Cheap, Washable Wetjet Replacement Pads, Without Sewing

Intro: Cheap, Washable Wetjet Replacement Pads, Without Sewing

We've all seen the tricks to refill your Swiffer Wetjet with your own cleaners, but here's a cheap and easy way to make replacement pads.

I had heard of other people using towels, and figured I'd give it a try.  But the only towels I could find when I was out were $2-3 a pop, plus I had to buy velco.  AND I don't have a sewing machine, so it would be a lot of annoying hand stitching.  So I found another great source for the pads...

SOCKS!

Specifically, mens, calf height tube socks.  They were $6 for 6 pairs.. so 50 cents a pad!  These were Hanes - you could probably find them cheaper.  With some careful cutting of the socks, you can make a cheap, washable pads for your swiffer.

STEP 1: Remove the Scrubber Pad (optional)

I removed the scrubber pad, leaving behind the velcro so that it would help hold on the sock.

STEP 2: Make the First Cut

First, we want to lay the sock across the bottom of the swiffer.  Align the toe with one side, and lay the sock lengthwise along the swiffer.

Make a short cut in the middle of the swiffer, about 1/2 the size the swiffer.  Err on the short side.  You can always make it longer, but we want the sock to be snug!

STEP 3: Slide the Sock On

Slide the sock on by first placing one half of the swiffer in the toe, and then pulling the rest of the swiffer into the sock through the hole you cut.  Make sure the swiffer is tight against the toe.

STEP 4: Tie a Knot in the Sock

To close off the other end, tie a knot in the sock & cut off the remainder.  Try to keep the knot snug - the sock stays on mostly through the elasticity.

STEP 5: Cut Some Eyes!

Almost done!  The only thing left is to cut some small holes for the sprayers.  Don't even cut holes - just small slits.  They will open on their own. 

STEP 6: Done!

You are all done!  The socks should be washable, though I am not sure how bad the cuts will fray.  I don't have a sewing machine and didn't feel like hand-stitching them over.  Suggestions?


If the socks are too thin, you could double them up to get a thicker pad. 

Comments

[BroomHuggie]

Great Idea! I wanted microfiber so I put together something call Earthmop Wraps for Wetjet and for the Sweeper.

[kklco]

For better scrubbing flip the sock inside out first so that the loops are on the outside!

[Hanging On]

I would use "Dritz Fray Check"-liquid seam sealer. Prevents fabric from fraying & secures thread ends; washable & dry cleanable. Can be found in a sewing section.

[motherunit420]

Why use NEW socks? My husband wears white socks all the time, and when they get a hole, he discards them. I use them for my Swiffer, and also for my Mr Clean Magic Reach mop in the bathroom. Use any spray cleaner with this mop. Wash or discard the sock, depending on how disgusting it is. Sometimes, you see these mops at yard sales. People buy them and then stop using them because the pads are so expensive.

[lauren4004]

This is genius. Those pads are so expensive!

[frugalmum]

This is a great idea. I used small baby diapers years ago. They attach with ease and only needed a bit of trimming to fit nice and are very absorbent. Not a very green idea but I had kids in diapers then.

[savagenarce]

To keep the jet holes from fraying, you could cover the ends of the threads with Super Glue.

[bullschmidt]

Good idea - how does super glue hold up in the wash?

[savagenarce]

That depends on the fabric. If there are any artificial fibers (nylon, orlon, etc.) the superglue will sort of fuse them - almost like melting - and a wash won't affect anything. Natural fibers (cotton, wool) are not fused, more a mechanical hold by the glue, but fraying should be reduced, at least.

[masterochicken]

Nice! 5 stars!