This dollar store hack will save money on Swiffer pads

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If you own a Swiffer or a similar type of mop, you know how it can make cleaning your house so much easier! But the cost of refill products can be super expensive.

How to make your own Swiffer pads

When we checked Walmart.com, a Swiffer Sweeper starter kit sold for about $12. It includes the Sweeper, plus dry and wet cloths. Meanwhile, a Swiffer WetJet starter kit was priced around $24.

The problem is that the cleaning pads that come with the starter kits don’t last long, so you’re constantly having to buy replacements — and the cost of those can add up quickly.

For example, a 48-pack of Swiffer Sweeper dry pad refills is $11.47, almost as much as the starter kit.

Although you can find generic brands of these products — including at the dollar store — I recently learned on YouTube about a way to make reusable Swiffer pads for just a dollar!

After following these three steps, you may never have to buy those refills again.

Step 1: Head to your local dollar store and look for the Handy Shammy, which is the cheaper version of the ShamWow cloths you’ve seen advertised on TV.

I found the Handy Shammy in the auto parts section of my local Dollar Tree.

Handy Shammy from the Dollar Tree

Step 2: Cut the Handy Shammy to the proper size. I used a leftover Swiffer dry cloth to help me measure. You may want to cut it a bit larger in case the cloth shrinks in the wash.

Also, don’t throw away the extra material! I use mine to spot clean the baseboards.

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Cut to size

Step 3: Attach your DIY cloth to your Swiffer mop and get to work around the house!

I should mention that the YouTube video I saw recommended this for the Swiffer WetJet, but I used it on a Swiffer Sweeper and had excellent results.

Look at how much dust, dirt and dog hair the cloth picked up:

DIY Swiffer refill results

One final tip: Instead of buying Swiffer Sweeper wet cloths, apply your own cleaning solution to the Handy Shammy or directly to the floor and mop away!

Can’t find the Handy Shammy? Try using an old washcloth, a fuzzy sock or a microfiber towel.

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