How to Create a Homemade Swiffer Using Chenille Socks

Last Updated: February 17, 2022

If you are completely flummoxed by the amount of money Swiffer refills costs, you don’t have to continue paying anymore. You can have your Swiffer and save money too by simply making your own, homemade refills pads out of soft, chenille socks. Use and wash--good as new. The best part is there is only one up front expense and then you can use as often as necessary.

Part 1

Part 1 of 2:

Find the Perfect Pair of Socks

1
Evaluate your Swiffer size. Because these handy devices come in a variety of sizes you will need socks that will fit. That means you may need to shop in the men’s department for the larger model or purchase extra stretchy socks.
2
Consider how many pairs you will need. Although one pair should give you two good cleanings, you may be one of those folks who aren’t fond of doing laundry every few days. If you need to clean your floors every day but don’t want to do laundry more than once or twice a week you should consider purchasing more than one pair of socks.

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3
Examine sock material to ensure they are made of 100% chenille material. While cotton may be nice, you want material that will attract and grab floor debris. A blend may not work as well as 100% chenille.^{[1]
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Part 2

Part 2 of 2:

Create Your Homemade Sweeper

1
Open sock package and remove tags, etc. Make sure any price stickers or tags have been fully removed so there is no interference while cleaning.
2
Slide one sock over the base of your Swiffer sweeper. You may need to stretch the sock mouth to fit over the base so stretch and mold as needed.^{[2]
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3
Use Swiffer as usual, covering floor space and corners. If the sock becomes filled with debris and is no longer working as well, head to the trash and wipe your hand over the bottom to remove abundant hair or debris. Continue to use until finished.^{[3]
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4
Remove sock from Swiffer base and launder as usual. Avoid using fabric softener when washing the sock as fabric softener may reduce the chenille material power.^{[4]
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- Consider removing excess debris from sock before adding it to the washing machine.

Community Q&A

Question

How can I tell if a sock is chenille?

Community Answer

If you don't have a label, you have to guess based off of some traits that most chenille socks have. They are generally thick, short, and have super soft fuzz on them. Make sure it's not lint.
Question

Where can I find these stretchy chenille socks?

Timindie

Community Answer

You can find these year round at Target or stores like it, or you can order them online.