (Peaches ‘n Cream used here), finished size is 4 1/2″ x 10″. Easy to adjust for a custom fit.
Source: dragonfaeriee.blogspot.com
Dry Mop Cover
Includes a pattern for a matching dust mitt. The link she has posted for the pdf download isn’t working, you can get your copy here: ravelry.com. Skill level is noted as “Easy”.
Source: cobblerscabin.wordpress.com
Sweeper Cardi
Fits a 10″ x 4″ head, slides into a pocket on one end, buttons closed on the other. Made with worsted weight cotton yarn & a size J hook. Nicely detailed directions (including a diagram for final assembly).
Source: craftination.wordpress.com
Reversible Swiffer Sock
Very clever, this one is loopy on one side (for dusting & dry mopping) and flat on the other (for damp mopping). Modification tips are provided for custom fitting to your model. Includes a free pattern to download via pdf.
Source: makezine.com
Loopy
This can be used for both wet & dry cleaning. First the cover base is crocheted then each of those colorful loops are made by slip stitch, chain 4, sl st in next loop & continued around until reaching the beginning. Time consuming? Maybe. But doesn’t it look fun!
Source: mrsclaussews.blogspot.com
Puff Stitch
Fits the standard sweeper, it’s essentially a large cloth that folds over top then the ends pushed down into the grabber holes to secure in place. Very nice design! This should be doable for Beginner crocheters.
Source: stormflycrafts.blogspot.com
Reusable Floor Duster
Made with 1 ball of Lily’s Sugar ‘n Cream or 2 small balls of Bernat Handicrafter cotton yarn. Has a nice & nubby cleaning surface, ties in place.
Source: thecrochetcrowd.com
Quick ‘n Easy Reusable Swiffer Cloth
A large cloth is crocheted in sc until it’s the size required. Basic instructions provided but that’s all that’s needed–super easy! This would be a good choice for the base if wanting to do the granny square cover.
Source: tncrochetlady.tripod.com
Crocheted Wet Jet Cozy
Nicely textured with yarn “twists” throughout, pockets on either end for easy removal. Skill level: Easy/Beginner.
Source: twistedfencepost.wordpress.com
Loopy Sleeve
Better suited for dusting and dry mopping, this is recommended for cleaning ceiling fan blades. I would use it for walls & ceilings too. Worked flat in one piece then assembled with pockets for a snug fit.
Source: interweave.com
DIY Sewing Tutorials
Reusable Fabric Pad
A nicely detailed tutorial showing how to make pads out of old t-shirts and an old wool blanket (the wool sticks nicely to the head but other fabrics will do the trick too).
Source: instructables.com
Buttoned Cover
A rough sketch of the pattern dimensions is provided, you can just click on the image to download & print. Fabric here is terrycloth which can be sourced from old towels to save money.
Source: berlinswhimsy.typepad.com
Two Cloth Styles
Two quick tutorials are provided, one showing how to use repurposed fleece fabric in place of purchased pads, the other shows how to make an elasticized cover for a Wet Jet out of terry hand towels.
Source: thehappyhousewife.com
Repurposed Chenille & Vintage Sheets
These may take an extra step to make but as you can see, totally worthwhile. The chenille “pad” runs down the center while the fabric strips on either side stuff nicely into the sweeper grabber holes.
Source: sewtakeahike.typepad.com
Wet Jet Pads
She did an experiment with different fabrics & found that bar mop towels had the best results. A really nice finished product here, there are two velcro strips that run across the top so they grip well.
Source: dejongdreamhouse.com
DIY Reusable Pads (Wet or Dry)
One layer is toweling, the other is cotton fabric. A couple 3″ strips of velcro holds it securely in place. Includes a free pdf pattern to download.
Source: hellosewing.com
Snap Covers
Microfiber cloths are cut down to size then plastic snaps placed across the top on both sides (3 on each side). You will need a snap tool for this project. A quick video guide is provided.
Source: hgtv.com
Swiffer Socks
Could this quick DIY be any simpler? Cheap Dollar Store chenille socks slide on easily & do the job just as good as any other reusable cover. Pretty clever!
Source: consumerqueen.com
Cloth Diaper Re-do
If there’s a stack of unused cloth diapers at hand, here’s what you can do with them. Flannel is great for all kinds of cleaning jobs, they’re sure to work well here too.
Source: flitterbugsblog.blogspot.com
Bonus Projects (Dusters & More)
Easy Homemade Spray Cleaners
After making reusable pads, why not mix up a DIY floor cleaner too? A quick and easy recipe that is nice for laminate:
1/2 cup vinegar
1 to 2 squirts of liquid dish detergent
1 gallon warm water
Fill a spray bottle to spot clean as you go. More tips: So Cheap & Easy! Homemade Cleaner For Laminate Flooring. Also see A Few DIY Damp Mop Recipes For Shiny Hardwood Floors.
I just go to the nearest discount store, or discount dept. store, and buy a pack of white washcloths. I’m not into sewing, and the smaller cloths fit the swiffer without any work on my part (I’m also not into working hard!). I think the terry cloth does a very good job of dry AND wel mopping.
OHHH, thanks, simple and clever. I’ll put my scraps to work and clean out the “save for another knitting day” project. Yeah, cleaning all the way around!
hugs to you;
Kimmie
mama to 6
one homemade and 5 adopted
*and now off to adopt to Ethiopia!
Use your scrap pieces of polar fleece in your swiffers. I have a dog and a cat and the fleece grabs pet hair like a vacuum cleaner. I found that it cleaned much better than the swiffer cloths. then throw in the washer and dryer. Fleece doesn’t fray so you don’t have to worry about threads. If you have only small pieces, sew them together with a zig zag stitch on your machine or by hand to make them big enough to fit.
I use the swiffer cloths because they hold the dust better than just cloth by itself, and I can’t use a spray such as endust. Will fleece or terrycloth keep the dust on as well as the swiffer? Thanks.
We have a laminated wood floor which has been very hard to clean. Seems whatever I use, it becomes sticky no matter how much I dry it or dulls the floor. When I read this tip I thought of using old wash cloths! Now when I want to clean the floor, I attach an old wash cloth to the Swifter head. It is just thin enough to stay in the push-in place. Viola!! Now when I clean my floors, they look much better and I don’t break my back.
So, this idea stimulated another. That’s the way ideas should be. Thanks. Really appreciate this site and your tips. I used to write a column with tips in our church newpaper. Wish I knew you then!
love this site! never thought of something reusable/washable for my swiffer… bonus is that I have a swiffer wetjet, so a terry shop towel would do just fine, again, and again, and again….
🙂
I attach old used fabric softner sheets to the swifter and away I go. With 2 dogs and a cat- they pick up hair excellent!
SMART! I love the used dryer sheet idea!
wonderful Idea !
I have used the dryer sheets for a long time and they do work really great. I to have a dog and cat
I still have not had the time to setup my website, but it is always on the list, it just keeps moving down to the end.
I love this website, love it, luv it!
But, I am an old woman, [tee-hee] and all this swiffer, swoofer, throw-away-make-it-easier stuff , that would have surely added another 20years to my life keeps getting all tangled up with ‘make it home made’, make it cheaper. I’m not complaining, I just thought maybe there is someone else out there who feels the same way, or wants me to be ‘boiled in oil.
Debbi I am a old woman but I still have foster children. They keep me going. Swwifter is not a priority here but they do make life easier
Hope all is well in your world.
Hattie Wilson
Paramus NJ
I find that it takes practice before it becomes a habit.
They say it takes 30 days to form a habit. I am big on using old clothing, like T-shirts with holes that are not even suitable for bed anymore, for everything from cleaning to sanitizing really bad stuff! If I need to throw a cloth away after using it for ‘sanitizing’ I don’t feel bad one bit for tossing it, since I know it has been used until it expires. I have two cats, one who is not ‘all there’.
I have used dryer sheets for dusting, never thought about using them for cleaning! What a great tip!
I crocheted one of these really fast. I never thought of doing this. I added a couple of rows of netting slip stitched on one end for extra scrubbing. This works great!! Thanks for all the great ideas.
I would love to use the homemade Swiffer covers. One BIG problem is that I don’t knit or sew. Is anyone willing to sell some of theirs? I am sure I’ll still save money rather than buying the commercial ones. Thanks for your help.
Hi Gloria, check out Etsy and browse through the listings from various sellers, I’ve got the link here for search/swiffer covers: Etsy Swiffer Covers.
Thanks for the info. Love, love, love Tipnuts! I just found you but have already learned incredible things in just a week. All the tips are priceless!
Burnt food in pots
My daughter threw out an expensive pan that she burnt food in. I tried this later on one of my own pots in desperation and voila clean pot.
Squirt some dishwasher soap with a little pit of water. Boil and voila clean pot with no scrubbing.
My great-grandma taught me that trick, except instead of dish soap she had me cover the bottom of the pan with baking soda then add about a 1/4-1/2 inch of water and boil away. Works well. I also use baking soda to scrub cast iron pans rather then soap. The baking soda soaks up grease and is gritty enough to scrub pans clean.
I adopted an old swiffer wet jet from a thrift shop (only a $1).
I decided that I was going to make this frugally easy to maintain, instead of spending money like a drunken sailor on VJ day on it.
I first picked up a few handy wipe microfiber shop towels (orange and/or green colored) from my nearest dollar tree. I also had some velcro on hand. You fold the cloth in half, then put velcro (the fuzzy stuff) on the back of the cloth. You are done and you now can attach it to your wet jet. If you don’t like velcro stuff, then I don’t see why you can’t use terrycloth washclothes/old terry cloth robes, etc.
I did also buy a thing of swiffer solution so I am planning to refill that with cheap dollar store all purpose cleaner after the thing is empty. I have heard numerous things on how to refill it so I am going to try some of them and see how it goes.
I ran across a swiffer pattern some time last year and did not write it down ugh!! I have been looking to it every since.
Then I stumble upon your site. Wow!! You have so many links to choose from, thanks for listing these patterns. I love that you’ve combined so many wonderful ideas and patterns in one place!
Thanks for the site!
I LOVE Kansas’s web site!
Dora Renee’ Wilkerson
This mop/swifter reusable cover is giving me some ideas. Think I will knit some in a plain garter stitch in some pretty colors and give them with a swifter as part of a wedding shower present. Maybe knit a few dust clothes to go with them and a storage bag to keep them all in. It would be a little extra to go with the towels I had plan to buy as requested on the bridal gift register. Neat idea. Think I will make myself a cover first and try it out.
I use the microfiber cleaning cloths which do a better job than the real swiffer cloths. I just poke it into the holes of my swiffer vac, when finished I just launder the cloth with my husbands dirty jeans.
I use the Viva paper towels on my swifter and they work great,much cheaper than the swifter cloths
I have the Swiffer sweeper vac and love it considering I have small children and no carpets in my house. I was purchasing a refil for the dry cloths that accompany the vac when I saw next to them on the same shelf the generic brand box of the same thing. Not only were they about $3 cheaper but the box had double the amount. I use them every single day, and depending on the dirt amount I will turn them over to use the other side. I buy one box of those once every 3 months or so. Very economical for an uncrafty person.
Free idea! Use quilt batting scraps for your swiffer. Find yourself someone who quilts or has a machine quilting business and ask for the batting scraps. Cut to size to fit your swiffer. You can wash and reuse. Also good for dusting.
I think that the Swiffer is a great invention !! I use it every day! However, I’m having my wook floor replaced and I was told by one the contractors, that swiffer sheets will leave the floor dull with residue.
Does anyone know what has been put on the swiffer sheet that makes dust stick on the sheet?
oops,wood floor, not wook
Has anyone tried making the alternate rows with Plastic Canvas Yarn? I made a crochet a dishcloth once with a back of Plastic Canvas Yarn (nylon). It was great for stuck-on food. Maybe I will try the swiffer cover
years ago we would tie an old pillowcase or rag to the broom and sweep away, cob webs, floor etc.
This was bringing me back to my grandmother’s house. I thought she put the old nylon stockings on the broom to keep the bristles from too much wear. If nit for frugality we would have all been poor!Love it!
And thanks to the blogger for this wonderful site. I have so many ideas now. I had purchased 3 swiffer xp’s from a home depot on clearance for about 3 dollars each thinking Christmas gifts. Then I found that the covers were no longer being made. And the ones available are too costly. So, now I will be extra busy sewing. If I can get myself away from the computer!