We did it. After a few months of passively wishing that we were using reusable microfiber cloths to dust our house (instead of disposable Swiffer duster pads) we finally made the switch. We’re use-up-what-you-have-before-getting-something-new people, so we were counting down those last few Swiffer pads until the box was finally empty (here it is in our recycling bin)…
…and we could replace them with a five pack of white microfiber cloths (snagged for just $5 at TJ Maxx).
Why is this big news for us? Well since we were going through a few Swiffer duster pads a week (remember our detailed cleaning rundown right here?) we realized that if microfiber cloths are just as good at attracting dust and can easily be washable we can save around 150+ Swiffer pads, plus their packaging each year from landfills. And that might seem like a tiny upgrade to you guys, but every little bit helps. And just imagine if a few of you also make the switch to washable microfiber cloths (which are also great for polishing things, wiping down computer screens, cleaning up spills and even doing dishes in lieu of disposable sponges). All that reusing could really start to add up.
Plus we’d been meaning to make the switch for a while, and when a few helpful readers commented that microfiber cloths were their secret dusting weapon (back on our cleaning post) that was all that it took to confirm that we should go for it. And I must admit they’re pretty darn awesome. They definitely attract just as much dust as our old Swiffer pads did and they just feel like such a nice little upgrade since they’re plush and fluffy and not scratchy and disposable. Not that we rub our dust rags all over our bodies or anything, but you know what we mean…
So what do you guys think? Any takers? Anyone else making a simple switch like that around their house to save some pennies or reuse something wisely? We’re definitely sure there are other cleaning upgrades out there that we have yet to discover. Do tell.
Man says
OMG ! i love it .
Natasha says
we use reusable cleaning cloths that feel like paper towels but are not. we also use plant based cleaners in our home and fitted cloth diapers on our baby.we also use baby washcloths as diaper wipes for him as well. no disposable products for us. saves us a ton of money each month and the little one is happier in reusable diapers.
YoungHouseLove says
Thanks for the inspiration Natasha! We also plan to use cloth diapers and wipes for our little one and we can’t wait to see how it goes!
xo,
s
Chelsea says
What brand of diapers/wipes are you using?
YoungHouseLove says
We’re planning to use cloth diapers (BumGenius All-In-One Organics) with Seventh Generation wipes (and we might even DIY some cloth wipes as well). Hope it helps!
xo,
s
Caroline says
Three years ago, I bought a 10-pack of baby washcloths from IKEA ($5.99) and stopped buying paper towels. I’ve since invested in two more packs of the washcloths, but I use them for everything in my kitchen: holding food, cleaning spills, polishing the faucet, wiping down the table and chairs, covering a breakfast burrito in the microwave, wiping tempura paint from little fingers. They sit in a neatly folded stack in a wire basket on my kitchen counter, right about where the paper towels would go. I do a small load of these towels about once/week on hot.
Kelley says
I love my microfiber dusting cloths! Not sure how most people use them, but I actually dampen them before I use them for dusting and I have stopped using furniture dusting sprays and polishes. I hated the build-up on my wood furniture and feel more like the water is cleaning as well as dusting!
Ashley C says
You should check out the Gorgeously Green books by Sophie Uliano. The newest “Do It Gorgeously” has a whole section on how to make everything for your baby. There’s ‘recipes’ for diaper wipes, diaper cream, shampoo, bath bombs… everything!
Love your style, love your blog. You guys are rockin’ my world right now! ♥ Ashley
YoungHouseLove says
We love Gorgeously Green and will definitely check out Sophie’s new book. Sounds amazing! Thanks so much for the suggestion!
xo,
s
Jess says
So now that you have been using these for a while, are you still happy with them? Just using them for dusting, or have you found new uses as well?
YoungHouseLove says
Yup, we love them! We not only use them for dusting but we also wipe down mirrors, computers, TV’s and baseboards with them. Hope it helps!
xo,
s
Claudia says
Stumbleupon’ed this thread and should say that washcloths fit the Swiffer sweeper perfectly, too. A pack of them at Costco breaks down to 41 cents each. Maybe a plus for the “i hate microfiber” people, and they can be put through a pretty brutal cleaning process (hot water, bleach) if your cleaning is grubby. 100% cotton (biodegradable), and really bad ones become garage/dog paw rags.They work well wet or dry and can be used on both sides.
Hannah says
Have you seen these? You fill the bottle with whatever cleaning solution you desire and the cloth mop head part pulls off to be washed and reused. Plus they only cost around $20.
http://www.libman.com/freedom-mop.aspx
YoungHouseLove says
So cool!
xo
s
Valerie Vivar says
I absolutely adore microfiber. So much so, I wrote a fun song about it. Check it out at http://youtu.be/r5gETDielkI.