I have used a Swiffer Mop for years and I love it for quick cleaning! Here’s an easy way to refill a Swiffer mop with homemade cleaner and save money!
How To Refill A Swiffer Mop With Homemade Cleaner
Patty from Michigan asks:
In your book Dining on a Dime, in the cleaning section, it has a recipe for making the floor cleaner for the swiffer. My question is how do I get it into the bottle? The top doesn’t come off, so, the only thing I can figure out is to put a hole in the bottom, which when turned upside down to use, would be at the top. Also, I don’t know if this bottle needs to be air tight. Anyone know?
Jill: When I refilled my bottle the first time, it was very hard to open and I had to really force it. I have since learned to just dip the lid part into boiling water for about 10 seconds and it should come right off. Use a rag to unscrew it. If you can’t get the lid off, making a small hole near the top could work — just cover it with tape if you want to reduce evaporation or keep it more airtight. That said, the refill reservoir on many Swiffer bottles is designed to be sealed when inserted into the mop, so be careful not to damage any sealing surfaces.
From a reader: We had some large syringes left over from our cat’s final care, and one held 60 mL (2 oz). I mixed a small batch of cleaner — a splash of Pine-Sol diluted with water — in a measuring cup, loaded the syringe, and carefully injected the liquid through the reservoir opening that’s punched when you first load the bottle into the Swiffer. The solution went in smoothly and I was able to refill the bottle for only a few cents worth of cleaner. Considering a replacement cartridge can cost several dollars, that’s a noticeable savings.
Practical tips for refilling your Swiffer mop bottle:
- Identify the removable part: Some bottles have lids that can be loosened after softening the plastic with very hot water for a few seconds. Use a rag or glove to protect your hands when turning.
- Use a syringe, turkey baster, or small funnel: A syringe or narrow spout tool helps transfer liquid without spills. A funnel with a narrow stem can also work if the bottle opening is accessible.
- Mix conservative ratios: If you’re diluting a concentrated cleaner, follow manufacturer recommendations for dilution or use a mild solution (a small amount of cleaner in a larger volume of water) to avoid residue or potential flooring damage.
- Airtight considerations: The Swiffer refill reservoir is intended to sit sealed in the mop head. If you puncture the bottle to fill it, seal the hole with tape or a small plug to reduce evaporation and keep the solution contained.
- Label your refill: If you keep multiple homemade solutions, mark the bottle with the date and contents so you know what’s inside and when it was prepared.
- Safety first: Keep cleaners out of reach of children and pets. Avoid using harsh, undiluted chemicals on sensitive floor surfaces.
Refilling your Swiffer bottle can be a simple, cost-saving option when done carefully. Using common kitchen tools like syringes or a small funnel makes the process easy and neat, and diluting concentrated cleaners properly helps protect your floors while cutting supply costs.