Modify a Pledge Fabric Sweeper So You Can Empty It

Pledge makes a really great product called the Fabric Sweeper. It is an enclosed plastic container with two rollers on the bottom. By sliding it side to side, the rollers pick up animal hair and dust off of fabric. It's a great tool if you have pets and according to Pledge "Fabric Sweeper picks up as much pet hair as 145 sticky roller sheets." The problem I found is that there is no built in way to empty them, in fact on the packaging it states "Do not try to empty or disassemble disposable sweeper." At $5.99 a piece and considering the eco impact this has, I figured that would tempt fate by both opening & emptying my Fabric Sweeper. I even went one step further and made it so I can reuse and re empty the device.

Here is what you will need.

1. Pledge Fabric Sweeper
2. A flat head screwdriver
3. Adhesive backed Velcro. I used 1 strip that is 5" long x .75" wide.
4. Scissors or an Xacto knife

Step 1: Opening the Fabric Sweeper

Around the base of the sweeper, where the clear plastic meets the blue plastic, you will see the contact points. These are blue plastic "welds". Take the flat head screw driver and pry it between the two layers of plastic. Aim the sweeper AWAY from your face, and slide the screwdriver towards one of the welds. The weld should pop off with little effort. Continue this method until you can separate the two parts.

Step 2: Velcro

Cut each part of the Velcro in half lengthwise and apply it to the rails of the plastic, hooks on one side teeth on the other.

Step 3: Close Up and Your Done

Fit the pieces back together and your done! You now have a fabric sweeper that will pick up allot of dirt and hair that you can empty and re use without tossing tons of plastic and cash out the door.